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Prisoner
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A tribute song to the late great Fela Kuti of Nigeria written in his style. Performed by Simba on their self-titled CD. Fela was the master of the riff, a great inspiration to James Brown and many others.
nigeria afropop fela kuti simba fela tony allen prisoner of conscience political prisoner
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Musician - composer of world fusion - African, Asian, Bhangra, Latin, Samba, Reggae, Soca, Flamenco, Pop, Appalachian and more. Award winning singer-songwriter,
Song Info
Genre
World • World Fusion
Charts
Peak #56
Peak in subgenre #14
Author
Derrik Jordan
Rights
2003
Uploaded
October 15, 2013
Track Files
MP3
MP3 8.4 MB • 128 kbps • 9:09
Story behind the song
I wrote Prisoner in the early 80's. I was a huge fan of Fela and had been playing his song Zombie for years in a world beat band in Putney VT called Cayenne. I finally decided that I needed to show some appreciation for Fela by writing a tribute song to him in his style. Simba (started in 1989) has been playing this song for many years and it's always been a big hit for us on the dance floor.
Lyrics
Prisoner Let me tell you a little story… In Nigeria lived a man called Fela (2x) Him no like what he see so he sing out against it (2x) Him see brutality so he sing out against it Fela see poverty so he sing out against it Fela see theivery so he sing out against it Fela play the saxophone Fela play the piano Fela sing of his home Fela say something wrong Prisoner of war (prisoner, prisoner) Prisoner of conscience (free the prisoner) Prisoner of war (prisoner, prisoner) Prisoner of conscience In Nigeria it’s a crime to criticize the government (2x) But the people love Fela, try to make him president And then Fela almost wins and that scares the government Send the army to his house Put the army all around Then the army rush inside Kill his mother, rape his wives And they whip him like a dog And they break all his fingers Prisoner of war (prisoner, prisoner) Prisoner of conscience (free the prisoner!) Prisoner of war (prisoner, prisoner) Prisoner of conscience Words and music by Derrik Jordan copyright 2003 Recorded on Simba’s self titled CD Hilljoy Music/BMI (802)387-4050 hilljoy@sover.net http://www.derrikjordan.com
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