Why Black Man Dey Suffer
Fela Kuti · 1971
28 min · 2 tracks · jazz · Afrobeat · highlife
A powerful fusion of jazz rhythms and highlife sounds, laced with politically charged lyrics and infectious grooves.
Why listen to this
- Context
- Released in 1971, 'Why Black Man Dey Suffer' marked Fela Kuti's emergence as a prominent figure in the Afrobeat genre. This album followed his earlier works, positioning him as a vocal critic of social injustices in Nigeria, blending music with political activism during a time of significant national unrest.
- If you like
- jazz, Afrobeat, highlife
- What next
- Black Man's Cry — Continues the fusion of jazz and highlife with strong political themes.
Why Black Man Dey Suffer is an album by Fela Kuti, released in 1971. A powerful fusion of jazz rhythms and highlife sounds, laced with politically charged lyrics and infectious grooves. The album is noted for its bold critique of societal issues faced by Black individuals, becoming emblematic of Fela's influence on both music and politics. It helped solidify his status within the global music scene and contributed to the rising awareness of Afrobeat as a transformative genre that challenged cultural norms. Here's what makes it worth your time and what to listen to next.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Why Black Man Dey Suffer sound like?
A powerful fusion of jazz rhythms and highlife sounds, laced with politically charged lyrics and infectious grooves. Rooted in jazz and Afrobeat.
What makes Why Black Man Dey Suffer by Fela Kuti notable?
The album is noted for its bold critique of societal issues faced by Black individuals, becoming emblematic of Fela's influence on both music and politics. It helped solidify his status within the global music scene and contributed to the rising awareness of Afrobeat as a transformative genre that challenged cultural norms. Released in 1971, 'Why Black Man Dey Suffer' marked Fela Kuti's emergence as a prominent figure in the Afrobeat genre. This album followed his earlier works, positioning him as a vocal critic of social injustices in Nigeria, blending music with political activism during a time of significant national unrest.
How many songs are on Why Black Man Dey Suffer?
Why Black Man Dey Suffer has 2 tracks, running approximately 28 minutes.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Why Black Man Dey Suffer Standout 15:15
- 2 Ikoyi Mentality Versus Mushin Mentality Standout 12:56
Learn More
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.