Unknown Soldier
by Fela Kuti & The Africa '70
- Type: Album
- Released: 1979
- Label: Phonodisk
- Country: Nigeria
- Length: 31:08
- Community rating: 4.14/5 from 5 ratings
Album Notes & Community Reviews
Written in the devastating aftermath of a brutal military raid on his Kalakuta Republic compound, this extended composition serves as a visceral, personal protest against the Nigerian government. The relentless afrobeat arrangement is driven by intense polyrhythms, recounting the destruction of his commune and the injuries sustained by his mother. Its dense groove masks a deeply tragic narrative, cementing its status as a monumental political recording.
Genres
Descriptors: death, protest, political, rhythmic, funky, groove-laden, percussive, long-form
Tracklist
Credits
- Fela Kuti - primary artist, written-by, arranged by, composed by, piano, producer, tenor saxophone, vocals
- Africa 70 - primary artist
- Mukoro Owieh - baritone saxophone [2nd]
- Lekan Animashaun - baritone saxophone, leader, soloist [baritone solo]
- Adekunle Adewala - bass guitar
- Kalenky Clement Djalo - bass guitar
- Alake Anikulapo Kuti - chorus, vocals [africa 70 singers]
- Fehintola Anikulapo Kuti - chorus, vocals [africa 70 singers]
- Folake Anikulapo Kuti - chorus, vocals [africa 70 singers]
- Ihase Anikulapo Kuti - chorus, vocals [africa 70 singers]
- Kevwe Anikulapo Kuti - chorus, vocals [africa 70 singers]
- Omowunmi Anikulapo Kuti - chorus, vocals [africa 70 singers]
- Tejumade Anikulapo Kuti - chorus, vocals [africa 70 singers]
- Tokunbo Anikulapo Kuti - chorus, vocals [africa 70 singers]
- Taiye Ojomo - claves [sticks]
- Popoola Awodoye - congas [1st]
- Okon Etuk Iyang - congas [2nd]
- Moses Emmanuel - congas [3rd]
- Tunde Orimogunje - design
- Nicholas Avom - drums [1st]
- Maseaswe Anam - drums [2nd]
- Nana Kwame Opoku - guitar [tenor]
- Okalue Ojeah - guitar [tenor]
- Chas Gerber - lacquer cut by
- Fesobi Olawaiye - maracas
- Femi Osunla - photography by
- Durotimi Ikujenyo - piano [rhythm piano]
- Mardo Martino - rhythm guitar
- Tunde Brown - rhythm guitar
- Oyinade Adeniran - tenor saxophone
- Yinusa Akinibosun - tenor saxophone
- Kwesi Yopee - translated by [french lyrics]
- Oye Shobowale - trumpet