Tony Allen: An Autobiography of the Master Drummer of Afrobeat

Tony Allen is the autobiography of the legendary Nigerian drummer Tony Allen, the rhythmic heart of Fela Kuti's revolutionary Afrobeat sound. Written in a conversational and inviting style, and filled with insightful anecdotes, Allen's memoir draws upon hundreds of hours of interviews conducted with the musician and scholar Michael E. Veal.

The book charts Allen's early years and his burgeoning career playing highlife music in Lagos; his pivotal fifteen-year tenure with Fela Kuti, from 1964 until 1979; the challenges he faced in forming his own bands in Nigeria; and his eventual emigration to France. Allen embraced the drum kit early in his career, at a time when such instruments were relatively scarce in Africa, rather than traditional African handheld drums.

His story eloquently conveys a deep love for his craft, alongside specific details of his unique playing style and practice. It also provides invaluable firsthand accounts of the explosive creativity that characterised postcolonial African music, and offers an intimate look at the personal and artistic dynamics within Fela's iconic Koola Lobitos and Africa 70, widely considered two of the greatest bands ever to perform African music. This autobiography offers a crucial insight into the life and musical journey of a true innovator.