No Agreement

by Fela Kuti, Fela Kuti & Africa 70

Overview

Recorded in 1977, No Agreement follows the Afro-beat template to a masterful level: amazingly catchy guitar lines that replicate a bass guitar in their construction, a second guitarist to add some JB's funk power, driving horn section proclamations, intricate saxophone, trumpet and organ improv solos, and then Fela Anikulopo Kuti's wit and message for the people. Even though Fela had vowed to speak his mind, he turns in a song where he proclaims to keep his mouth shut if it means that he will harm his brothers and sisters in the population (not that he actually does, as some of his most scathing songs have yet to come). "No Agreement" is decidedly some of the most interesting instrumentation that he had turned in. With help from Art Ensemble of Chicago trumpeter extradordinare Lester Bowie (Bowie turned in a tenure of about a year with Fela), the solos are magically inspired and the rhythm section rolls on with the power of a steamroller. "Dog Days," the instrumental B-side, sounds more like "No Agreement" part two; it does, however, carry its own weight -- again with the help from Bowie. [In 2000, MCA released No Agreement with Shuffering and Shmiling as a two-fer.] ~ Sam Samuelson

Product Details

Release Date:	12/13/2019
Label:	Knitting Factory Works
UPC:	0720841204015
Rank:	46776

Tracks

1. No Agreement
2. Dog Eat Dog [Instrumental]

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Fela Kuti   Primary Artist
Fela Kuti & Africa 70   Primary Artist
Africa 70   Primary Artist
Afrika 70   Primary Artist

Technical Credits

Fela Kuti   Composer
Fela Kuti & Africa 70   Composer