Fela Kuti's Expensive Shit (1975) is a fiery Afrobeat masterpiece that pulses with raw energy and defiance. The title track kicks off with a tight groove—slapping bass, relentless drums, and bright horn stabs weaving together like a Lagos street jam. Fela's voice cuts through, half-singing, half-preaching, as he mocks corrupt authorities with biting humor. The rhythm locks you in, making it impossible not to move, while the lyrics tell a story of resilience against oppression.
The album's second track, “Water No Get Enemy,” slows the tempo but keeps the heat. It's a hypnotic blend of jazzy sax, rolling percussion, and call-and-response vocals that feel like a communal chant. Fela uses water as a metaphor for life's flow, urging unity and patience in the face of struggle. The groove builds patiently, pulling you deeper into its sway, like a conversation that lingers long after the music stops.
Expensive Shit is Fela at his boldest—music that's both a party and a protest. Recorded after a real-life clash with Nigerian police (who tried to frame him with a joint, hence the title), it's a middle finger to power wrapped in infectious rhythms. In just two tracks, Fela and his Africa '70 band deliver a sound that's gritty, soulful, and timeless, inviting everyone to dance while thinking critically about the world.
Listen to Fela Kuti – Expensive Shit below:
Expensive Shit
by Fela Kuti
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