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Idris Elba Curates Fela Kuti Box Set #6: A Journey Through Afrobeat’s Iconic Albums

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Actor, producer, DJ, rapper, and singer Idris Elba, also known as Big Driis, has stepped into the world of Afrobeat to curate the sixth installment of the Fela Kuti Box Set Series. 

These comprehensive box set reissues celebrate the timeless legacy of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti, with each edition curated by a luminary figure. 

Previous editions have been shaped by artists like Chris Martin, Erykah Badu, Ginger Baker, Brian Eno, and Questlove. This latest curated collection, Box Set #6, is a testament to Fela Kuti’s iconic work and features the albums “Open & Close” (1972), “Music of Many Colours” (1980), “Stalemate” (1977), “I Go Shout Plenty!!!” (1977), “Live in Amsterdam” (1983), and “Opposite People” (1977).

Limited to just 5,000 copies, this extraordinary set meticulously recreates the original vinyl pressings’ artwork, including vintage vinyl label designs. The package also contains a 24-page booklet that features lyrics and insightful commentaries on each record by renowned Afrobeat historian Chris May. 

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This booklet is enriched with never-before-seen photos and an introduction penned by Idris Elba himself. As an added bonus, every set includes a special 16″ x 24″ poster, designed by Lemi Ghariokwu, the creative mastermind behind many of Fela’s iconic album covers.

But the musical journey doesn’t stop there. A short documentary titled “Fela Kuti: The Legacy” is now available for viewing. Directed by Kayode Thomas, this documentary delves deep into the profound influence Fela Kuti had on fashion, style, and culture, as well as his impactful message and activism. 

It takes audiences on a historical journey to explore the significance of the Shrine, the iconic music venue where Fela Kuti delivered electrifying performances.

The documentary features interviews with key figures such as Mádé Kuti, Fela’s grandson, Sandra Izsadore, a humanitarian and a friend of Fela, Dele Sosimi, a musician, Lemi Ghariokwu, the artistic talent behind Fela’s album covers, Jeff Jarratt, a record producer, Rikki Stein, a friend and manager, Chris May, an Afrobeat historian and author, Miles Showell, a mastering engineer, and Sodi Marciszewer, a record producer. “Fela Kuti: The Legacy” promises a captivating exploration of Fela Kuti’s enduring impact on the world of music and beyond.

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