#25 of 100
· Cratewise Editorial
Expensive Shit
Fela Kuti & Africa 70
Year
1975
Genre
Soul/R&BLabel
Kalakuta
Format
Vinyl LP
“I placed Expensive Shit here because it's the moment Fela crystallized Afrobeat into its most hypnotic, politically charged form. That opening horn arrangement on side A is absolutely lethal—it pulls you in before the groove even lands. What separates this from his earlier work is the tightness of Africa 70 and how Fela's vocals cut through with surgical precision, particularly on the title track's extended breakdown. It's essential wax that influenced everything from jazz fusion to hip-hop production, and honestly, the original Kalakuta pressing has this warm, slightly compressed character that just makes the horns sit perfectly in the mix.”
Fela Kuti (1938-1997) was a Nigerian multi-instrumentalist, bandleader, and political activist who revolutionized African popular music. Born in Abeokuta, Fela studied music in London before returning to Nigeria in the 1960s. He formed Africa 70 in 1970, a large ensemble that became the vehicle for his pioneering Afrobeat sound. Throughout the 1970s, Fela and Africa 70 released groundbreaking albums including 'Zombie' (1976) and 'Gentleman' (1973), which combined West African rhythms, funk grooves, and jazz harmonies. His music was inseparable from his fierce political activism against Nigerian military corruption and colonialism. Fela's live performances were legendary for their extended jams and energetic stage presence, making his records essential documents of late 20th-century African music.
Style
Afrobeat is a complex fusion of traditional Yoruba rhythms, American funk and soul, jazz, and highlife, characterized by polyrhythmic percussion, horn sections, and extended instrumental passages with Fela's distinctive vocal delivery.
Significance
Fela Kuti remains a foundational figure in world music and funk history, with his vinyl records highly sought by collectors for their sonic innovation, cultural impact, and historical importance in documenting African resistance through music.
Recorded in 1975 at the EMI studios in Lagos, Nigeria, 'Expensive Shit' captures Fela Kuti at a pivotal moment of artistic and political defiance. The album was born from Fela's increasing boldness in using his music as a weapon against Nigerian government corruption and military oppression. Working with his tightly knit ensemble Africa 70, Fela crafted extended Afrobeat compositions that showcase his evolved compositional approach—tighter horn arrangements, more intricate polyrhythmic interplay, and sharper social commentary. The title track, which opens with Fela's distinctive trumpet, became one of his most recognizable works, though initially it was penned as a response to harassment by customs officials. The recording sessions reflected the band's extraordinary chemistry after years of relentless touring and rehearsing, resulting in performances of remarkable precision and groove.
Historical Context
The mid-1970s were a turbulent period in Nigeria, marked by post-civil war military rule and increasing authoritarianism. 'Expensive Shit' arrived when Afrobeat was reaching its international peak, with Fela's music gaining recognition beyond West Africa. The album's release in 1975 coincided with growing pan-African consciousness and the rise of world music's visibility in Western markets. However, Fela's outspoken politics made him increasingly controversial domestically. The album was both critically celebrated for its musicianship and socially significant for its uncompromising stance against corruption—themes that resonated across the African continent and inspired liberation movements.
Pressing Notes
The original 1975 EMI pressing on Afrodelic Records is the most sought-after edition among collectors, notable for its warm analog sound and distinctive orange/brown label design. Early copies are relatively scarce compared to later reissues. The album has been reissued multiple times, including by Knitting Factory Records and other labels, with varying degrees of fidelity. Collectors should seek original EMI pressings for authenticity and superior sound quality, though later remastered versions on audiophile labels offer improved clarity. Vinyl condition varies significantly; well-preserved copies command premium prices. The gatefold artwork featuring Fela in striking poses is integral to the collector experience, making mint condition copies highly desirable.
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