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Coffin for Head of State
World · 1981 · 2 tracks

Coffin for Head of State

Fela Kuti

1981 · Knitting Factory Records

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Coffin for Head of State is a visceral, uncompromising journey into the heart of Afrobeat, delivered with Fela Kuti's signature intensity. From the moment the first polyrhythmic drum patterns lock into place, a hypnotic groove takes hold, propelled by a deep, pulsing bassline and intricate percussion.

The horns wail with a mix of celebratory fire and mournful defiance, weaving complex melodies and improvisational solos that feel both meticulously crafted and utterly spontaneous. This is music designed to move the body and ignite the mind, a sonic landscape that is dense, organic, and relentlessly energetic.

Tracklist · 2 Tracks
01
Coffin for Head of State (vocal)
02
Coffin for Head of State (instrumental)
Moments Worth Listening For
The relentless, interlocking drum and bass groove that establishes itself within the first three minutes of "Coffin for Head of State Part 1", setting the hypnotic foundation.
The searing, extended saxophone solo by Fela himself in "Coffin for Head of State Part 1", cutting through the dense rhythm with raw, impassioned improvisation.
The powerful, chanted call-and-response vocals in "Coffin for Head of State Part 2" as the band builds to a crescendo, amplifying the song's defiant message.
Where This Album DepartsEach spoke is a trait. The orange shape shows where this album pulls away from — or holds to — the rest of the artist’s catalogue. Tap for more.

How does Coffin for Head of State sound next to the rest of Fela Kuti's catalogue?

VOCMOOLYRPROINS

This album stays in step with the catalogue across the board — no axis departs enough to be worth its own note. Hover the dots to see where each one sits.

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