Expensive Shit

Throughout the early seventies, Fela Kuti lived in the Kalakuta Republic in Nigeria, a compound that also housed his family, his bandmates, and a recording studio. Due to Kuti's vocal anti-militaristic views, the police saw him and his compound as a political and social threat, often arresting Kuti and raiding the compound.[1]

The title of the album and first track refers to an incident in 1974. The Nigerian police planted a joint on Kuti. Before he was arrested, he ate the joint, but the police brought him into custody and waited for him to produce the (titular) excrement. According to legend, he managed to use another inmate's feces and was eventually released.[2]

The second track is inspired by a Yoruban proverb about the power of nature and the universe.[3]

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
AllMusic	[4]
BBC Music	favorable[5]
Pitchfork	8.5/10[2]

In its review of the Expensive Shit/He Miss Road reissue, Pitchfork wrote "it's all too easy to get caught up in Kuti's discography. Start with Expensive Shit and don't miss the road onward."[2]

It was ranked number 78 on Pitchfork's "Top 100 Albums of the 1970s" list.[6]

All tracks are written by Fela Kuti.

Adapted from LP liner notes.

• Fela Kuti – tenor saxophone, alto saxophone, piano, vocals, arrangement, composer, producer

Africa 70

• Tony Allen – lead drums
• Henry Kofi – lead congas
• Nicholas Addo – additional congas
• Issac Olaleye – maracas
• James Abayomi – sticks
• Christopher Uwaifor – tenor saxophone
• Lekan Animashaun – baritone saxophone
• Tunde Williams – trumpet, solo
• Ukem Stephen – 2nd trumpet
• Ogene Kologbo – tenor guitar
• Leke Benson – rhythm guitar
• Franco Aboddy – bass guitar

Production

• Remi Olowookere – artwork, graphics
• Peter Obe Photo Agency – photography
• Demola Odebiyi – engineer
• Roland Francis – executive producer

• Veal, Michael E. (2000). Fela: The Life & Times of an African Musical Icon. Temple University Press. pp. 139–41. ISBN 1566397650.