Tony Allen

Tony Allen (1940-2020) was a Nigerian drummer and composer, born in Lagos, who created Afrobeat together with Fela Kuti. He began playing with Fela in 1964, drummed in Koola Lobitos and was musical director of Africa 70, staying with Fela until 1979. Allen later built a solo career and spent his last decades in Paris. Allen made his first albums under his own name with Africa 70, starting with Jealousy (1975), followed by Progress and No Accommodation for Lagos. After leaving Fela he formed his own band, the Afro Messengers, and recorded No Discrimination.