Fela Kuti

V.I.P.’ (Vagabonds In Power) was recorded live at the Berlin Jazz Festival in Autumn 1978 and released the following year. It is a ferocious and lyrically exalted attack on the abuse of state power. The festival straddled the cusp of the break-up of Afrika 70 and the formation of Egypt 80 in Spring 1979 and ‘V.I.P.’ was the last album Fela made with the drummer Tony Allen, who had been with him since 1964 and acted as Afrika 70’s bandleader.

PERSONNEL:

• Alto Saxophone – 'Topher Uwaifor
• Vocals, Tenor Saxophone – Fela Anikulapo-Kuti
• Baritone Saxophone – Lekan Animasaun
• Bass Guitar – Nweke Atifoh, Okalue Ojeah
• Claves [Sticks] – Ayoola Abayomi
• Congas [1st] – Oladeinde Koffi
• Congas [2nd] – Addo Nettey
• Congas [3rd] – Shina Abiodun
• Drums – Ladi Tony Alabi
• Guitar [Tenor] – Itaoje Clifford
• Maracas – Babajide Olaleye
• Rhythm Guitar – Oghene Kologbo
• Trumpet [2nd] – Oye Sobowale
• Trumpet [Solo] – Tunde Williams

TRACKS:

• SIDE A
• A1. V. I. P. (Part I)

• SIDE B
• B1. V. I. P. (Part II)