Episode 45: Tony Allen Tribute

On Thursday April 28 we lost one of the few remaining giants of twentieth century African music. I am referring to Tony Allen, the drummer who served as musical director for Fela Kuti’s band in Nigeria from 1964 to 1979 before pursuing a long solo career. Tony Allen played a huge role in developing the Afrobeat sound that is now probably Africa’s most popular musical export. He died in Paris, his home since 1985; this is not being reported as a coronavirus-related death. This news comes just one month after the death of another African music legend, Cameroon saxophonist Manu Dibango, who created the hit song “Soul Makossa,” and who was probably the most important pioneer in bringing African artists to record in Europe, and popularizing African sounds in Europe. Losing these two artists within one month’s time feels like a profound loss to the society of African musical legends, a moment when we acknowledge the passing of the old guard. Tony Allen, you were one of the most influential drummers of the last half century, you were a tremendously positive force as a human, and you were the first and always the best to make a kit drum sound African. This show will be a tribute to the music of Tony Allen; all tracks today featuring the master on drums.