Tony Allen The ‘World’s greatest drummer’ and afrobeat pioneer died of a heart attack

The Pioneering Nigerian drummer Tony Allen, a co-founder of the Afrobeat musical genre, died in Paris yesterday 30th April, aged 79.  Eric Trosset broke the news on NPR radio confirming the Afrobeat legend had died of a heart attack and the death was not linked to coronavirus.

Tony Allen was the drummer and musical director of musician Fela Kuti’s famous band Africa ’70 in the 1960-70s.  He was highly regarded by Fela and others within the industry, Fela once said: “without Tony Allen, there would be no Afrobeat”.

Fans and colleagues in the industry have all taken to social media to share their love and respect to the Master Drummer of Afrobeat.  REST IN POWER ✊????

The world lost a legend with the passing of Afrobeat pioneer and Fela Kuti drummer Tony Allen. Here he is talking to NME about what drives him and his work with Damon Albarn and The Good, The Bad & The Queen. pic.twitter.com/JHhZqBxVlW

— NME (@NME) May 1, 2020

Tony Allen & Damon Albarn playing ‘Go Back’ on Le Grand Journal (2014) ???? pic.twitter.com/CmeprXwBuM

— Damon Albarn Unofficial (@DamonUnofficial) May 1, 2020

“Without #TonyAllen there would be no Afrobeat.” #FelaKuti. Farewell to the legend also behind ‘Zombie’, ‘Gentleman’ &other Fela hit albums. Tony listed #MaxRoach& #ArtBlakey as his greatest drums teachers and influences. Long live #afrobeat ❤️???????? pic.twitter.com/QfBd3lLemz

— Jackie Shandu (@JackieShandu) May 1, 2020

Pioneering drummer and afrobeat legend, Tony Allen, has died, aged 79. Here he is speaking to @LaurenLaverne in 2008 for The Culture Show.https://t.co/vsoBKRhOlF pic.twitter.com/vKF2qSEHkE

— BBC Archive (@BBCArchive) May 1, 2020

REST IN POWER AND JOURNEY WELL ANCESTOR TONY ALLEN✊???? pic.twitter.com/4fYxgsdwrO

— Seun Anikulapo Kuti (@RealSeunKuti) May 1, 2020

You put the beat in Afrobeat. A giant. Rest in paradise and thank you for a lifetime of being quietly epic. Honored that some of my most memorable times on this journey were in studios and on stages with you. Journey well Tony Allen ???????? pic.twitter.com/1XzkFoeZQd

— M.anifest – stream #TheGamble (@manifestive) May 1, 2020

Baba nla ????
Fly high Tony Allen ???????? pic.twitter.com/7D93PWaORv

— Big Smoke – (@Skepta) May 1, 2020