The Best of the Black President cover

The Best of the Black President

Fela Kuti · 1999

157 min · 13 tracks · jazz · Afrobeat · highlife

A vibrant fusion of jazz, funk, and African rhythms that embodies resistance and celebration.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic journey with rhythmic peaks
  • extended tracks for deep immersion
  • celebratory vibes for gathering moments
  • wave-like pacing encourages engagement
  • thought-provoking themes for reflection

Maybe skip if you want

  • prefer short, standalone songs
  • seek instant gratification in music

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1999, 'The Best of the Black President' arrived during Fela Kuti's posthumous fame, solidifying his legacy as a pioneer of Afrobeat. This compilation features tracks from various periods of his career, reflecting the evolution of his sound and political activism. Although he passed away in 1997, this album helped introduce new audiences to his influential music.
Stylistic neighbors
Tony Allen· Antibalas· Orlando Julius

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

Disc 1

  • 1 Lady 13:49
  • 2 Shakara 13:26
  • 3 Gentleman (edit version) 11:02
  • 4 Water No Get Enemy (edit version) 9:51
  • 5 Zombie 12:25
  • 6 Sorrow Tears & Blood 10:15
  • 7 No Agreement, Part 2 7:54

Disc 2

  • 1 Roforofo Fight 15:41
  • 2 Shuffering and Shmiling, Part 2 12:25
  • 3 Coffin for Head of State, Part 2 13:22
  • 4 I T T, Part 2 13:42
  • 5 Army Arrangement, Part 2 17:02
  • 6 O.D.O.O. (edit version) 6:54

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata