“After hearing the finished track, I thought, ‘Wow, I never knew how busy playing one note could sound’”: The story behind the deceptive bassline on a politically charged ’70s anthem that was later covered by the Red Hot Chili Peppers

Art Neville (L) and George Porter, Jr (R) performing with the Funky Meters at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival on May 5, 1995. .

“It’s the most syncopated bassline I’ve ever played.” So said funk legend George Porter Jr. about the Meters’ 1974 anthem Africa.

Speaking to Bass Player in August 2021, Porter cited Africa as one of his very favorite Meters basslines for its use of space and melodic simplicity.