Comet Records presents the Tony Allen & Afrika 70 reissue series with the classic late seventies first four
solo albums of Tony Allen remastered and restored: Jealousy, Progress, No Accomodation for Lagos & No
Discrimination, all coming in an heavy Deluxe Tip-On Jacket.
Recorded with Afrika 70 at the height of their power as Fela Kuti’s band, these are seminal recordings in the
pantheon of Afrobeat history. Once again, Comet Records has the opportunity to shine a light on the sheer
musicality and originality of the humble drumming giant. Tony Allen’s passing in April 2020 sent a shockwave
across the world, as fans and collaborators from Lagos to Brooklyn and everywhere in between mourned the
loss of a generous and powerful being, the kind of being we thought would live forever. Thankfully, we have
the gift of Tony’s timeless music, starting with these four special solo albums, through which his musical
voice guides our dancing feet and full hearts forever.
Progress showcases Afrika 70 doing what they do best: digging deep and bringing the force, but always with
remarkable restraint and swagger, propelled by Tony’s steady hands and feet. The title track, “Progress”
starts with a bang and never loses steam - a performance so fierce that it stands alongside Fela’s most
powerful anthems. The second track, “Afro Disco Beat” shows Tony Allen at one of his creative peaks. He
tells: “What I was saying on Progress was that instead of fighting Fela for money, I was trying to progress and
create on my own. Progress is what a hard worker is looking for I had to look it for myself” (Taken from Tony’s
autobiography by Michael Veal).
Tony Allen possessed magic within him, which he spent his entire life sharing with us through his drumming
hands, tapping feet and generous heart. That magic is ever-present and strong on these formative solo
albums - they are must-haves for Afrobeat fans across the globe.
