Breaking News: Ace Afrobeat Drummer Tony Allen Dies Of Heart Attack
Ace drummer and songwriter, Tony Allen has passed on at the age of 80. His death was announced yesterday on Nigerian Nostalgia Project by Etim Eyo. He wrote:
"Tony Oladipo Allen (born 1940 in Lagos, Nigeria) is a Nigerian drummer, composer and songwriter who currently lives and works in Paris, France. His career and life story have been documented in his 2013 autobiography Tony Allen: Master Drummer of Afrobeat, co-written with author/musician Michael E. Veal, who previously wrote a comprehensive biography of Fela Kuti.
As a drummer and musical director of Fela Anikulapo Kuti's band Africa '70 from 1968 to 1979, Allen was one of the primary co-founders of the genre of Afrobeat music. Fela once stated that "without Tony Allen, there would be no Afrobeat." He has also been described by Brian Eno as "perhaps the greatest drummer who has ever lived."
Per Toby Foyeh and Biyi BandeleTony, Allen has died. Per Babatunde Banjoko he passed away today April 30, 2020, from an apparent heart attack"
May his soul rest in peace.
Credit: Nigeria Nostalgia Project
Posted by: Emdee David
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Fidelis Eleyi
I want to send my condolence to the BEAT in Afro Beat the Lendgandary Tony Allen the greatest drummer of all time I am privilege to record him live during his album project 2008 in Nigeria of a truth he is the Beat in Afro beat. I appreciate his encouragement and support he gave me on my musical career after listening to my music he called me Nigeria Hip Hop and told me to release the album 2008 not until now 2020 that I have finally release it on all major online store title: This na our song by Fidela 4 una. Uncle Tony I appreciate you taking my song personally to your record label EMI to present it as Nigeria hip hop which you personally did because you like what you heard and called me Nigeria hip hop. I want to say a big thank you sir for your word of encouragement is what is keeping me going in this music industry thank you sir. #Rest In Peace.
