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about this album
In 1974, Fela Kuti was targeted by the Nigerian police, who attempted to arrest him by planting a joint of marijuana on him. This incident occurred during a period of intense government surveillance of Kuti's Kalakuta Republic compound, which served as both his home and a recording studio. In response, Kuti swallowed the joint, leading the police to detain him and wait for him to produce evidence. According to legend, he managed to use another inmate's feces, thus avoiding conviction and eventual release. This event exemplified the ongoing harassment Kuti faced from Nigerian authorities throughout his career. The album Expensive Shit is not only a testament to Fela Kuti's humor and political defiance but also showcases his musical innovation. The title track, Expensive Shit, spanning approximately 13 minutes, is a semi-improvisational piece with complex percussion, funk guitar, and brass elements, reflecting Kuti's unique blend of Afrobeat and social commentary. The composition follows Kuti's signature style of extended instrumental sections, featuring his Afrika 70 band, before introducing vocals that critique government corruption and police harassment. The second track, Water No Get Enemy, offers a philosophical perspective, contrasting the impurity of "shit" with the purity of water, highlighting themes of cleansing and the sacred role of water in African cultures. This track incorporates traditional Yoruba proverbs and wisdom, demonstrating Kuti's ability to weave indig
