Tony Allen – Secret Agent (2xVinyl)

Nigerian drummer uncovers the roots of Afrobeat.
Tony Allen has long been considered Africa’s finest drummer and is one of the continent’s most influential musicians. His influences include highlife, soul/funk, jazz and traditional Nigerian drumming. Playing alongside Fela Kuti, with whom he collaborated for 15 years, he invented Afrobeat, a driving, funky, politically insurgent style that not only became a driving force within African music, but was influential worldwide. The album “Secret Agent” is not only a majestic testament to Afrobeat’s roots, but also Allen’s first release since he made a splash as a founding member of The Good The Bad And The Queen alongside Damon Albarn, Paul Simenon and Simon Tong. “Secret Agent” was produced by Allen himself and recorded with his seasoned touring band – including musicians from Nigeria, Cameroon and France. The result: gnawing guitars, funky keyboards, soulful vocals, thick horns and plenty of driving, irresistible beats. “Without Tony Allen, there would be no Afrobeat” (Fela Kuti).