It is the season of Fela Kuti with Felabration ongoing in many places around the world and Partisan Records has revealed the highly anticipated Box Set #6 in their ongoing series of reissues celebrating the Afrobeat legend’s illustrious discography. This latest instalment, curated by the multifaceted talent Idris Elba, also known as Big Driis, promises to be a treasure trove for fans of the genre.
According to The Line of Best Fit, following the footsteps of previous curated editions by acclaimed artistes like Chris Martin, Erykah Badu, Ginger Baker, Brian Eno and Questlove, Idris Elba’s selection boasts iconic Fela Kuti albums, including Open & Close (1972), Music of Many Colours (1980), Stalemate (1977), I Go Shout Plenty!!! (1977), Live in Amsterdam (1983) and Opposite People (1977).
The big reveal also brought forth the single “Stalemate (Edit),” sourced from the 1977 record of the same name. The track, with lyrics in Broken English and Yoruba, delves into the confrontations between Nigeria’s military regime and Fela’s loyal fan base, consisting of students, intellectuals and the urban working class, aptly dubbed “sufferheads.”
Limited to just 5,000 copies, Box Set #6 includes meticulously recreated album artwork, a 24-page booklet featuring lyrics and commentaries by Afrobeat historian Chris May, never-before-seen photos, and a personal introduction by Idris Elba. The set also comes with a special 16″ x 24″ poster designed by Lemi Ghariokwu, the creative genius behind many of Fela’s iconic album covers.
The release of Fela Kuti – Box Set #6, curated by Idris Elba, is scheduled for December 1, available for pre-order now via Partisan Records.
