31108

    Fela Kuti The Best Of Black President (Deluxe Edition)

    Knitting Factory Records
      • 1. Lady
      • 2. Shakara
      • 3. Gentleman (Edit Version)
      • 4. Water No Get Enemy (Edit Version)
      • 5. Zombie
      • 6. Sorrow Tears And Blood
      • 7. No Agreement (Part 2)
      • 8. Roforofo Fight
      • 9. Shuffering And Shmiling (Part 2)
      • 10. Coffin For Head Of State (Part 2)
      • 11. I T T (Part 2)
      • 12. Army Arrangement (Part 2)
      • 13. O.D.O.O. (Edit Version)

      Fela Anikulapo Kuti was a transformational figure not only in Africa, but throughout the world. Very few individuals can lay claim to being the creator of a genre, yet Fela’s Afrobeat, a fusion of jazz and funk fundamentals with traditional African music, is one who can be deemed at the forefront and creator of the medium. 

       

      Best of the Black President is a window into the world of Fela Kuti and his expansive songwriting career. With over 45 albums available, it is hard to pinpoint an individual who wrote hours upon hours of songs, many of which were never recorded, yet Best of the Black President is truly one of the best snapshots at the prolific life and output of one of Africa’s most beloved musicians. Some of Fela’s most popular and controversial tracks are covered in this collection, giving those who need an introduction to the man a first glimpse into his epic life and storytelling style. 

       

      This double-CD collection also includes a compiled DVD of excerpts from documentaries, live concerts and interviews


      Other Releases by Fela Kuti

      Fela KutiIkoyi BlindnessKnitting Factory Records
      Fela used the cover of ‘Ikoyi Blindness’ to announce his change of middle name from Ransome, which he now considered a slave name, to Anikulapo, which...
      • – Ikoyi Blindness
      • – Gba Mi Leti Ki N'Dolowo (Slap Me Make I Get Money)
      Fela KutiOriginal SufferheadKnitting Factory Records
      This edition of ‘Original Sufferhead’ is a major event. With the release of ‘Box Set #5’, and now on this reissue, the title track of this magnificent...
      • – Original Sufferhead
      • – Power Show
      Fela KutiOriginal SufferheadKnitting Factory Records
      This edition of ‘Original Sufferhead’ is a major event. With the release of ‘Box Set #5’, and now on this reissue, the title track of this magnificent...
      • – Original Sufferhead
      • – Power Show
      Fela KutiO.D.O.O. (Overtake Don Overtake Overtake)Knitting Factory Records
      ‘Overtake Don Overtake Overtake’ was the penultimate album of newly recorded studio material released by Fela before he passed in 1997.Like its immediate...
        Fela KutiKalakuta ShowKnitting Factory Records
        The ‘Kalakuta Show’ album was Fela Kuti’s undaunted manner of extracting revenge on the military regime that attacked and brutalized him in 1974....
        • – Kalakuta Show
        • – Don't Make Garan Garan
        • New LP (Coloured Vinyl) KFR2020-3£20.99
          In stockAdd to Bag
        Fela KutiNoise For Vendor MouthKnitting Factory Records
        The Nigerian establishment labelled Kalakuta Republic inhabitants as ‘hooligans’, ‘hemp smokers’, etc. ‘Noise For Vendor Mouth’ is Fela’s...
        • – Noise For Vendor Mouth
        • – Mattress
        • New LP (Coloured Vinyl) KFR2019-3£20.99
          In stockAdd to Bag
        Fela KutiWhy Black Man They SufferKnitting Factory Records
        ‘Why Black Man Dey Suffer’, recorded in 1971, was originally deemed too controversial for release by EMI, his label at the time. Having recently been...
        • – Why Black Man Dey Suffer
        • – Ikoyi Mentality vs Mushin Mentality
        • New LP (Coloured Vinyl) KFR2012-3£20.99
          In stockAdd to Bag
        Fela KutiOpen & CloseKnitting Factory Records
        Reissue of Fela's highly sought-after 1971 album, 'Open & Close'! Super-funky Afrobeat featuring the incredible title track!
        • – Open And Close
        • – Suegbe And Pako
        • – Gbagada Gbogodo
        Fela KutiArmy ArrangementKnitting Factory Records
        Fela Kuti stories Nigeria’s attempt at ‘democracy’ in 1979 after more than a decade ofmilitary rule told through this album, originally released...
        • – Army arrangement (vocal)
        Fela KutiJ.J.D (Johnny Just Drop!!) Live!! At Kalakuta RepublikKnitting Factory Records
        Originally released in 1977, ‘Johnny Just Drop (J.J.D.)’ features Fela lampooning Nigeria’s ‘been-tos’, people who had been to Europe or America...
          • LP + Download Code KFR2026-1£20.99
            In stockAdd to Bag
          Fela KutiNo AgreementKnitting Factory Records
          ‘No Agreement’ is sometimes overlooked among Fela’s 1977 releases, eclipsed by albums such as ‘Johnny Just Drop (J.J.D.)’ and ‘Sorrow Tears...
          • – No Agreement
          • – Dog Eat Dog
            Fela KutiUnderground SystemKnitting Factory Records
            Reissue of one of Fela's later recordings, comprised of two extended tracks, the title cut and the classic, 'Pansa Pansa'.
            • – Underground System
            • – Pansa Pansa
            Fela KutiAfrodisiacKnitting Factory Records
            1973 Nigerian afro beat funk at it's best from the master - Fela Kuti 
            • – Alu Jon Jonki Jon
            • – Eko Ile
            • LP + Download Code KFR2008-1£20.99
              In stockAdd to Bag
            Fela KutiI.T.T.Knitting Factory Records
            'International Thief Thief' classic Fela from 1979
              Fela KutiUp Side DownKnitting Factory Records
              Upside Down’ and ‘Zombie’, both released in 1976, were made at the midpoint of an extraordinary three-year purple period during which Fela recorded...
              • – Up Side Down
              • – Go Slow
              Fela KutiZombieKnitting Factory Records
              On the title track Fela and the backup singers ridicule the mindset of men in uniform over an urgent, quick-march accompaniment from Afrika 70. The album...
              • – Zombie
              • – Mr. Follow Follow (Mister Follow Follow)
              Fela KutiAlagbon Close Knitting Factory
              Unmissable classic afro-beat! Alagbon Close represents one of the first times anyone had directly taken on the Nigerian authorities in such a brash manner!   
              • – alagbon close
              Fela KutiNa PoiKnitting Factory Records
              Hypnotic afrobeat bullet from 1972 - recorded in Lagos. Sprited percussion, tight horns, and pure funk! As with most of the great man's albums, this is...
              • – na poi (part 1)
              • – na poi (part 2)
              • – you no go die...unless
              • LP + Download Code KFR2021-1£20.99
                In stockAdd to Bag
              Fela KutiExpensive ShitKnitting Factory Records
              'Expensive Shit' is one of Fela's most notorious albums! This killer afro-beat LP was originally release in 1975 and now gets a reissue on Brooklyn-based...
              • – Expensive Shit
              • – Water No Get Enemy
              • LP + Download Code KFR2015-1£20.99
                In stockAdd to Bag
              Fela KutiHe Miss Road (2014 Vinyl Reissue)Knitting Factory Records
              He Miss Road', also 1975, was produced by Ginger Baker. A deep and darker shade of afro-beat that is one of Fela's best.
              • – He Miss Road
              • – Monday Morning In Lagos
              • – It's No Possible
              Fela KutiAlagbon Close / Why Black Man Dey SufferKnitting Factory
              Alagbon Close represents one of the first times anyone had directly taken on the Nigerian authorities in such a brash manner. Why Black Man Dey Suffer:...
              • – Alagbon Close
              Fela KutiStalemate / Fear Not For ManKnitting Factory Records
              The two titles from these 1977 albums are fiercely anti-authoritarian blasts at the Nigerian governmental regime while on 'Don't Worry About My Mouth O',...
                Fela KutiExpensive Shit / He Miss RoadKnitting Factory Records
                'Expensive Shit', from 1975, is one of Fela's most notorious albums. The title track recounts being framed by the police and his comical escape from certain...
                • – Expensive Shit
                Fela KutiOriginal Suffer Head And I.T.TKnitting Factory Records
                Yet more essential afrobeat from the African equivalent of James Brown! All his albums are great!
                • – I T T
                Fela KutiEverything Scatter / Noise For Vendor MouthKnitting Factory Records
                The king of afro beat does it again! Two essential classic albums on one budget CD!
                  Fela KutiYellow FeverKnitting Factory Records
                  Yellow Fever’ was originally released in 1976, during Fela’s extraordinarily prolific 1975-77 purple period, when he released 24 albums in Nigeria...
                  • – Yellow Fever
                  • – Na Poi ‘75

                  Other Releases on Knitting Factory Records

                  Fela KutiIkoyi BlindnessKnitting Factory Records
                  Fela used the cover of ‘Ikoyi Blindness’ to announce his change of middle name from Ransome, which he now considered a slave name, to Anikulapo, which...
                  • – Ikoyi Blindness
                  • – Gba Mi Leti Ki N'Dolowo (Slap Me Make I Get Money)
                  Fela KutiOriginal SufferheadKnitting Factory Records
                  This edition of ‘Original Sufferhead’ is a major event. With the release of ‘Box Set #5’, and now on this reissue, the title track of this magnificent...
                  • – Original Sufferhead
                  • – Power Show
                  Fela KutiOriginal SufferheadKnitting Factory Records
                  This edition of ‘Original Sufferhead’ is a major event. With the release of ‘Box Set #5’, and now on this reissue, the title track of this magnificent...
                  • – Original Sufferhead
                  • – Power Show
                  Fela KutiO.D.O.O. (Overtake Don Overtake Overtake)Knitting Factory Records
                  ‘Overtake Don Overtake Overtake’ was the penultimate album of newly recorded studio material released by Fela before he passed in 1997.Like its immediate...
                    Fela KutiKalakuta ShowKnitting Factory Records
                    The ‘Kalakuta Show’ album was Fela Kuti’s undaunted manner of extracting revenge on the military regime that attacked and brutalized him in 1974....
                    • – Kalakuta Show
                    • – Don't Make Garan Garan
                    • New LP (Coloured Vinyl) KFR2020-3£20.99
                      In stockAdd to Bag
                    Fela KutiNoise For Vendor MouthKnitting Factory Records
                    The Nigerian establishment labelled Kalakuta Republic inhabitants as ‘hooligans’, ‘hemp smokers’, etc. ‘Noise For Vendor Mouth’ is Fela’s...
                    • – Noise For Vendor Mouth
                    • – Mattress
                    • New LP (Coloured Vinyl) KFR2019-3£20.99
                      In stockAdd to Bag
                    Fela KutiWhy Black Man They SufferKnitting Factory Records
                    ‘Why Black Man Dey Suffer’, recorded in 1971, was originally deemed too controversial for release by EMI, his label at the time. Having recently been...
                    • – Why Black Man Dey Suffer
                    • – Ikoyi Mentality vs Mushin Mentality
                    • New LP (Coloured Vinyl) KFR2012-3£20.99
                      In stockAdd to Bag
                    Fela KutiOpen & CloseKnitting Factory Records
                    Reissue of Fela's highly sought-after 1971 album, 'Open & Close'! Super-funky Afrobeat featuring the incredible title track!
                    • – Open And Close
                    • – Suegbe And Pako
                    • – Gbagada Gbogodo
                    Fela KutiArmy ArrangementKnitting Factory Records
                    Fela Kuti stories Nigeria’s attempt at ‘democracy’ in 1979 after more than a decade ofmilitary rule told through this album, originally released...
                    • – Army arrangement (vocal)
                    Fela KutiJ.J.D (Johnny Just Drop!!) Live!! At Kalakuta RepublikKnitting Factory Records
                    Originally released in 1977, ‘Johnny Just Drop (J.J.D.)’ features Fela lampooning Nigeria’s ‘been-tos’, people who had been to Europe or America...
                      • LP + Download Code KFR2026-1£20.99
                        In stockAdd to Bag
                      Fela KutiNo AgreementKnitting Factory Records
                      ‘No Agreement’ is sometimes overlooked among Fela’s 1977 releases, eclipsed by albums such as ‘Johnny Just Drop (J.J.D.)’ and ‘Sorrow Tears...
                      • – No Agreement
                      • – Dog Eat Dog
                        Fela KutiUnderground SystemKnitting Factory Records
                        Reissue of one of Fela's later recordings, comprised of two extended tracks, the title cut and the classic, 'Pansa Pansa'.
                        • – Underground System
                        • – Pansa Pansa
                        Fela KutiAfrodisiacKnitting Factory Records
                        1973 Nigerian afro beat funk at it's best from the master - Fela Kuti 
                        • – Alu Jon Jonki Jon
                        • – Eko Ile
                        • LP + Download Code KFR2008-1£20.99
                          In stockAdd to Bag
                        Fela KutiI.T.T.Knitting Factory Records
                        'International Thief Thief' classic Fela from 1979
                          Fela KutiUp Side DownKnitting Factory Records
                          Upside Down’ and ‘Zombie’, both released in 1976, were made at the midpoint of an extraordinary three-year purple period during which Fela recorded...
                          • – Up Side Down
                          • – Go Slow
                          Fela KutiZombieKnitting Factory Records
                          On the title track Fela and the backup singers ridicule the mindset of men in uniform over an urgent, quick-march accompaniment from Afrika 70. The album...
                          • – Zombie
                          • – Mr. Follow Follow (Mister Follow Follow)
                          Fela KutiNa PoiKnitting Factory Records
                          Hypnotic afrobeat bullet from 1972 - recorded in Lagos. Sprited percussion, tight horns, and pure funk! As with most of the great man's albums, this is...
                          • – na poi (part 1)
                          • – na poi (part 2)
                          • – you no go die...unless
                          • LP + Download Code KFR2021-1£20.99
                            In stockAdd to Bag
                          Fela KutiExpensive ShitKnitting Factory Records
                          'Expensive Shit' is one of Fela's most notorious albums! This killer afro-beat LP was originally release in 1975 and now gets a reissue on Brooklyn-based...
                          • – Expensive Shit
                          • – Water No Get Enemy
                          • LP + Download Code KFR2015-1£20.99
                            In stockAdd to Bag
                          Fela KutiHe Miss Road (2014 Vinyl Reissue)Knitting Factory Records
                          He Miss Road', also 1975, was produced by Ginger Baker. A deep and darker shade of afro-beat that is one of Fela's best.
                          • – He Miss Road
                          • – Monday Morning In Lagos
                          • – It's No Possible
                          Fela KutiStalemate / Fear Not For ManKnitting Factory Records
                          The two titles from these 1977 albums are fiercely anti-authoritarian blasts at the Nigerian governmental regime while on 'Don't Worry About My Mouth O',...
                            Fela KutiExpensive Shit / He Miss RoadKnitting Factory Records
                            'Expensive Shit', from 1975, is one of Fela's most notorious albums. The title track recounts being framed by the police and his comical escape from certain...
                            • – Expensive Shit
                            Fela KutiOriginal Suffer Head And I.T.TKnitting Factory Records
                            Yet more essential afrobeat from the African equivalent of James Brown! All his albums are great!
                            • – I T T
                            Fela KutiEverything Scatter / Noise For Vendor MouthKnitting Factory Records
                            The king of afro beat does it again! Two essential classic albums on one budget CD!
                              Fela KutiYellow FeverKnitting Factory Records
                              Yellow Fever’ was originally released in 1976, during Fela’s extraordinarily prolific 1975-77 purple period, when he released 24 albums in Nigeria...
                              • – Yellow Fever
                              • – Na Poi ‘75

                              People also bought

                              Fela Kuti The Best Of Black President 2 (Deluxe Edition)Knitting Factory Records
                              This double CD album is presented in a deluxe 6 panel digipack, with booklet including foreword by AKON, Fela’s biography, and a track-by-track commentary...
                              • – Black Man’s Cry
                              • – Mr. Follow Follow
                              Bossa Nova and the Rise of Brazilian Music in the 1960sPosterSoul Jazz Records
                              Oh yes! slightly smaller than 50 x 70cm KILLER poster!! Choose "Poster Freepost" if you want this poster sent with any other vinyl order item (LP/12"...
                                Kev Beadle Presents Private Collection Independent Jazz Sounds From The Seventies And Eighties BBE
                                Stirring up memories of Dingwalls, and the WAG club, Kev Beadle delivers a stellar collection of ultra rare funky jazz cuts for BBE. Well known...
                                • Peter Giger's Family Of Percussion & Archie Shepp – Here Comes The Family
                                • Kamal Abdul Alim – Brotherhood**
                                • Johnny Walker – Dipping
                                • Irakere – Chekere Son **
                                • The Pharaohs – Freedom Road**
                                • Roy Porter – Jessica (Instrumental)
                                • 1. Peter Giger's Family Of Percussion & Archie Shepp – Here Comes The Family
                                • 2. Kamal Abdul Alim – Brotherhood**
                                • 3. Johnny Walker – Dipping
                                • View full info and tracklisting
                                Disco Love Volume 3 BBE
                                DJ Friendly mixes and re-edits from digger extraordinaire Al Kent. Not sure where he finds all these gems, very obscure disco cuts and so so good, we can't...
                                • the might gents – mighty gents
                                • north by northeast – disco unusual
                                • bo galigher tsb inc – oh baby/get on down
                                • frank & james – how long is forever
                                • neo experience – human
                                • rhond durand – disco fever pt.3
                                Country Soul Sisters Volume 2Women In Country Music 1956-79Soul Jazz Records
                                Country Soul Sisters is a second guide to the great female country singers who helped define a musical genre as artists such as Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn...
                                • Jeannie C. Riley – Little Town Square
                                • Linda Martell – Color Him Father
                                • Dolly Parton – The Bargain Store
                                • Diana Trask – Don't Let It Get Away
                                • Wanda Jackson – My Baby Walked Right Out On Me
                                • Loretta Lynn and Conway Twitty – Working Girl
                                • Cher – Chastity's Song
                                • Dolly Parton – Jolene
                                • Tammy Wynette – Baby Come Home
                                • Vikki Carr – Living On A Prayer, a Hope and a Hand Me Down
                                • Jody Miller – Don't Throw Your Love To The Wind
                                • Jeannie C. Riley – The Rib
                                • Bobbie Gentry – Okolona River Bottom Band
                                • Joan Harris – Fact of Life
                                • Linda Ronstadt – Baby You've Been On My Mind
                                • Jody Miller – Natural Woman
                                • Jean Shepard – I'm Alone
                                • Barbara Mandrell – If Loving You Is Wrong
                                • Lynn Anderson – Stay There Til I Get There
                                • Kitty Wells – Forever Young
                                • Jan Howard – Your Ole Handy Man
                                • Patsy Cline – Come On In
                                • Barbara Mandrell – I Never Said I Love You
                                • Lynn Anderson – If I Can't Be Your Woman
                                Tropicalia:A Film By Marcelo MachadoMr Bongo
                                Tropicalia features rare footage of Brazilian music legends Caetano Veloso, Gilberto Gil, Os Mutantes, Gal Costa and Tom Zé as it explores...
                                  Afro-Beat AirwaysVolume 2 - Return Flight To Ghana 1974-1983 Analog Africa
                                  From the coastal cities of Accra and Cape Coast, basked in a tropical sound heavily influenced by highlife, to the semi-Saharan cities of Tamalé...
                                  • Uppers International – Aja Wondo
                                  • Ebo Taylor Jnr. – Children don´t cry
                                  • De Frank´s Band – Do Your Own Thing
                                  • The Cutlass Band – Obiara Wondo
                                  • De Frank and His Professionals – Waiting for my Baby
                                  • The African Brothers – Wope Me A Ka
                                  • Los Issufu and his Moslems – Kana Soro
                                  • Waza-Afriko 76 – Gbei Kpakpa Hife Sika
                                  • Rob – Loose Up yourself -
                                  • Tony Sarfo & The Funky Afrosibi – I Beg
                                  • K. Frimpong – Abrabo
                                  • Pierre Antoine and Vis-a-Vis – Say Min Sy Soh
                                  • Complex Soundz – God is Love