Fela Kuti
was often described as "the
James Brown
of Africa," but one could also argue that he was Africa's equivalent of
Miles Davis
or
John Coltrane
. Truth be told, either description is valid.
Kuti
was highly eclectic, and his innovative, visionary music contained elements of funk/soul, jazz, and blues, as well as African music. That eclectic spirit proves to be a major asset on
Shakara
, which consists of two 13-minute performances by
's
Africa 70
band:
"Lady"
and
"Shakara (Oloie)."
Performed in English,
finds
criticizing modern African women in a humorous way for becoming what he sees as overly westernized and embracing a western view of feminism. You might agree or disagree with the song's viewpoint, but the groove and the beat are irresistible. Equally addictive -- and equally sarcastic -- is
"Shakara (Oloje),"
which is sung in both Yoruba and English and makes fun of the type of pompous, loud-mouthed braggarts who can never make good on their empty boasts. ~ Alex Henderson