Everything Scatter

Afrobeat Bass - Everything Scatter

Submitted by jordan.brooks on Tue, 07/13/2010 - 13:15

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Everything Scatter by Fela Kuti

This is an example of afrobeat bass playing.  I played along to the song "Everything Scatter" by Fela Kuti (the founder of this Nigerian style of music).  I panned my bass all the way left so it can be heard clearly.

Like Cuban music, afrobeat rhythms are structured around the clave.  This song has a 3:2 clave.

In afrobeat, the bass and guitars play repeated phrases continuously for long periods of time, sometimes the entire song, with no fills or variations.  In this way, a grooving and hypnotic foundation is laid in order for the long-form songs to unfold.  It is everyone's job to keep solid time with a great feel.  Focus and cosistency are key.

Try playing along without fills or variations in the part.  Listen to how the bass part fits with the other parts:  shekere, stick, drums, guitars, vocals, horns.  Record yourself and listen back.

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