Fela Kuti's Zombie (1977) is a blistering Afrobeat classic that hits like a musical Molotov cocktail. The title track, “Zombie,” is a 12-minute groove bomb—driving horns, pounding drums, and a bassline that grabs you by the hips. Fela's vocals snarl with satire, calling out soldiers as mindless “zombies” blindly following corrupt orders. It's a protest anthem, fearless and in-your-face, with rhythms that make you dance while the lyrics make you think.
The album's other gem, “Mister Follow Follow,” keeps the vibe fierce but shifts to a darker, funkier tone. The sax wails over a relentless beat, and Fela's pidgin English storytelling warns against blind obedience. The interplay of guitars and percussion feels like a street parade, pulling you into its hypnotic flow. Every note drips with purpose, blending joy and rebellion.
Zombie is Fela Kuti at his most confrontational, using Afrobeat's infectious energy to slam Nigeria's military regime. Recorded with his Africa '70 band, the album's tight, layered sound and sharp political edge made it a cultural lightning rod—rumor has it, it provoked a brutal government raid on Fela's compound. In just two tracks, Zombie delivers a timeless call to resist oppression, wrapped in music that's impossible to ignore.
Listen to Fela Kuti – Zombie below:
Zombie
by Fela Kuti
Audio Player
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