She tear trouser, he tear pant! Roforofo Fight was the first true classic album from the insanely prolific Fela Kuti & Africa 70 (they released 5 albums the year before this came out), the one that found their afrobeat sound fully distilled, laying the framework for future classics Afrodisiac, Everything Scatter, He Miss Road, Zombie and Expensive Shit. “Go Slow” does what it says on the tin, and although it’s not actually a slow track (this is Fela after all), it’s a relatively mellow meditation on the frustrations of traffic in Lagos. Meanwhile, “Roforofo Fight” (a political battle in which no participant is unsullied; a mud-slinging contest) is the real ass shaker here, kicking off with Tony Allen’s untouchable beat that inspired nearly a half century of afrocentric riddims. Fela’s sax rules the first half, and nearly 8 minutes in, the black president takes the podium and the party really gets going. Limited edition red vinyl pressing with printed inner sleeve and code for digital download. Recommended.

• black vinyl pressing
• music label: Knitting Factory 2017

reviewed by hannibal chew 12/2017