REWIND: BLITZ the AMBASSADOR x LES NUBIANS [ACCRA, OCT. 2011]

BLITZ THE AMBASSADOR rocks KAYOBI CLOTHING | ACCRA, OCT. 2011

Nothing like a new year to get you easing on down memory lane. While tripping through our archive this morning, we came across these behind-the-scenes shots of Blitz the Ambassador and Les Nubians rehearsing before that killer live homecoming show at Alliance Française back in October 2011. The concert also marked The Ambassador’s first time performing in Ghana in 10 years.

In retrospect, this was the joint that revealed the pulse of the Accra indie music scene in all it’s raw and vibrant glory. We ain’t been the same since.

Brother Blitz, the folks wanna know – when are we on again?

Photos by our Co-Director – Mantse Aryeequaye – for ACCRA [dot] ALT.

Hélène and Célia Faussart Are Les Nubians

THE MIGHTY HORNS

Hélène

Célia

There Were 27: Fela’s Queen Science

FELA KUTI + THE QUEENS

The revival of interest in FELA ANIKULAPO KUTI has immortalized the musician as a global pop culture icon. In fact, Fela’s personal life was just as fascinating as his AfroBeat music.

Fela just didn’t give a damn. He lived his life.

In 1978, Fela married 27 women in a ceremony to recognize the one-year anniversary of the attack on his Kalakuta Republic compound by the Nigerian military. Many of Fela’s new wives were his Africa ’70 bandmates – dancers, singers and composers – who lived and traveled with him. After the wedding, the group honeymooned in Ghana. (SIDE NOTE: 1978 is the same year Fela was banned from Ghana for being “liable to cause a breach of the peace.” The order was issued to Fela because youth fans confronted police at an Accra concert when “Zombie” began to play.)

Fela called his wives “Queens” explaining that these “women have special powers to see the future – to see front and back. Important people always have them around…they advise me what to do” (Music is a Weapon, 1982). After serving a 27-month jail term on a trumped-up charge for currency smuggling in 1986, Fela divorced his remaining 12 wives musing that “marriage brings jealousy and selfishness…no man has the right to own a woman’s vagina.”

Meanwhile Fela’s ex-wives have been quiet as kept about life in Kalakuta Republic. What speaks volumes, however, is the undeniable style, spirit swag and fierce personality these women had each in a distinct way.

AfroPop nostalgia in full effect. Check out these fresh photos of Fela’s Queens: