Fela Kuti's Alagbon Close (1974) is a raw, rebellious Afrobeat gem that burns with urgency. The title track, “Alagbon Close,” is a 17-minute sonic assault—gritty horns, pulsing drums, and a bassline that hooks you instantly. Fela's voice, sharp and mocking, narrates his clash with Lagos police at the notorious Alagbon Close prison. The rhythm churns like a restless crowd, while the sax and guitars trade fiery riffs, making it both a dancefloor filler and a middle finger to authority.
The second track, “I No Get Eye for Back,” dials up the groove with a funkier edge. Its relentless percussion and call-and-response vocals feel like a street rally, urging vigilance against betrayal. Fela's lyrics, delivered in pidgin, cut deep, warning about enemies lurking behind you. The band, Africa '70, is locked in, layering rhythms that pull you into a trance-like sway.
Alagbon Close captures Fela at his most defiant, turning personal persecution into universal protest. Recorded after his arrest and beating by Nigerian police, the album is a bold statement against state brutality, wrapped in infectious, sweaty grooves. In just two tracks, Fela and his band craft a sound that's fierce, soulful, and unapologetic, inviting you to dance and resist in the same breath.
Listen to Fela Kuti – Alagbon Close below:
Alagbon Close
by Fela Kuti
Audio Player
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