Over the past few years, there’s been a much revived interest in the music and work of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti, due in large part to the success of FELA! (the broadway musical focusing on the life of the famed Nigerian, which has garnered rave reviews and Tony nods). This Fela onslaught is much welcomed and needed, as his influence on Western pop, soul, and funk is often overlooked and under-appreciated by the many.
The man, who many described as Africa’s own James Brown/Miles Davis hybrid, was a spirited band leader, political activist, national hero, and impassioned lover, as evident by the 27 women he married during his time. Of the many children who call Fela their father, its his youngest son, Seun, who’s been making quite a splash as of late. While only 28, Seun has been leading and playing with his father’s old band, The Egypt 80, since his fathers death in 1997, when he was only 14.
After playing the songs of his father for nearly 10 years, Seun stepped out on his own in 2008 with a surprisingly good (and highly underrated) debut with The Egypt 80. But it is here, with his sophmore effort, From Africa With Fury: Rise, that he makes a strong and necessary leap from the colossal Fela shadow, and really showcases his individual talents as a saxophonist, songwriter, and band leader by pushing the Egypt 80 (and the collective genre of Afrobeat) to fresh, new places.
With Brian Eno co-producing, the sound on “From Africa With Fury: Rise” is tight and refined and the recording is top-notch. All of the sonic elements work fit together exceptionally well, almost as if every instrument is dancing flirtatiously with each other, all of them containing unique and individual styles yet still cohesively working together to express the same ideas and feelings.
Aside from the sonic qualities of this record, the songwriting and energy is simply on fire from front to back. Seun’s lyrics are mostly political (not surprising), as he touches on topics such as the oppression of blacks and his native Nigerians, he calls to rise against various corrupt corporations and government figures, and he remarks on the harmless benefits of smoking herb. While his last record contained lyrics that were equally as political, these songs seem to take a more mature approach in making their points, as he is able to throw out sharp criticisms with the calm reserve of a man who is seemingly in control of his emotions.
But please, do not confuse this newly controlled emotion with a more subdued energy, as its exactly the opposite. Seun brings a sharp, fresh energy back to afrobeat that’s been mostly missing since the passing of his father, and it feels damn good to hear again. The pace is fast, the percussive elements are intricate and tight, Seun feels in control the whole time and the sound feels infused with life, like a diving headfirst into the refreshingly frigid ocean waters.
If you’re an afrobeat fan, this record is an absolute must. If you haven’t listened to much of the genre before, I urge you to give this a try. Chances are, your feet won’t stop tapping and your head won’t stop bobbing and your rump, most definitely, will not stop shaking.
and check out the rest of the record on Spotify, here.
