Shakara (1972)

Shakara (1972)

Artist

Fela Kuti

Label

Knitting Factory Records

Catalogue number

KFR2027-1

Release date

  • Vinyl, 1×LP
    Black vinyl
  • WAV / FLAC
  • MP3
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By the time Shakara was recorded, Fela had put two of mature Afrobeat's signature characteristics in place. Crucially, Africa 70 now included two guitarists: rhythm guitarist Tutu Shoronmu is partnered by tenor guitarist Segun Edo and the pair’s naggingly repetitive interplay, equal parts melody and rhythm, plays a similar role to the rhythm and mi-solo guitars in contemporary Congolese rumba. Second, Fela's use of Broken English lyrics – which were authentic and of the people and to which he added a poetic mojo – took Afrobeat’s potential audience beyond Yoruba speakers, making his songs understandable throughout English-speaking Africa and vastly extending his potential audience. Originally released by EMI.

Standard black vinyl LP, released in 2014 as part of the Knitting Factory Records re-issues, comes with a download card. The first re-issue pressing of Shakara was included in Box Set #3 curated by Brian Eno.

#
Track
Artist
Time
01
Lady
Fela Kuti
00:13:21
02
Shakara (Oloje)
Fela Kuti
00:13:25