Name: Original Sufferhead
Brand: Fela Kuti

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

KFR2039-3

Colour

Green

Colour details

Ewuro (Opaque Light Green)

Discogs ID

Format multiplier

Download code

Download code: No

Rough Trade Exclusive

Rough Trade Exclusive: No

Extended format

Extended format: No

Format detail

Format Music GB

Limited edition

Release date

2024-02-23

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier GB

PIAS

Tax rate GB

Standard:20

UPC / Barcode

0720841205234

Total Cap

Green LP

Artist

Fela Kuti

Genre GB

African

Label GB

Knitting Factory

Restored classics, rare finds, and sought-after releases. Whether you're a vinyl enthusiast or a tape collector, we have something for everyone.

Reissues

Fela Kuti, born on 15 October 1938 in Abeokuta, Nigeria, was a legendary musician and human rights revolutionary. He formed his first group Koola Lobitos in 1963 and later changed the name to Afrika 70. Fela's vision and collaboration with key members like drummer Tony Allen ensured that the jazz, funk, and afrobeat style remained consistent throughout the decades. Known for his political activism, Fela started his own party to protest corruption in Nigeria. His influence on funk and African music is unparalleled, with a discography of approximately 77 albums.

After visiting America in 1969, Fela returned to Nigeria and opened club Afro Spot in Lagos. He collaborated with renowned musicians such as Ginger Baker and Bobby Tench from The Jeff Beck Group on notable albums like "Ginger Baker Live with Afrika 70" (1971) and "Stratavarious" (1972). In 1981, he renamed his group Egypt 80.

Fela Anikulapo Kuti, formerly known as Fela Ransome-Kuti until about 1978, was not only a musical icon but also a symbol of resistance against oppression. He established his own compound called the Kalakuta Republic in Lagos which he declared independent from Nigeria. However, this led to constant harassment by the government towards him and his numerous wives.

Knitting Factory is a renowned music label that was initially called [l7826]. With the aim of promoting diverse and innovative music, Knitting Factory has established itself as a leading force in the industry. Since its inception, this label has been dedicated to supporting talented artists and performers, showcasing their unique sounds to a global audience.

With an impressive catalog of releases, Knitting Factory offers a wide range of genres including jazz, world music, rock, and electronic. The label's commitment to quality and artistic integrity is evident in every release they put out. From iconic albums by *John Zorn* and *Medeski Martin & Wood* to groundbreaking works by *The Bad Plus* and *Bill Frisell*, Knitting Factory continues to push boundaries and redefine what it means to be a record label.

As you explore the vast collection of music on offer from Knitting Factory, you'll discover hidden gems waiting to be unearthed. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the label's roster, there's something for everyone here. Join us on this musical journey as we celebrate the incredible talent fostered by Knitting Factory.

Newest Listed Items

This edition of Original Sufferhead is a major event. With the release of box set #5, and now on this reissue, the title track of this magnificent album is presented in its full-length, 25 minutes 24 seconds glory. While preparing the master disc for the box set, our engineer Jedi, Colin Young, discovered four minutes of “lost” material on the B-side of the original pressing, including a superb keyboard solo by Fela. This had been omitted from subsequent reissues. The restored version used here starts and finishes with Fela’s keyboard work, a typically venturesome blend of futurism and visceralism. Original Sufferhead was the first album Fela released under Egypt 80’s name (he had disbanded Afrika 70 in 1979). On the title track, arguing from the personal to the political, Fela describes the inhuman treatment and poor living conditions experienced by working class Nigerians, the people he called sufferheads. In “Power Show,” Fela sings about the two-tier system dividing Nigerian society, in which the rich get treated one way and the poor another.

Original Sufferhead

Music GB

Discover Original Sufferhead by Fela Kuti. This reissue from Knitting Factory includes "lost" material and a 25-minute title track.