Go back

“Go Back” is a song by the Nigerian drummer and composer Tony Allen featureing Allen’s signature drumming style, a blend of jazz, funk, and Afrobeat. In “Go Back,” Allen calls on Africans to return to their roots, to their culture, and to embrace their heritage.

Tony Allen was a pioneer of Afrobeat and one of the most influential drummers of all time. He worked with Fela Kuti for more than a decade, during which he helped shape the sound of Afrobeat. In the mid-70s, Allen left Kuti’s band and embarked on a solo career, releasing several albums that showcased his unique drumming style. “Go Back” was one of the many songs that Allen wrote during his solo career, and it was well received by fans and critics alike. Fela Kuti was said to be a big fan of the song and would often ask Allen to perform it during his own concerts. The song’s message of resilience and the call for Africans to embrace their roots was in line with Kuti’s own political and social beliefs. Together, Kuti and Allen helped define the sound of Afrobeat, a genre that continues to inspire and influence musicians around the world.”