Name: Gentleman (50th Anniversary Edition)
Brand: Fela Kuti

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

KFR2009-8

Colour

Clear

Colour details

Igbo Smoke (Clear with Black Wisp)

Discogs ID

[r27433488]

Format multiplier

Download code

Download code: No

Rough Trade Exclusive

Rough Trade Exclusive: No

Extended format

Extended format: No

Format detail

Housed in a Gatefold Sleeve with a Gold Foil Obi Strip and Liner Notes by Chris May

Format Music GB

Limited edition

Release date

2023-06-23

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier GB

PIAS

Tax rate GB

Standard:20

UPC / Barcode

720841206989

Total Cap

Clear LP

Artist

Fela Kuti

Genre GB

African

Label GB

Knitting Factory

Fela Kuti, born on 15 October 1938 in Abeokuta, Nigeria, was a legendary musician and human rights revolutionary. He formed his first group Koola Lobitos in 1963 and later changed the name to Afrika 70. Fela's vision and collaboration with key members like drummer Tony Allen ensured that the jazz, funk, and afrobeat style remained consistent throughout the decades. Known for his political activism, Fela started his own party to protest corruption in Nigeria. His influence on funk and African music is unparalleled, with a discography of approximately 77 albums.

After visiting America in 1969, Fela returned to Nigeria and opened club Afro Spot in Lagos. He collaborated with renowned musicians such as Ginger Baker and Bobby Tench from The Jeff Beck Group on notable albums like "Ginger Baker Live with Afrika 70" (1971) and "Stratavarious" (1972). In 1981, he renamed his group Egypt 80.

Fela Anikulapo Kuti, formerly known as Fela Ransome-Kuti until about 1978, was not only a musical icon but also a symbol of resistance against oppression. He established his own compound called the Kalakuta Republic in Lagos which he declared independent from Nigeria. However, this led to constant harassment by the government towards him and his numerous wives.

Knitting Factory is a renowned music label that was initially called [l7826]. With the aim of promoting diverse and innovative music, Knitting Factory has established itself as a leading force in the industry. Since its inception, this label has been dedicated to supporting talented artists and performers, showcasing their unique sounds to a global audience.

With an impressive catalog of releases, Knitting Factory offers a wide range of genres including jazz, world music, rock, and electronic. The label's commitment to quality and artistic integrity is evident in every release they put out. From iconic albums by *John Zorn* and *Medeski Martin & Wood* to groundbreaking works by *The Bad Plus* and *Bill Frisell*, Knitting Factory continues to push boundaries and redefine what it means to be a record label.

As you explore the vast collection of music on offer from Knitting Factory, you'll discover hidden gems waiting to be unearthed. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the label's roster, there's something for everyone here. Join us on this musical journey as we celebrate the incredible talent fostered by Knitting Factory.

Fela Kuti (1938-1997) was a Nigerian musician, producer, arranger, political radical, outlaw and the originator of Afrobeat. A titanic musical and sociopolitical voice, Fela’s legacy spans decades and genres, touching on jazz, pop, funk, hip-hop, rock and beyond.

1973’s Gentleman is the 7th in the series of celebratory Fela 50th Anniversary reissues. Like its predecessors in the series, this version will be available on exclusive colored vinyl (Igbo Smoke) and the LP will be wrapped in a gold foil obi strip with a brief essay on the album and Fela's global impact on music. Like Fela's other early 70's releases, he used each side of his LPs to create a deep groove that pulls the listener in and follows with metaphoric lyrics that call out and critique the corrupt hangover of colonialism.&nbsp;

Gentleman is the last of Fela's early 1970s albums recorded with the Africa 70. The title track can be interpreted literally or as a metaphor concerning a wider issue. Fela deftly addresses the colonialism-induced, inferiority complex which led many in Africa's new governing elites to reject African style, concepts of beauty, and modes of behavior in favor of European imports. Gentleman's other tracks, ""Fefe Naa Efe"" and ""Igbe,” have more direct, less metaphorical lyrics. On ""Fefe Naa Efe,” an Ashanti motto from Ghana, Fela tells a woman dumped by her boyfriend that she must get over the heartache and move on. On ""Igbe”, Fela declares that anyone who betrays a friend is shit, and that anybody who lacks self-respect is shit - something you want to expel from your body as soon as possible. He sings the word ""shit"" in several Nigerian languages, so there is no misunderstanding.

Gentleman (50th Anniversary Edition)

Music GB