Talking Heads - “Once In A Lifetime” Brian Eno borrows Fela Kuti's and Tony Allen's rhythmic genius for Talking Heads’ most enigmatic Song. When I first heard the Talking Heads classic “Once In A Lifetime” (1981), I immediately knew that it would have a profound effect on me musically (and culturally). Although at that time I’d only had some minimal familiarity with African multiple rhythmic styles, I hadn’t yet gotten into Fela Kuti, the towering Nigerian figure and creator of Afrobeat. So hearing “Once In A Lifetime” was like being smacked with five walls of rhythm, all at once. Also, “Once In A Lifetime” is one of those examples of when musical borders collide beautifully.