The eldest son of Afrobeat and musical revolutionary Fela Kuti is returning with his new album One People One World, released in February. He’s bringing along his positive concert force, which reaffirms the noble Afrobeat tradition, modernizes and intertwines its sound with reggae, soul and hip-hop elements, and instils the social engagement with mature optimism.
If anyone can claim to have Afrobeat in his blood and genes, it’s definitely Femi Kuti, the eldest son of Fela Anikulapo Kuti, the revolutionary founder of Afrobeat – the blend of West African music such as jùjú and highlife with Western jazz, funk and soul.
One People One World is Femi’s tenth album with his longstanding ensemble The Positive Force. Five years have passed since its predecessor, the Grammy-nominated No Place for My Dream. During the intervening years, in addition to tireless performing and his work as an ambassador for Amnesty International, Femi has also managed to set the Guinness World Record for longest single note held on a saxophone – an incredible 51 minutes and 35 seconds.
Ever since the 1970s, Afrobeat has been the driving force behind generations of musicians in Africa and around the world, reiterating Fela Kuti’s tireless rhythm and his guiding principle that music can also be a weapon in the fight for justice and liberty. Femi Kuti’s new album is still clearly political, yet for the first time, it features love songs and a celebration of shared humanity. “Yes, the music is more encouraging, more optimistic,” says Femi, “I’m a father, I love my children and I want to pass on the message of hope to the younger generation. Despite all of the problems, we can create greatness in our lives.”
Tickets on sale online and at Eventim sales outlets.
Organisation: Kino Šiška.
