A video from Tony Allen’s last-ever performance has gone live.
The afrobeat pioneer – someone who Brian Eno dubbed one of the most important drummers to emerge in the 70s – was a perpetual source of inspiration. Tony Allen was rightly lauded for his recordings alongside Fela Kuti, but his broad-ranging career moved from Sebastian Tellier to Gorillaz, and beyond.
Touching down at East London’s Church Of Sound for two nights in March 2020, few could have realised they were witnessing his final shows.
Recorded for posterity, a version of ‘Never (Lagos Never Gonna Be The Same)’ is out now, propelled by Fela Kuti’s lithe, nimble, reflexive drumming.
It’s all part of the 10th anniversary celebrations of Church Of Sound – hosted at St. James the Great church in Hackney, its beautiful setting and relaxed, community-first vibe has made it a key jazz (and beyond) spot in London’s music calendar.
New compilation ‘Clapton Hymns Vol. 1’ lands on November 20th, and Tony Allen is – naturally – one of the highlights.
Dele Sosimi, who joined Fela Anikulapo-Kuti’s Egypt 80 band in 1979 and performed alongside Tony Allen countless times, reflects on Tony’s final performance in a message addressed directly to his late friend:
“You gave me your phone on concert day one and said, ‘Record the performance, as I have never, ever played in a church,’ to which I remarked, ‘I can imagine Felá and Bra Hugh having a good laugh at the irony!’ As we said our goodbyes on the 13th of March, ìfura [premonition] flashed through my mind for a fleeting moment, too quickly for me to ponder on. Your ascension was 48 days later, to become an Òrìshà [divine spirit]! Memories are brought back to life here in this visual offering, and I remember changing the lyrics backstage to: ‘Afrobeat never gonna be the same, never, without Tony.’ How surreal.”
Watch ‘Never (Lagos Never Gonna Be The Same)’ below.
Church Of Sound hits The Barbican’s Main Hall (as part of London Jazz Festival) on November 20th – more info and tickets here.
Related: Future Rhythm Machine – Fela Kuti Interviewed
Photo Credit: Joe Hart
