It’s been 20 years since the passing of Afrobeat architect Fela Anikulapo Kuti, and now his life, times and music are being honoured by the release of a series of deluxe vinyl box sets that have been curated by Fela’s most ardent fans. The fourth edition to this series has been curated by neo soul goddess Erykah Badu and will be released on Friday, December 15.
The first boxset was curated by Questlove, celebrated drummer of The Roots, the second by Ginger Baker, drummer with the super group Cream, and the third by legendary producer, Brian Eno.
Erykah’s selection includes her “favorite Fela piece of all time,” 1980’s Coffin For Head of State, alongside Yellow Fever (1976), No Agreement (1977), J.J.D. (Johnny Just Drop) (1977), V.I.P. (1979), Army Arrangement (1984), and Underground System (1992).
There are only 3,000 copies of this limited edition box set, which comes with a poster designed by Nigerian artist Lemi Ghariokwu, the creative force behind 26 of Fela Kuti’s album covers, and a 20-page full colour booklet.
The booklet features seven personal essays written by Badu; seven in-depth commentaries by veteran music journalist and Afrobeat historian, Chris May; song lyrics; and never before published photos of Fela Kuti. The audio has been restored and remastered from Kuti’s original recordings.
Fela Vinyl Box Set #4, curated by Erykah Badu is out Friday, December 15.
