Various Artists - Essential Afrobeat (The Very Best Of Afrobeat)

(Family Records 2004)

Breathtaking journey into the outer reaches of Afrobeat, compiled by Dele Sosimi. Afrobeat is the energetic, funk-fuelled, drum-led sound that exploded in the 70's, created by Fela Kuti and his Africa 70 band, and refuses to go away. It is currently enjoying a renaissance in clubs around the UK with new nights and festivals appearing all the time.

Dele Sosimi, who has put together this 3CD compilation, worked with Fela Kuti as his musical director for a period of time. Dele has included classic tracks from all the main Afrobeat players (Fela Kuti, Femi Kuti, Tony Allen, Orlando Julius, Youssou N'Dour, Hugh Masekela, Salif Keita) plus more modern takes on it from Fatboy Slim, DJ Food and Knuf (the spanish Daft Punk and Funk spelt backwards to boot).

Reviewer : Rita Ray