Playing at
the Berlin Jazz Festival in 1979 was the best thing that had happened to
Fela Anikulapo Kuti and the
Afrika 70 in some time. It was impossible for them to play in Nigeria due to a governmental ban, and it was increasingly difficult to play in other regions of Africa as those countries were not too hip to
Fela's reputation of inspiring people to disdain their oppressive governments. To that end, the group was broke and without a live audience to convey their message.
V.I.P. (Vagabonds in Power) is the result of the first set that evening (the second is not available). The recording opens with a lengthily introduction: first by a German MC, then by a member if the
Afrika 70 (who obviously has a great deal of respect for
Fela), then by
Fela himself. Finally,
Fela sets the band to task as they lay down a signature vibe of guitar, bass, and drums that bops along until
Fela lets his audience know why they are there.
"V.I.P." is a searing comment on the mindset of Nigeria's leaders. He accuses them of ignoring the hungry, jobless, and suffering people of his nation. "Them go dey ride best car/Them go dey chop best food/Them go dey live best house/Them be wrong men." This is the last recording that the great
Afrika 70 made with
Fela, as most of the group (including drummer
Tony Allen) quit right after the show, due to rumors that
Fela planned to keep all the money from the evening and use it for his presidential campaign in Nigeria, making this a very important release. And though
Fela would go on to form another successful group, this signifies the end of one of the world's greatest working bands. ~ Sam Samuelson
