Music of Many Colours is a profound and groove-laden meeting of minds : two tracks may feel short in number, but their depth and energy leave a lasting impression
This music transcends boundaries, carrying messages that resonate as strongly today as they did in 1980. A classic. Fela, the afrobeat’s godfather once said : « Music is the weapon of the futur ». He has died of AIDS-related reasons and heart failure. Before his passing, Fela refused treatment for his deteriorating health. He rejected both Western and traditional Nigerian medical services insisting it was on grounds of « principle. » According to Leonard Nzenwa Jr. and Olagboyega Bello, efforts are being made by Fela’s family to release Fela’s eight unreleased compositions, while Fela’s 77 albums with 133 songs would be on compact discs. This release, originally released 1980, put together on wax 2 big artist Fela & Roy Ayers…
Few Words about the Record
Released in 1980, Music of Many Colours is a rare and electrifying collaboration between two legends: American jazz-funk pioneer Roy Ayers and Nigerian Afrobeat maestro Fela Anikulapo Kuti. This two-track EP, clocking in at just under 30 minutes, merges Ayers’ smooth, melodic sensibilities with Fela’s signature polyrhythmic grooves and politically charged energy. It’s an ambitious melding of styles that reflects the title’s promise of musical diversity. The EP is a celebration of Black identity, cultural pride, and pan-Africanism, themes central to both artists’ work. At the time of its release, Fela was already a political figurehead in Nigeria, using Afrobeat as a vehicle for activism.
Ayers, while less overtly political, had been exploring themes of Black unity and heritage in his music. Together, their collaboration feels natural, a merging of two worlds with a shared purpose. The production is warm and organic, capturing the live essence of Afrobeat while retaining Ayers’ polished jazz-funk aesthetic. The interplay between Ayers’ vibraphone and Fela’s horn section is particularly striking, creating moments of both tension and harmony. Fela’s Africa 70 band (with Tony Allen on drums) brings its usual raw energy, while Ayers’ contributions add a smoothness that makes the EP accessible to fans of both artists.
Music of Many Colours
2000 Blacks Got to Be Free is a 15-minute opus is a call to unity and liberation, carrying an unmistakable message of Black empowerment. Ayers’ vibraphone work glistens over a funky, mid-tempo groove, blending seamlessly with Fela’s Afrobeat rhythms and infectious horn arrangements. The lyrics are direct and profound, creating an anthem of resistance and hope. Roy Ayers’ smooth vocals bring a soulful contrast to Fela’s typically fiery delivery, resulting in a track that feels both universal and deeply personal.
Africa – Centre of the World is a quintessential Afrobeat track led by Fela’s hypnotic instrumentation and spoken-word-style vocal delivery, this piece celebrates Africa’s central role in the history and future of humanity. The rhythm section is as tight as ever, with pulsating congas and Tony Allen’s iconic drumming driving the track forward. Ayers’ vibraphone adds a jazzy dimension to Fela’s brassy Afrobeat foundation, creating a lush, multilayered soundscape.
Music of Many Colours is a timeless exploration of cross-cultural collaboration, embodying the spirit of Afrobeat and jazz-funk at their finest. While not as widely celebrated as their solo work, this EP is a hidden gem in both artists’ catalogs and a must-listen for fans of global funk, jazz, and Afrobeat. It also paved the way for future collaborations between Western and African musicians, proving the universal power of rhythm and melody.
