
In 1979, Tony Allen decided to leave Fela & Africa 70 and moved to London in 1982 Originally Released in 1984 on Earthworks Records, this reissue holds an extra track previously unreleased on vinyl called “Olokun” N.E.P.A (Never Expect Power Always) is a searing critique of the Nigerian Electric Power Authority, an organisation that governed the use of electricity in Nigeria).
It starts out with the title track, with a definite Afro-beat punch; Electro-claps stand as part of the percussion line, adding to a more modern look at what Afro-beat was becoming.
This is followed by an even further modernized piece of Afro-beat, as the title track is given a dub mix. “When One Road Close” has a similar pace, and is similarly followed by a dub remix, complete with the necessary space-effects reverb. And to make this reissue extra special the track “Olokun” was never released on vinyl before.
Blending the nascent rise of electronica into Afrobeat production, it’s tighter than any Fela album and became a definitive project in shaping Allen’s future sound. Whether it’s the electro beats or the punchier, multilayered arrangement, it instantly stands out in Allen’s vast and expansive discography.
Track Listing
A1 | NEPA |
A2 | NEPA DANCE DUB |
B1 | WHEN ONE ROAD CLOSED |
B2 | ROAD CLOSED DANCE DUB |
B3 | OLOKUN |
Listen
new releases

Ayizan

Noel Mc Ghie
& Space Spies

Full Moon Ensemble
Crowded With Loneliness

Afro rhythms Vol 1
singles & remixes 1999 2001

Afro rhythms Vol 2
singles & remixes 2009 2017

Psyco On Da Bus
feat Tony Allen & Doctor L

Nu Genea
The Tony Allen Experiments

Tony Allen
NEPA

Tony Allen & Africa 70
Progress

Tony Allen & Africa 70
Jealousy

Tony Allen & Africa 70
No Accomodation For Lagos

Tony Allen & Africa 70
No Discrimination

Tony Allen & Africa 70
Disco Afro Reedit

Ebo Taylor & Pat Thomas
Disco Highlife

Tony Allen
Black Voices
