Sorrow, Tears and Blood (1977):

Fela wrote the title track of this album as a response to the Soweto Uprising of 1976 in which thousands of South African students protested the forced teaching of Afrikaans, the colonial language of Apartheid. During the uprising and the ensuing riots, hundreds of students were killed. The song calls out killings that have gone on in the name of authority and totalitarian rule as well as the instruments of repression of colonial Africa – the police and the army. In this way the song indirectly references the brutality that Fela and his family have experienced in the series of raids on his family compound, the Kalakuta Republic. The musical composition parallels the somber tone of the lyrics; focused and direct, the track avoids the bombastic funk of many of Fela’s compositions.

“Colonial Mentality” follows in the same manner, pointing out that those who wish to live in a post-colonial mentality are in essence living as slaves. Musically, the Africa 70 returns to a more funk and jazzy grooves while relaying a pertinent message to those who looked to Fela as a leader of the resistance.

Opposite People (1977):

“Opposite People” is a rant expressing Fela’s aggravation with people who are contrary or go against the grain of the crowd. His annoyance extends to a person who ruins the fun of a group of people dancing, or someone who is trying to speak seriously when others are simply enjoying themselves. “Equalization of Trouser and Pant” explains that all people are equal both naturally and under the law; everyone has a role to claim in society. He uses the graphic example of underwear to explain his point – underwear may seem insignificant, but we all need our underwear at the end of the day, or we’ll be naked underneath our trousers. In other words, the small man in society is just as important as the big man.