aaamusic | On 05, Nov 2011

Oluseun Anikulapo Kuti (Seun Kuti), a Nigerian musician, is the youngest son of legendary afrobeat artist Fela Kuti. He inherited his father’s former band Egypt 80, adding his own individual voice

His talented 2008 debut album, Many Things, was produced by Martin Meissonnier.

Co-produced by Brian Eno, From Africa With Fury: Rise is his second album and was released earlier this year on Knitting Factory Records/Because Music. It’s fresh, tight and refined.

 

Here, his strong talents as a saxophonist, songwriter, and band leader are evident. Staccato guitars and intricate horns are combined with electronica. Grungy guitar riffs turn into hard funky grooves where the beats are precise and refreshing.

This is intense protest music which talks about the plight of Nigeria. The outrage is clear: “Our ear don’t fool for your words, our stomach still empty”. The album is focused, angry and exciting with a great energy.

Tracks: 1. African Soldiers 2. You Can Run 3. Mr. Big Thief 4. Rise 5. Slave Masters 6. For Dem Eye 7. The Good Leaf.

Anthony Weightman