Written and recorded in 1976, the song Zombie is the musical manifestation of Fela’s personal transformation into a political force. The song marks the crucial turning point in Fela’s development when his political awakening merged with his new musical vision.

Considering the social and political context that birthed the song, Zombie is a scathing critique of the Nigerian government and their military rule. Taking the actions of the military’s foot soldiers, who were the day-to-day enforcers of the corrupt regime, as his subject matter, the song is essentially a work of political satire.