Tony Oladipo Allen was a Nigerian and French drummer, composer, and songwriter who lived and worked in Paris, France. Allen was the drummer and musical director of Fela Kuti's band Africa '70 from 1968 to 1979, and was one of the founders of the Afrobeat genre. Fela once stated that "without Tony Allen, there would be no Afrobeat". He was described by Brian Eno as "perhaps the greatest drummer who has ever lived".
Allen at Oslo Jazzfestival 2015
Tony Allen at the Eurockéennes of 2007
Tony Allen (1988)
Fela Aníkúlápó Kútì, also famously known as Abàmì Ẹ̀dá, was a Nigerian musician, bandleader, composer, political activist, and Pan-Africanist. He is regarded as the King of Afrobeat, a Nigerian music genre that combines West African music with African-American funk and jazz. At the height of his popularity, he was referred to as one of Africa's most "challenging and charismatic music performers". AllMusic described him as "a musical and sociopolitical voice" of international significance.
Kuti in 1970
The Ransome-Kuti family c. 1940: Reverend Israel and Chief Funmilayo seated, Dolu at back, Fela in the foreground and baby Beko, with Olikoye at right
Two of Kuti's sons are musicians: Femi and Seun.
James Brown was an important American influence on Kuti's musical style.