Fela Kuti - Shuffering And Shmiling (1977)

After the 1977 police attack on Fela's Kalakuta Republic, where his mother and about 80 members of his entourage and band were injured and arrested, he set out to light a fire underneath the authority figures and his various other enemies that were causing him and, in his eyes, the people of Nigeria to suffer in the form of harassment, oppression, and economic devastation.

"Shuffering and Shmiling" is one of those comments. While continuing along in his tradition of savvy instrumental innovation, "Shuffering and Shmiling" plays out with the same intensity and voracious soloing that mark other great Africa 70 performances like "Confusion", "Gentleman", and "No Agreement"; but the point of departure here is the outward remarks he makes on a touchy topic: religion. Fela had become increasingly concerned about the growing influence of non-traditional religions fracturing African countries. He believed that these divisions had created a population unable to unify and stand up for themselves and instead had them living in conditions that forced "them go pack themselves in like sardine (into a bus): Suffering and smiling," and without trying to change things he says they "Suffer suffer for world/Enjoy for heaven."

"Shuffering and Shmiling" is another highly recommended Fela Kuti and Africa 70 release.               
Tracklist:

"Shuffering and Shmiling (Vocal)" - 12:12

"Shuffering and Shmiling (Instrumental)" - 9:47

Fela Kuti - Shuffering And Shmiling (1977)
(192 kbps, cover art included)