Seun Kuti & Egypt80 - DJB (Django) [Afrobeat]

I'm guessing Fela Kuti should need no introduction to most readers of the blog, but just in case, hit the link above to read about him, or this link for my favourite documentary on one of the most important modern pioneers in African music, a brave soul and something of a character to say the least.

He also had several children, and the eldest - Femi, and the youngest Seun, not to mention a global host of artists inspired by this inspirational figure and funkiest of African sounds, are keeping their father's Afrobeat legacy alive and well, not to mention his outspoken political views and activism; silence is not an option. Where Femi has adopted a slightly more wide-ranging musical sound, Seun, who inherited his father's band - Egypt 80, has kept a more traditional Afrobeat vibe going, and, as I've witnessed, both sons rock a live show - go and check them.

I'm also happy to report that Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 have a new album arriving on 6th November, and the teasing has just started with the deep Afrobeat sounds of "DJB".

Fela Kuti, as well as having his fair share of bangers, also had a nice line in slower, hypnotic grooves as well and "DJB" is very much in this mould.

The track locks you in from its very first, stripped-back seconds: drum, bass and guitar refrain weaving their Nigerian, dance floor ushering magic. Just in case you're distracted and need a further nudge, it's not long before Kaidi Akinibi, Ben Amissah, Valentin Pellet, Jermaine Amissah, Nicolas Julien Sakelario and Kuti's sax grab you by the hand and jerk you onto the dance/living room (delete as applicable) floor; rather like James Brown Kuti knows the power of a serious horn section. Initially they adopt a more succinct approach, dropping in on a semi-regular basis with some classic Afrobeat flourishes to keep the dance moving, with Kuti I presume, spiralling off an early tangential solo, but nearing the end of the track's seven minutes, the rest have some freer jazz fun, which to be honest I could have done with a minute or two more of.

Kuti handles the main vocal with his usual aplomb, telling his consciousness-raising tale of modern societal ills, corruption and power in the wrong hands, assisted by some great backing vocals - both sung and hummed, perfectly arranged to inject a sweeter tone to his hard-hitting message, and accentuate the sweet, positive vibin' "do you feel it, in your spirit?" chorus refrain. If you have any interest in Afrobeat this will be on repeat for weeks whilst you await the album, and if it's your first taste, then welcome to the party.

If you need some more infectious African music, then the new Odd Okoddo album is a great futuristic foil to Seun Kuti's classic sounds.

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Playlist Companion

Find Kuti in the Slow World Playlist.