Ikoyi Blindness (1975)

by Fela Kuti

supported by

	/

Streaming + Download

Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.

Purchasable with gift card

$9 USD or more

	1.	Ikoyi Blindness 15:07
	2.	Gba Mi Leti Ki N'Dolowo 14:13

about

Fela’s definition of mental blindness is a person who, with his eyes wide-open, misses his direction and keeps turning round in circles without ever getting to his destination. Ikoyi Blindness refers to the Nigerian elite class who choose wrong professions because it provides them status in society rather than job satisfaction. Not only are they in the wrong professions, they are also blind to the sufferings of their fellow countrymen who live in ghettos like: Mushin, Ajegunle, Somolu, Maroko and even Kalakuta. Pointing to the example of a lawyer; who instead of buying law books, chooses hammer as his trade tool, or a musician who chooses spanner as his trade tool. Fela says there is still some hope for such men, if they could channel their way of thinking towards their environment. ‘…them miss road! Them find road again oh!’. Those social-climbers who see the status quo and stepping into the shoes of former colonial administrators as a sign of moving up in society. They are forgetting that the majority of their folks are still struggling in the ghettos. Such people must realize that they are worse off than a blind person living next to a river. They are going to fall: “shallow” into more ‘Ikoyi mental’ Blindness.

Gba Mi Leti Ki N’Dolowo (Slap Me Make I Get Money): 1974 was a turning point for the judicial system to live up to its sworn goal of upholding the law. Particularly, in a country where the rich constantly took advantage of the poor with impunity. A series of lawsuits involving people from the lower echelons of society, against high society and influential men, resulted in the rich paying high fees as damage to their poor accusers. Fela sang about the issue making the point that you cannot take advantage of anyone and get away with it. If you slap me, I will get money. For as long as I respect myself, I won’t go beyond my bounds — if you slap me you will pay.

- Mabinuori Kayode Idowu

credits

released May 11, 2010

license

about

Fela Kuti Lagos, Nigeria

Over a decade after his death, vindication has come to Fela Kuti, Africa’s musical genius. AfroBeat, his gift to the world, is now an international staple on his own uncompromising terms, social content intact.

fela.net

contact / help

Contact Fela Kuti

Streaming and
Download help

Redeem code

Report this album or account

If you like Fela Kuti, you may also like:

Hamad Kalkaba and The Golden Sounds 1974-1975 (Analog Africa Nr. 24)
by Analog Africa

supported by 7 fans who also own “Ikoyi Blindness (1975)”

An excellent song and album. Family Feet
go to album
Congolese Funk, Afrobeat & Psychedelic Rumba 1969-1978 (Analog Africa Nr. 17)
by Verckys et l´Orchestre Vévé

supported by 7 fans who also own “Ikoyi Blindness (1975)”

Analog Africa is by far my favourite gateway to the amazing music of the African continent... I must have missed this album by release, so I made this an early christmas present to myself. This is some serious funky shizzle!!! Mr Crumbone
go to album
African Scream Contest Vol.2 - Benin 1963-1980 (Analog Africa Nr. 26)
by Analog Africa

supported by 7 fans who also own “Ikoyi Blindness (1975)”

June 2023 - An excellent comp. Family Feet
go to album
Take to The Streets
by Eparapo

The debut from Afrobeat supergroup Eparapo boasts bright, bursting syncopated rhythms and triumphant blasts of brass. Bandcamp New & Notable Sep 10, 2023
go to album
Off The Grid
by ONIPA

featured on Bandcamp Radio Aug 22, 2023
go to album
The Confluence EP
by Dele Sosimi & the Estuary 21

Dele Sosimi’s new album pairs the bubbling percussion of Afrobeat with slinky jazz melodies for a warm & wonderful final product. Bandcamp New & Notable Apr 24, 2023
go to album
Eghass Malan
by Les Filles de Illighadad

supported by 7 fans who also own “Ikoyi Blindness (1975)”

Inspirational. Love the vocals and the simple yet captivating melodies. Thank you, ladies x arinasingh
go to album