Best of the Black President

Editors’ Notes No single compilation can contain the force of nature that was Fela Kuti, but Best of the Black President does a darn good job trying. This set traces the Nigerian firebrand’s evolution from Afrobeat progenitor in the ‘60s to world music icon by the ‘90s. Fela’s fiercest political screeds, like “Zombie” and “ITT, Pt. 2,” are here alongside more languid grooves like “Water No Get Enemy” and “Shuffering and Shmiling, Pt. 2.” Fela’s formidable talents as both bandleader and political megaphone are evident throughout, but this set also doubles as a kinetic dance party.