Fela Anikulapo Kuti

While taking a cab from work to COOL OUT a few months back, i started chatting with the driver as i often do. Finding out that he was a native of Nigeria, i asked if he was a fan of Fela Kuti. "Woah", he said "i used to go to his club Afro Spot (later re-named Afrika Shrine) all the time when i was young! At least once a week...". I wanted to tell him to stop the cab so i could jump in the front seat and start picking his brain. But i was already running late, so instead i just started bombarding him with questions in hopes that i might better understand what it was like seeing the man perform, not just live, but in his element. He told me that the experience was unreal and very empowering. I can't remember everything he said, but i think the one quote that sums him up best was this..."he was a man bigger than Nigeria itself." Nuff said.

To find out more, here is the beginning of the Fela documentary that tells the amazing story behind the musical genius. The rest can be found on Youtube:

And an earlier track w/ the Africa '70 as Fela Ransome Kuti:

Fela Kuti - Shakara (Oloje)

**btw we start COOL OUT with a Fela track every week so it pays to get there early!**

Jorge Ben vs. Rod Stewart

Love love love me some Jorge Ben! For those of you who don't think you're familiar with this brazilian samba/funk/jazz genius, think again. Although he's got a ton of great music in his catalogue, you'd probably best recognize him for his first major hit, "Mas Que Nada" later popularized in the US by Sergio Mendes (ie used in Austin Powers). Other favorites of mine include "Ive Brussel", "Para Que Digladiar" and the reason for my post today "Taj Mahal" (originally released in 1972 on the album 'Ben' but revamped and re-released on numerous Jorge Ben albums throughout his career). An epic samba-esque tune that builds up and breaks down into an awesome chanty, sing alongy type chorus (ie "dae da dae de dae, da dae de dae...") all the while keeping the tempo right around 130bpm. Now, i've loved this tune for a while now, but every time i hear it i usually end up singing "Do ya think i'm sexy? (1978)" by Rod Stewart. Well, as it turns out, im not so lame AND more importantly, im not the only one who noticed this almost too obvious similarity. Later that year Jorge sued Rod for plagiarism, and won. Sweet. Of course, this was good news for Jorge, but even better news for me because now i won't feel so tacky when i can't help but burst into "if you want my body, and you think i'm sexy..."

Here's a funkier version off of his 'Africa Brasil' album released in 1976. Funkier yes, but you should still be able to make out the likeness:

and here's another lil treat that should get "do ya think i'm sexy?" outta yer head:

Jorge Ben - "Take it easy my brother Charles"