She tear trouser, he tear pant! Roforofo Fight was the first true classic album from the insanely prolific Fela Kuti & Africa 70 (they released 5 albums the year before this came out), the one that found their afrobeat sound fully distilled, laying the framework for future classics Afrodisiac, Everything Scatter, He Miss Road, Zombie and Expensive Shit. “Go Slow” does what it says on the tin, and although it’s not actually a slow track (this is Fela after all), it’s a relatively mellow meditation on the frustrations of traffic in Lagos. Meanwhile, “Roforofo Fight” (a political battle in which no participant is unsullied; a mud-slinging contest) is the real ass shaker here, kicking off with Tony Allen’s untouchable beat that inspired nearly a half century of afrocentric riddims. Fela’s sax rules the first half, and nearly 8 minutes in, the black president takes the podium and the party really gets going. This deluxe 50th anniversary edition contains all 4 tracks from the original Nigerian 2LP pressing for the first time in 50 years, plus 2 rare singles on LP for the first time ever. Limited edition red vinyl pressing with printed inner sleeve and code for digital download. Recommended.

• 50th anniversary edition
• first time reissue w/ full original tracklist from the original Nigerian 2LP pressing, plus 2 rare bonus tracks
• transparent green & orange colored double vinyl pressing
  
• includes obi strip + printed inner sleeves w/ liner notes
• limited edition
• original release year: 1972
• music label: Knitting Factory Records 2022

reviewed by hannibal chew 12/2017