Strut Records is shining a well-deserved spotlight on one of Afrobeat’s most fascinating and elusive recordings with a new reissue of Low Profile (Not For The Blacks), the sole solo album by legendary saxophonist and bandleader Lekan Animashaun.
For decades, Animashaun was a key figure in the Afrobeat movement, first as a member of Fela Kuti’s renowned Afrika 70 ensemble and later as musical director of the iconic Egypt 80 band following the departure of drummer Tony Allen. His contributions to Afrobeat extended across countless international tours and recordings, helping shape the sound that would influence generations of musicians around the world.
Recorded beginning in 1977, Low Profile (Not For The Blacks) emerged during a particularly important period in Afrobeat history. The album was composed and recorded across sessions in Nigeria and while touring internationally with Fela Kuti. Kuti not only produced the project but also contributed keyboards to the title track, underscoring the close creative relationship between the two musicians.
The album’s title reflects a pointed social commentary inspired by Nigeria’s political climate during the oil boom of the 1970s. According to Animashaun, the phrase originated from a speech by then-military Head of State Olusegun Obasanjo, who urged Black Nigerians to maintain a low profile regarding their newfound wealth and avoid displays of arrogance. Animashaun challenged the sentiment, arguing that humility and dignity should apply to everyone regardless of race, a perspective that became the foundation for the album’s title track.
Musically, the eleven-minute “Low Profile (Not For The Blacks)” delivers everything fans of classic Afrobeat could hope for: hypnotic rhythms, extended grooves, layered horn arrangements, and politically conscious messaging. It captures the essence of the genre during one of its most creative eras while showcasing Animashaun’s distinctive voice as both a composer and bandleader.
The album’s second track, “Se Rere,” which translates as “Do Right,” offers a complementary message centered on integrity and accountability. Built around a simmering Afrobeat groove, the song emphasizes the principle that people ultimately reap what they sow. The track would later become a staple of Fela Kuti’s live performances, serving as an opening number during concerts throughout Nigeria and around the world during the 1980s and 1990s.
Although work on the album began in the late 1970s, Low Profile remained unreleased for nearly two decades before finally appearing in 1995 on Fela Kuti’s Kalakuta label. As one of only a handful of recordings led by core members of Kuti’s inner circle, the album has since become a prized collector’s item among Afrobeat enthusiasts and vinyl collectors.
This latest reissue from Strut Records restores the album to its rightful place in Afrobeat history. Featuring both extended tracks in their full glory, the release has been fully remastered by The Carvery and includes the complete original artwork. Adding further value for collectors and fans, the package also features newly written liner notes by Lekan Animashaun himself, offering personal insights into the music and its creation.
With renewed global interest in Afrobeat’s roots and legacy, the reissue of Low Profile (Not For The Blacks) provides an opportunity for a new generation of listeners to discover a recording that bridges political consciousness, musical innovation, and the unmistakable groove that helped define a genre.
Track Listing:
Side A
“Low Profile (Not For The Blacks)” – 11:29
Side B
“Se Rere” – 11:34
More than a historical document, Low Profile (Not For The Blacks) remains a vibrant and relevant statement from one of Afrobeat’s unsung architects. Thanks to this carefully curated reissue, Lekan Animashaun’s voice and vision can once again be heard loud and clear.
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