Onstage company
Documented collaborators
Tony Allen (July 20, 1940 – April 30, 2020) was a foundational figure in Afrobeat, best known as the drummer and musical director of Africa 70 from 1968 to 1979. Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Allen helped co-create Afrobeat alongside Fela Kuti, shaping a sound that blends jazz, African rhythms, and funk. Described by Brian Eno as 'perhaps the greatest drummer who has ever lived,' Allen's influence stretches across jazz, Afrobeat, and contemporary electronic scenes through collaborations with artists like Damon Albarn and Hugh Masekela. His legacy continues through a string of posthumous releases and ongoing recognition in the music world. Here’s a guide to his life, work, and ongoing impact.