Fela Kuti, Africa 70, Ginger Baker
Why Black Man Dey Suffer....... (LP, Yellow Transparent)
Also featuring Ginger Baker, the title track is among Fela’s first overtly political lyrics. His political perspective had evolved during the 1969 / 1970 tour of the US, largely through his friendship with the black-rights activist Sandra Izsadore, who introduced him to the writings of Malcolm X, Stokely Carmichael, Angela Davis and other revolutionary thinkers. By the time Fela wrote “Why Black Man Dey Suffer,” his songwriting and public statements were becoming increasingly critical of the power structure in Nigeria and throughout post-colonial Africa. The album was actually recorded for EMI, but wary of the title, the label refused to release it.
Sticker: FELA FELA'S WHY BLACK MAN DEY SUFFER PRESSED ON TRANSPARENT YELLOW VINYL KFR2012-3 Artist on spine is simply FELA ℗ 1971, 2020 Fak under exclusive license to Knitting Factory Records Inc. © 2024 Knitting Factory Records Inc. Made in the Czech Republic Historical note: Initially recorded for EMI, but EMI refused to release it.
First re-issued as part of Fela Kuti Box Set #5 curated by Chris Martin & Femi Kuti in 2021.
