Fans, or even casual admirers, of Fela Kuti will be atop the world shortly when Knitting Factory Records begins their unveiling of - get this - all 45 of the Afro-beat pioneer's albums, reissued on both vinyl and CD formats.
According to a press release, the re-released CD versions will come in digipacks with all original artwork, and this will be the first time all of the vinyl versions of Kuti's album will be available in North America. In addition, this will be the only official release of all Kuti material featuring his '60s backing band, Koola Lobitos.
The Best of the Black President compilation series will kick off the reissue frenzy on October 27. A deluxe edition will feature a bonus DVD, featuring interview clips with Kuti biographer Carlos Moore, as well as live performances by the man himself. Reissues will then continue to filter in throughout 2009 and into 2010.
In other Kuti news, a Bill T. Jones-choreographed and directed Broadway musical called Fela! opens on November 23 at the Eugene O'Neil Theater in New York telling the life story of the popular Nigerian musician, right up until his death in 1997.
According to a press release, the re-released CD versions will come in digipacks with all original artwork, and this will be the first time all of the vinyl versions of Kuti's album will be available in North America. In addition, this will be the only official release of all Kuti material featuring his '60s backing band, Koola Lobitos.
The Best of the Black President compilation series will kick off the reissue frenzy on October 27. A deluxe edition will feature a bonus DVD, featuring interview clips with Kuti biographer Carlos Moore, as well as live performances by the man himself. Reissues will then continue to filter in throughout 2009 and into 2010.
In other Kuti news, a Bill T. Jones-choreographed and directed Broadway musical called Fela! opens on November 23 at the Eugene O'Neil Theater in New York telling the life story of the popular Nigerian musician, right up until his death in 1997.
