Femi Kuti - Live At The Shrine [DVD]

Proponents of Afrobeat, your holy grail has been forged! Seek & purchase this gem without hesitation. Femi himself hails "Live at the Shrine" to be his most cherished project because it reflects the reality of his music, his life, and of the Nigerian people.

"Live at the Shrine" contains a blistering live set interspersed with documentary footage of the Afrika Shrine (a nightclub, daytime hang-out, Femi's house, and spiritual & political center). Via the documentary we visit backstage with Femi's band & entourage, Lagos street life, and even Femi's inner sanctum (his on-site living quarters). We hear from Femi's sister (Yeni) and aunt (Fela's sister Dolupo), and see Femi interacting playfully with his wife. Like his father, Femi has created a community around his venue- and his disciples idolize him as a prophet & guardian- it is quite heartening to witness.

This concert (70 min) & interspersed documentary was filmed in Lagos during three shows on Femi's weekly "Sunday Jumps". All songs are strong, and all were chosen for performance/inclusion by his audience via democratic vote! Most songs are recorded uninterrupted and in their entirety. The quality of the video & sound is impeccable, though audio choices are limited to PCM 2.0 or AC3 2.0 only. It is equally amazing that such quality was achieved on a remote recording, and that the footage made it out of Nigeria (especially considering many of the songs denounce the abuses of the corrupt government). The band's sound is clear & well-balanced (amazing considering they are 20 strong!). Raphaël Frydman's cinematic sensibilities are quite pleasing, sensitive, and well edited. Frydman often employs split screen (like Woodstock) to great effect. DVD has optional subtitles in English, French, and Spanish (helpful in understanding Nigerian pidgin). The navigation screens are clear, attractive and efficient. Bonus footage includes more Femi interviews, a video for Shotan, and live uninterrupted footage of Yeparipa & Water no get Enemy.

OluFemi has matured greatly in the three years since his last offering. The music on this DVD (same on the "Africa Shrine" CD) is simply stunning- his best writing & performance to date. "Live at the Shrine" demonstrates Femi's return to pure, rootsy, powerful Afrobeat. This is unwesternized music for the hometown crowd! The songs have a groovy lope- absent is Femi's old tendency to rush his songs live. His 20+ member band is top-notch, infusing this recording with their own unique facets (ex. his jazz-influenced guitarist adds a lovely dimension).

Songs include: Dem Bobo , Oyimbo , I Wanna be Free , If Dem Want to Hear, Eho , "1, 2, 3, 4", Yeparipa , Can't Buy Me , Bring Me the Man Now , '97 , Shotan , and
Water No Get Enemy.

"Live at the Shrine" is a masterpiece!

I just recently saw Femi Kuti at the Hollywood Bowl and was totally blown away by this amazing musical experience. As a Westerner, we rarely see music as such a spiritual experience as this. I was very excited to see the "Live at the Shrine" DVD. Unfortunately, it really is not all that impressive. It's very slow at times. The camera always focuses on Femi, and fails to capture the energy of the band as a whole (did we EVER see the amazing drummer), and the mix of the music is very "off." The other problem is that we didn't get nearly enough background about Femi, Fela, Nigeria, his life etc. I think a narrator would have really helped during the dull portions. So why did I give it 4 stars?

The accompanying audio CD is AWESOME!! Well worth the price paid. Even though it is the same performance as the DVD, for some reason listening to the audio cd really captures the amazing live performance. The drums are commanding, the horns blare. The rythyms are tantric. It really hits the spot. If you like Afrobeat, buy this package for the CD alone and use the DVD as a coaster. Ok the DVD isn't THAT bad, but you get the idea. And if Femi comes to your town, DEFINITELY go to the show.

Femi Kuti and Positive Force rock!!
Politically engaged, fine muscianship and electrifying stage presence. Femi is here to stay. CD 5 stars DVD 5 stars. You will listen to it everyday and want to get all of his stuff!! I look forward to the day when I can attend a "Sunday Jump" at the New African Shrine in Lagos, Nigeria. "Bring me the man!"

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