Gorillaz Pay Tribute To Afrobeat Pioneer Tony Allen With New Song

Gorillaz have released a new song paying tribute to Afrobeat legend Tony Allen, who passed away last week.

The new song, How Far?, is part of the group’s ongoing Song Machine series and features Allen, who has previously collaborated with Damon Albarn in supergroup The Good, The Bad & The Queen. Albarn also made an appearance on Allen’s 2017 album, The Source.

Hailed as one of the world’s best drummers, Allen passed away last Thursday in Paris aged 79 following a heart attack.

The music legend rose to fame as the drummer and musical director of Fela Kuti's Africa '70 in the ‘60s and ‘70s, before going on to perform with Air, Flea and more.

Fans, musicians, collaborators and more have since shared tributed via social media.

The epic Tony Allen, the greatest drummer on earth has left us. What a wildman with a massive, kind and free heart and the deepest one-of-a-kind groove. Fela Kuti did not invent afrobeat, Fela and Tony birthed it… https://t.co/qXqMAP7QzT

— Flea (@flea333) May 1, 2020

Music is My Radar

Tony Allen knows what a boy can do
He really got me dancing https://t.co/oO1qf9qQCT

— blur (@blurofficial) May 2, 2020

R.I.P Tony Allen.
This man pioneered Afrobeat with Fela Kuti. His drumming was the backbone of the sound. Blessed to have played a show with him in Köln a couple year ago. A true genius. He will be missed. 🙏🏿🙏🏿 pic.twitter.com/x6WmYUJKk2

— Blitz Bazawule (@BlitzAmbassador) May 1, 2020

Baba nla 😢
Fly high Tony Allen 💔🕊 pic.twitter.com/7D93PWaORv

— Big Smoke - (@Skepta) May 1, 2020

There is no end - Tony Allen pic.twitter.com/a5fHxFgvYm

— Damon Albarn (@Damonalbarn) May 1, 2020

Rest In Peace Tony Allen ❤️ pic.twitter.com/gZm5jJIdVU

— BRAINFEEDER (@BRAINFEEDER) May 1, 2020

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