“Water No Get Enemy,” released in 1975 on Fela Kuti's album Expensive Shit, is a seminal Afrobeat track by the Nigerian music legend and activist. Fela, with his Africa '70 band, blends jazzy horns, pulsating percussion, and call-and-response vocals to create a hypnotic groove. Produced by Fela himself, the song showcases his pioneering Afrobeat style, rooted in highlife, jazz, and funk, with a runtime of around 11 minutes that captivates listeners.
Lyrically, Fela uses water as a metaphor for resilience and necessity, singing in Yoruba and Pidgin about its universal importance: “T'o ba fe lo we, omi l'ota o” (If you want to bathe, water is your enemy). The song subtly critiques societal and political rigidity, urging adaptability and unity, with water symbolizing life's essential, neutral force. Its infectious rhythm and profound message make it a timeless anthem.
The track remains one of Fela's most celebrated works, widely covered and sampled, including in Broadway's FELA! musical. Its enduring appeal lies in its danceable yet thought-provoking nature, cementing Fela's legacy as a musical revolutionary who fused cultural pride with social commentary.
Listen to Fela Kuti – Water No Get Enemy below:
Water No Get Enemy
by Fela Kuti
Audio Player
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