Lately I’ve been kicking around the idea of doing a week of African music here on End Hits, but I’m having a difficult time rounding up all the things I’d like to post. I’ll get it together though — it wont be long.

In the meantime, checkout this documentary on the Godfather of afro-beat, Fela Kuti. His is a ferociously compelling story, and though the documentary starts out a bit slow, it does ramp up (the first song of the second part is a sonnofabitch). And Jesus, what I would give to see a live performance at the Shrine…

During the third segment Fela makes inspiring remarks about the “spiritual life of music.” If you aren’t a musician, it’ll make you want to become one.

I don’t want to spoil what happens later… so just watch. It’s unbelievable, tragic and moving.

Kuti’s got to be considered one of the most influential musicians to deal strongly in politics. Who else would you add to the list? Harry Belafonte, Bob Marley, Dylan, Propagandhi (kidding)?

Anyway, give this video a look. Here are the second, third, fourth fourth, fifth and final parts are on Youtube. That’s nearly an hour of your workday taken care of right there… and whatever it is your boss is paying you for, chances are it isn’t as important as learning about (or listening to) Fela Kuti.