Fela: Kalakuta Notes

Fela Kuti was the outstanding African musician of the 20th century and Afrobeat is his lasting legacy. This book, lavishly illustrated with personal and evocative snapshots, adds a unique insight to the growing body of literature on Fela and provides a guide to the music that rocked a continent.

In addition to reviewing the events in Fela’s life, John Collins provides transcripts from his personal diary while he stayed and played with Fela during the golden days of the 1970s. He also interviews those who worked with the artist, including Joe Mensah and Stan Plange. The book looks at Fela’s political activism and reviews his music, including a complete discography.

Fela Kuti was the outstanding African musician of the 20th century and Afrobeat is his lasting legacy. This book, lavishly illustrated with personal and evocative snapshots, adds a unique insight to the growing body of literature on Fela and provides a guide to the music that rocked a continent.

In addition to reviewing the events in Fela’s life, John Collins provides transcripts from his personal diary while he stayed and played with Fela during the golden days of the 1970s. He also interviews those who worked with the artist, including Joe Mensah and Stan Plange. The book looks at Fela’s political activism and reviews his music, including a complete discography.

John Collins has been actively involved in the Ghanaian and West African music scene since 1969, as a musician, band leader, recording producer and engineer, music union executive, writer and music journalist. He has published numerous articles on West African music and over the past 30 years has influenced and inspired countless other activists, journalists, writers, historians, musicologists and musicians. His previous books include African Pop Roots (1985) and Highlife Time (1996).