Throwback Record Of The Week: Fela Anikulapo Kuti - Beasts Of No Nation (1989)

Written By Amechi Okoli

How many LPs do you know have just 2 songs, with a total combined listening time of 39+ minutes, but yet, became an instant classic?

The answer to that question is simple – Fela Anikulapo Kuti & Egypt 80’s “Beasts Of No Nation”.

Besides the deep basses, melodious horns, and subtle keys, this record was also packed with the most politically-charged lyrics ever heard in Nigerian music history.

The extremely artistic cover, which was designed by the legendary Lemi Ghariokwu, takes straight jabs at former South African president P.W Botha, former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher, former US president Ronald Reagan, and current Nigerian president Muhammadu Buhari.

The ram-like horns on their heads, as well as the vampire-like fangs and dripping blood from their mouths, said a lot about what Fela thought of them.

Beasts Of No Nation was Fela at his very best, as he left no stone unturned to show just how much of a confrontational mood he was in. This doesn’t come as a surprise, as he had only just been released from prison 3 years before the LP’s release.

Regardless of why this record was so scathing, Fela didn’t forget his musical roots, as he and his band displayed a musical masterclass, which many would argue, is yet to be matched by any artiste in Nigeria, and Africa to this day.

Salute to the late, great, Fela Anikulapo Kuti.

Written By Amechi “Double Six” Okoli

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Be sure to follow me on IG @amechi_okoli

The prophet warned you people but y'all called him igbo smoker and womanizer, rest in power Abamieda. Nigerians love suffering

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Throwback Record Of The Week: Fela Anikulapo Kuti - Beasts Of No Nation (1989)

Written By Amechi Okoli

How many LPs do you know have just 2 songs, with a total combined listening time of 39+ minutes, but yet, became an instant classic?

The answer to that question is simple – Fela Anikulapo Kuti & Egypt 80’s “Beasts Of No Nation”.

Besides the deep basses, melodious horns, and subtle keys, this record was also packed with the most politically-charged lyrics ever heard in Nigerian music history.

The extremely artistic cover, which was designed by the legendary Lemi Ghariokwu, takes straight jabs at former South African president P.W Botha, former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher, former US president Ronald Reagan, and current Nigerian president Muhammadu Buhari.

The ram-like horns on their heads, as well as the vampire-like fangs and dripping blood from their mouths, said a lot about what Fela thought of them.

Beasts Of No Nation was Fela at his very best, as he left no stone unturned to show just how much of a confrontational mood he was in. This doesn’t come as a surprise, as he had only just been released from prison 3 years before the LP’s release.

Regardless of why this record was so scathing, Fela didn’t forget his musical roots, as he and his band displayed a musical masterclass, which many would argue, is yet to be matched by any artiste in Nigeria, and Africa to this day.

Salute to the late, great, Fela Anikulapo Kuti.

Written By Amechi “Double Six” Okoli

Kindly leave a comment, like and share to share this article!

Be sure to follow me on IG @amechi_okoli