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Knitting, Partisan Release Fela Kuti Box Set Curated By Idris Elba

By Guardian Nigeria

09 December 2023   |   4:11 am

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Following the successes recorded in previous editions curated by Chris Martin, Erykah Badu, Ginger Baker, Brian Eno and Questlove, the American label, Knitting Factory Records, notable for promoting a variety..

Following the successes recorded in previous editions curated by Chris Martin, Erykah Badu, Ginger Baker, Brian Eno and Questlove, the American label, Knitting Factory Records, notable for promoting a variety of artistes, including the music of Afrobeat of Fela Anikulapo Kuti and Partisan Records, also an independent record label with offices in London and Los Angeles, as well as in New York City, where the company was co-founded in 2007 by Tim Putnam and Ian Wheeler, have released the sixth instalment of vinyl reissue box sets of the late Afrobeat impressario’s catalog.

This edition of the Vinyl box #6, curated by actor, producer, DJ, rapper and singer, Idris Elba, also known as DJ Big Driis, and released on December 1, features some of Fela’s timeless classics like Open & Close (1972), Music of Many Colours (1980), Stalemate (1977), I Go Shout Plenty!!! (1977), Live in Amsterdam (1983), and Opposite People (1977).

The artwork for each album was meticulously recreated from the original vinyl pressings, alongside vintage vinyl label artwork. The box set is a limited edition of 5,000 worldwide. It includes a 24-page booklet featuring lyrics, commentaries by Afrobeat historian, Chris May, and never before seen photos; as well as a 16” x 24” poster designed by Lemi Ghariokwu, the creative force behind many of Fela’s album covers.

To celebrate the released new box set, a new t-shirt collaboration between Fela Kuti and Brain Dead was also unveiled and available for a limited time. In addition to this splendid musical journey, a short documentary entitled Fela Kuti: The Legacy is now available for viewing.

Directed by Kayode Thomas, this documentary delves into the profound influence Fela had on fashion, style, and culture, as well as his impactful message and activism. It explores the historical significance of the Shrine, the iconic music venue where Fela Kuti’s electrifying performances took place.

Featuring interviews with key figures such as Mádé Kuti, Fela’s grandson; Sandra Izsadore, a humanitarian and Fela’s friend; Dele Sosimi, a musician; Ghariokwu, the artist behind Fela’s album covers; Jeff Jarratt, a record producer; Rikki Stein, a friend and manager; Chris May, an Afrobeat historian and author; Miles Showell, a mastering engineer and Sodi Marciszewer, a record producer, Fela Kuti: The Legacy promises an insightful exploration of Fela Kuti’s enduring impact on the world.