Seun Kuti’s return is in the name of Lenny Kravitz
Seun Kuti is the son of the legendary Fela and how the father fights with music for the affirmation of his people, with sounds that take into account the history of the latest black music. His historic formation Egypt 80 is considered “the most infernal rhythm machine in tropical Africa”. Fela Kuti, to whom Daniele Vicari dedicated a beautiful documentary, was a unique Nigerian musician, the inventor of Afrobeat and author of more than one hundred records. A groove machine worthy of James Brown, who for black Africa it has become a symbol of revolt and awakening of consciencesrising to an almost shamanic figure for the people of Lagos: a legendary character for twentieth century music. His son Seun Kuti and his Egypt 80 return to the scene with their new album “Heavier Yet (Lays The Crownless Head)”, produced by Lenny Kravitz with Damian Marleyson of the great Bob, and Sampa The Great as guests.
Six years after the previous “Black Times” the new chapter is produced by a stellar teamwhich includes the legendary Lenny Kravitz as executive producer and Sodi Marciszewer, the historic producer of Fela Kuti and Egypt 80, and remains faithful to the roots of the Afrobeat sound. But at the same time it brings it into the new millennium, broadening the boundaries of the genre. Composed of six electrifying songs, it embodies in every track the spirit of resistance and revolution typical of its author. Each song talks about challenges to face and fight for change. An example is the first single “Dey” featuring reggae icon Damian Marley, a song that Kuti says “is about accepting and believing in ourselves and in what we are, regardless of everything” or “Emi Aluta”, which features Zambian singer, rapper and songwriter Sampa The Great“a song about struggle (Aluta means struggle, effort) that pays homage to all the great revolutionaries of the world”. There is also space for “TOP”, which talks about “how society gives more value to money and the accumulation of wealth than to people”, while in “Love & Revolution”, song dedicated to his wifesings about how “only true love can inspire people to make the world a better place.”
“This project was very special to me from the first moment I conceived it while talking to Lenny Kravitz – says Seun – Lenny showed me a brotherly love and respect. He took me to his house, I met his daughter Zoe and since we started talking about the album three years ago he has always been by our side and supported us in everything“. And again: “I also want to thank Craig Ross and especially Sodi, the artistic producer of this project. We had some great times. It was my first time in the studio with Sodi and I was really impressed by his work, his precious fatherly advice and his dedication“. Each song on the album is a testament to Seun Kuti’s unwavering commitment to social change and the empowerment of his people. Through his powerful lyrics and infectious grooves, Seun proudly carries on his father’s legacy trackingor at the same time his personal journey in the world of music.
Pan-Africanist activistin recent years Seun has been personally involved in numerous campaigns, including #EndSARS, a social movement against police brutality and abuse of power in Nigeria. In 2020 he relaunched the “Movement of the People” (MOP), the political party founded by Fela Kuti in 1979 with which Fela had run for president in his country and which was repressed by the military junta. Seun Kuti, Fela’s youngest son, spent most of his life preserving and extending his father’s political and musical legacy as leader of his band, Egypt 80. Seun joined his father’s lineup as a saxophonist and percussionist before he was even 12 years old. In 1997, upon Fela’s death, in fulfillment of his last wishes, Seun assumed the role of leader of Egypt 80.
