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Artist
Tony Allen Plays With Afrika 70
12+ albums
afrobeatfunk
about
Recorded in 1975 and 1977, Jealousy and Progress were the first two records Tony Allen released under his own name. He served as composer and arranger, with Fela Kuti producing and sharing arrangement credits. Although Fela Kuti's presence (on sax and occasional vocals) lends some potency to the music, in general it is not very emotionally charged. "Jealousy" is a light jam with exciting, pulsating bass drum kicks; it is followed by the more earnest "Hustler," whose riff closely resembles Fela Kuti's "Don't Worry About My Mouth O (African Message)." "Progress" opens the second album with an intense groove and an emphatic cry for progress, which is balanced by the dark yet perky "Afro Disco Beat." Probably, most listeners will eventually view this music as little more than an interesting supplement to Fela Kuti's catalog, but it certainly stands on its own merits. by Jim Smith User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.
why this is interesting
# Why This Album Deserves Your Attention This record captures a pivotal moment when one of Africa's most influential drummers stepped into the spotlight as a composer and bandleader. Rather than overwhelming with grandeur, Allen builds his pieces through restrained rhythmic sophistication—the kind of groove-based architecture that reveals itself gradually. Working with Fela Kuti as producer and arranger creates fascinating tension: you hear Allen's preference for understated elegance against Kuti's more forceful sensibilities. The album's appeal lies precisely in its subtlety, the way light-touch arrangements and intricate polyrhythmic conversations between instruments invite close listening. It's essential listening for anyone interested in how
top songs
albums
No Accommodation For Lagos
Progress
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Jealousy
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No Accommodation For Lagos / No Discrimination
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African Disco - Deep Disco From 1970's Africa
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Jealousy / Progress
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No Accomodation for Lagos
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African Disco
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African Disco - Deep Disco From 1970s Africa
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Deep Disco From 1970's Africa
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African Disco: Deep Disco From 1970's Africa
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African Disco [Deep Disco From 70s Africa]