Side One

1. Zombie

Side Two

1. Everything Scatter
2. Monkey Banana

As with most of Fela Kuti’s albums “Zombie” is compromised just a couple of extended pieces, in the case of “Zombie” three pieces. This album was pretty hot property in Fela’s native country Nigeria. After the album’s release the title song became a rallying cry in the streets of Lagos where both poverty and corrupt government were leading to a major crisis in the country. While Fela came from a somewhat wealthy family he eventually became a so-called “man of the people” and his music was highly charged against the government, which led to personal tragedy. 

“Zombie” is without question Fela’s masterpiece, the title track which takes up all of side one is a tour de force, containing a power groove that lifts you off your chair with fists pumped. Fela’s sound has been called “Afro-Beat” by many including Brian Eno (who stated that it was one of the truly original sounds of the 70’s.) “Zombie” the title track carries a vicious groove that is part James Brown and part Archie Shepp (circa “Attica Blues.”) about midway in the vocals enter and whole thing just catches fire and burns out in a blaze of smoke and flames.

On the other side “Everything Scatter” & “Monkey Banana” are a little more subdued than the title track but no less effective. In many ways you could file “Zombie” alongside albums such as John Coltrane’s “OM”, The Pop Group’s “Y” and Miles Davis’ “Dark Magus” for sheer gut busting intensity. If you want to investigate the music of Fela Kuti, then “Zombie” is the logical point of entry!