Tony Allen

Tony Allen , born in Nigeria, was one of the founders of the Afrobeat with its Master and friendly Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, of which it was the beater and artistic director.

About the middle of the Sixties, the two accomplices carry out a round in the United States. The country is upset by the movement of claims of the Afro-Americans. Martin Luther King, Malcom X, Black Panthers… the young musicians Nigerians make their political training there, mainly thanks to their " sœurs". From this awakening will be born one from the fundamental currents of the African music of the 20th century: Afrobeat. An irresistible groove and engaged texts, a mixture between traditional rates/rhythms and electric output, an infallible receipt whose crucible is Nigeria.

But very quickly of the dissensions appear between Tony and Fela, which is radicalized politically and become the champion of the side Africanism, the destroyer of the corruption and the exploitation of the black continent by the multinationals. Tony Allen prefers to leave towards more experimental musical fields. Thus it is found on the label Comet Record, founded by two young French close to electro, and that one will see with his with dimensions musicians such as Doctor L, the Belmondo brothers or Ali Boulo Santo.

In 2005, it returns to the sources with an album very roots " Lagos No shaking" (" Lagos does not tremble pas") recorded on the spot in Nigeria on the label Honest John records. This recording company has been just created by insane African music, in addition super pop star English: Damon Albarn, leader of Blur and Gorillaz. Definitely adventurous, Damon Albarn decides to form a super improbable group in 2006. The project is entitled The Good, the Bad and the Queen and includes/understands Damon Albarn, Tony Allen, Simon Tong like Paul Simonon, former bass player of the Clash,

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