Unnecessary Begging (1976) / Johnny Just Drop (J.J.D.) (1977)

• CD

CD INCLUDES:

Unnecessary Begging
On “Unnecessary Begging,” Fela asserts that the neighbourly values that are the norm in working class areas of Lagos are more good-hearted and generous than those in the rich suburbs (if you are hungry in Mushin, a famously deprived area, says Fela, there is no need to beg, for some kind person will feed you). The second song, “No Buredi (No Bread)” is a call for society’s have-nots to stand up and agitate for a fairer society. Both tracks include outstanding instrumental passages. The four piece horn section – trumpeters Tunde Wlliams and Ekem Stephen, tenor saxophonist Christopher Uwaifo and baritone saxophonist Lekan Animashaun, sometimes augmented by Fela on a third saxophone – hit as hard as Stax Records’ house band in Memphis. Originally released by Soundwork Shop.

Johnny Just Drop (J.J.D.)
Recorded in autumn 1976, six months before the army attack on Kalakuta Republic, the title track is a lampoon of “been-to”s, Nigerians who had been to Europe or the US and who came back with inferiority complexes about African culture. Ghariokwu Lemi’s front-cover portrays a suited-up been-to, dressed like a cartoon British toff, as he parachutes into a Lagos street to the bemusement of passers-by. The back cover shows a more funkily dressed been-to, wearing US-style ghetto-chic, but looking equally out of place. See how these JJD’s dress and talk, sings Fela, they are trying to be foreigners. In response, the chorus repeat the single word “original.” This is a reference to Fela’s closing line on 1973’s “Gentleman” – “I no be gentleman at all-o, I be Africa man, original.” Originally released by Decca Afrodisia.