Tony Allen, born Tony Oladipo Allen on July 20, 1940, in Lagos, Nigeria, and passed away on April 30, 2020, in Paris, France, was a legendary drummer, composer and songwriter, widely recognized as one of the primary co-founders of the Afrobeat genre, along with Fela Kuti. His innovative drumming style was incredibly influential, fusing African rhythms with funk, jazz, and soul to create a distinct and compelling sound that has inspired generations of musicians.

Throughout his illustrious career, Allen was the rhythmic force behind Fela Kuti's band Africa '70 in the 1960s and 70s and was sometimes referred to as the "beat" of Afrobeat. However, Allen’s musical journey didn’t end with his time alongside Kuti. His solo career was marked by experimentation and collaboration, as highlighted in his later works such as the psychedelic "Rejoice" (Special Edition). Allen never ceased to evolve, which is evident in the eclectic nature of his most recent releases - from the electronica-infused "Don’t Believe The Dancers (Mophono Remix)" to the remastered classics like "Secret Agent" and "Celebrate" from his 2010 album. With "The Solution Is Restless", a collaboration with musician Joan as Police Woman and the late Nigerian poet Ben Okri, Allen again demonstrated his timeless and transcendent approach to music. Tony Allen leaves behind a monumental legacy as the iconic architect of Afrobeat's rhythm and an explorer of its endless possibilities.

Genres

Afrobeat

Afropop

World

Related Artists

Fela Kuti

Seun Kuti

Ebo Taylor

Orlando Julius

Gorillaz

JID

Thundercat

Erykah Badu

Antibalas

Michael Kiwanuka

Robert Glasper

Mick Jenkins

Latest Release

Lagos Paris London

Yannis & The Yaw•

Tony Allen•

Yannis

Ep - 5 Tracks - Released August 30, 2024