Why Black Man Dey Suffer

Why Black Man Dey Suffer

Artist

Fela Kuti

Label

Knitting Factory Records

Catalogue number

KFR2012-3

Release date

  • Vinyl, 1×LP, Limited Coloured
    Transparent Yellow LP
  • WAV / FLAC
    Digital Download via WAV
  • MP3
    Digital Download via MP3
Vinyl, 1×LP, Limited ColouredSold outTransparent Yellow LP

KFR2012-3

Pressed on translucent yellow vinyl.

Also featuring Ginger Baker, the title track is among Fela’s first overtly political lyrics. His political perspective had evolved during the 1969 / 1970 tour of the US, largely through his friendship with the black-rights activist Sandra Izsadore, who introduced him to the writings of Malcolm X, Stokely Carmichael, Angela Davis and other revolutionary thinkers. By the time Fela wrote “Why Black Man Dey Suffer,” his songwriting and public statements were becoming increasingly critical of the power structure in Nigeria and throughout post-colonial Africa. The album was actually recorded for EMI, but wary of the title, the label refused to release it. First re-issued as part of Fela Kuti Box Set #5 curated by Chris Martin & Femi Kuti in 2021.

#
Track
Artist
Time
01
Why Black Man Dey Suffer
Fela Kuti
00:15:15