In 1975, Tony Allen recorded his debut album, Jealousy, the first of three made with Afrika 70 and produced by Fela Kuti. Jealousy is according to many still the highlight of his 4 solo-albums, featuring 2 afro-beat gems 'Jealousy' and 'Hustler'.
But by 1978 he was ready for a change of scene, and a year later he parted company with Kuti. “It’s not a big story,” says Allen today. “I was tired, I’d just had enough.” His final studio collaboration with Kuti was on an album made with American vibraphonist Roy Ayers, Africa Centre Of The World (released in 1981). In 1979 he formed his own band, Tony Allen & the Afro Messengers, among many members of Africa 70 and recorded his first album away from Kuti, No Discrimination.
This was his final work during the 70's, after which he started to move beyond the border of Nigeria by collaborating with artists worldwide. Till this day he remains one of the greatest kit drummers Alive.
We are proud to announce his upcoming release on Comet, produced by the new comer of the French house scene, Mad Rey, and Monsieur Scott, a Parisian producer and afrobeat scientist.