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By the time Shakara was recorded, Fela had put two of mature Afrobeat's signature characteristics in place. Crucially, Africa 70 now included two guitarists: rhythm guitarist Tutu Shoronmu is partnered by tenor guitarist Segun Edo and the pair’s naggingly repetitive interplay, equal parts melody and rhythm, plays a similar role to the rhythm and mi-solo guitars in contemporary Congolese rumba. Second, Fela's use of Broken English lyrics – which were authentic and of the people and to which he added a poetic mojo – took Afrobeat’s potential audience beyond Yoruba speakers, making his songs understandable throughout English-speaking Africa and vastly extending his potential audience.

Full track audio here:    • Fela Kuti - Shakara