Fela, Uniting Black Struggle in Song: Red Hot Riots, From West Africa...

Abstract

“Music Is the Weapon,” Chiedo Nkwocha’s review of Red Hot + Riot: The Music and Spirit of Fela Kuti (MCA, 2002), dwells primarily on the HIV/AIDS awareness project in Africa (Untold 24, 2003). It gives shocking data about the current state of the infection and disease. One will not hesitate to think that the disease is ravaging Africa. The production of this CD brings artists together from around the world and across the Black Diaspora. The contributors therefore lend their own support to the HIV/AIDS awareness. We cannot fail to notice, further, that this CD occupies the place of memory which constantly reminds Black people the world over that what embattles Africa is not only a killer disease but also something historical that goes beyond the façade of the dreaded disease.