Ka La Ka Afro Beat Band - Soul Ethiopia * 1975

This record was inspired by a reunion of African musicians in Addis Abeba (Ethiopia), then a symbol of the liberation of Africa from colonial rule. The political gusto that presided over its creation was translasted in the afro-beat artform created by Fela Anikulapo Kuti, the self-styled "black president". Most tracks are built around the classic basic structure of afro-beat, a strong bass-drums couple playing very bare and hypnotic rhytms upon which brass sections alternate soli and repetitive loops and are often superseded in their functions by lead and rhythm guitars. Though Soul Ethiopia doesn't have the same powerful impact as Fela's own releases that were afterall supported by the numerous choirs and larger brass sections of Afrika 70 and Egypt 80, this LP's got soul and is penetrated by the unmistakable groove of afro-beat and its conscious vehement lyrics. One of the rare afro-beat efforts to ever be produced outside of the anikulapo family, Soul Ethiopia will remain in history as a unique musical plea for the cause of a free and united Africa.