VIP (Live in Berlin)

Album review

Playing at the Berlin Jazz Festival in 1979 was the best thing that had happened to Fela Anikulapo Kuti and the Afrika 70 in some time. It was impossible for them to play in Nigeria due to a governmental ban, and it was increasingly difficult to play in other regions of Africa as those countries were not too hip to Fela's reputation of inspiring people to disdain their oppressive governments. To that end, the group was broke and without a live audience to convey their message. V.I.P. (Vagabonds in Power) is the result of the first set that evening (the second is not available). The recording opens with a lengthily introduction: first by a German MC, then by a member if the Afrika 70 (who obviously has a great deal of respect for Fela), then by Fela himself. Finally, Fela sets the band to task as they lay down a signature vibe of guitar, bass, and drums that bops along until Fela lets his audience know why they are there. "V.I.P." is a searing comment on the mindset of Nigeria's leaders. He accuses them of ignoring the hungry, jobless, and suffering people of his nation. "Them go dey ride best car/Them go dey chop best food/Them go dey live best house/Them be wrong men." This is the last recording that the great Afrika 70 made with Fela, as most of the group (including drummer Tony Allen) quit right after the show, due to rumors that Fela planned to keep all the money from the evening and use it for his presidential campaign in Nigeria, making this a very important release. And though Fela would go on to form another successful group, this signifies the end of one of the world's greatest working bands.
© Sam Samuelson /TiVo