Tony Allen (1940 – 2020) has long been acknowledged as Africa's finest drummer and one of the continent's most influential musicians. Together with Fela Kuti (with whom he played for 15 years) Allen co-created Afrobeat - the hard-driving, horns-rich, funk-infused, politically insurrectionary style which became such a dominant force in African music and such an influence worldwide. His iconic drumming has since underpinned an extensive catalogue of solo works as well as collaborations with the likes of Damon Albarn (as part of The Good, The Bad and The Queen), Charlotte Gainsbourg, Sebastien Tellier, Grace Jones, Malian superstar Oumou Sangaré, Jeff Mills and Hugh Masekela. His 2009 World Circuit debut, the raw and uncut Secret Agent, has all the ingredients that combine to make Afrobeat so special - fat, full-throated, hard riffing horns; nagging tenor guitars; jazz- and funk-informed saxophone and trumpet work outs; effervescent chicken-shack keyboards; lyrics rich in folk metaphors and proverbs, some of which confront state corruption and oppression (Kuti’s most frequent targets); deep-soul call and response vocals; and, of course, energising everything around it, Allen’s majestic drumming. In 2022 World Circuit will re-release this classic album on 2 x 180g heavyweight vinyl. The audio has been remastered and the package features the original 2009 sleeve notes in a 4p 12†booklet. “if you’re wondering why Afrobeat is hip, start here.†Observer Music Monthly “There is no question that Tony Allen is a genius, one of the greatest percussionists in the history of popular music†The Guardian “While seeking to revive Afrobeat from the roots, Tony Allen imposes here a modernist vision and achieves the best possible synthesis between Yoruba foundations, Blue Note jazz arrangements and electro sound resolution.†– Les Inrockuptibles
Release date:
May 20, 2022
Label:
Install our app to receive notifications when new upcoming releases are added.

Recommended equipment and accessories
-
Nobsound Little Bear T7 Tube Preamp
Delivers rich, warm audio through its high-quality vacuum tubes, featuring multiple inputs and adjustable gain
-
Vinyl Care - Top Picks
A selection of accesories to keep your turntable equipment & vinyl records in the best shape
-
Denon DP-400
Featuring a high-precision, belt-driven mechanism and an adjustable tonearm that ensures optimal tracking and minimal resonance
-
Pro-Ject Phono Box DC Pre-Amp
Compact, high-performance phono preamplifier for both MM and MC cartridges, delivering a clean, detailed signal with minimal noise.
-
Cartridges - Top Picks
A selection of turnatble cartridges that provide great performance and sound quality
Featured Upcoming Vinyl
-
Sabrina Carpenter Man's Best Friend (Light Blue)
Island
August 29, 2025 -
Daniel Rodriguez Harboring Pearls
A Tone Meant Records
August 8, 2025 -
The Cranberries No Need To Argue (Deluxe) [2xLP]
Island
August 15, 2025 -
Black Keys No Rain, No Flowers
Warner Records
August 8, 2025 -
Orbit Culture Death Above Life [2xLP]
Century Media
October 3, 2025 -
Gwenifer Raymond Last Night I Heard The Dog Star Bark
We Are Busy Bodies
September 5, 2025 -
Mariah Carey Here For It All
Gamma.
September 26, 2025 -
Winter Adult Romantix
Winspear
August 22, 2025 -
Deftones Private Music (Amazon Exclusive)
Reprise
August 22, 2025 -
Igorrr Amen
Metal Blade
September 19, 2025 -
Shaki Tavi Minor Slip
Felte Records
August 15, 2025 -
Jay Wheeler Girasoles (Yellow) [2xLP]
Linked Music
August 8, 2025 -
Zoh Amba Sun
Smalltown Supersound
August 22, 2025 -
Emma Louise & Flume Dumb
Flume
October 10, 2025