Legendary Drummer Tony Allen (From the Archives)
Pioneering drummer Tony Allen, who was called “perhaps the greatest drummer who has ever lived" by Brian Eno, has died in Paris, at the age of 79. Allen was the longtime drummer and musical director for the Nigerian bandleader Fela Kuti where his unique, propulsive, funky, innovative drum patterns helped to define the style known as Afrobeat. He was self-taught and said that he created that signature sound through listening to recordings of Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers and Max Roach. A legend among drummers -and musicians of all styles from all over the world- Tony Allen and his band played a few tunes in-studio from his record Secret Agent, back in 2011.
Set list: "Elewon Po," "Secret Agent"
Here's a New Sounds Guide to Tony Allen: