UK-based Nigerian DJ Fresh Oman honours Fela Kuti on a long mix titled “Best Of Fela Kuti (The Mix).” It stitches together “Water No Get Enemy,” “Gentleman,” “Zombie” and “Lady.”
Fela Kuti pioneered Afrobeat by mixing jazz, funk, highlife and Yoruba chants. His songs carry political bite, so a mix like this also works as a history lesson. DJ Fresh Oman is based in the UK, but the tribute stays rooted in Nigeria.
DJ Fresh Oman – Best Of Fela Kuti (The Mix) runs well over an hour, so it plays like a full concert. Fela’s horns, drums and call and response chants keep rolling from one song to the next. Because the blends stay smooth, the groove keeps moving.
DJ Fresh Oman acts as the guide here, and he lets Fela do the talking. He picks songs with clear stories, so even casual fans can follow.
“Zombie” hits at soldiers who follow orders without thinking, and “Lady” questions changing ideas about African women.
This mix works because the songs are strong and the order makes sense. Although the records are old, the messages still ring true.
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