 |
| The Afrobeat stormer "Dey" is off Seun Kuti & Egypt 80s forthcoming Heavier Yet album. Catch Seun Kuti in Toronto July 17th. |
Here's the scoop from Record Kicks...
Grammy-nominated Nigerian musician Seun Kuti has once again set the music scene ablaze with the announcement of his electrifying new single, ‘Dey’ featuring reggae icon and 4 Grammy Awards winner Damian Marley, which is available today on all major streaming platforms via independent Milan label Record Kicks. This much-anticipated collaboration combines the raw energy of Afrobeat with the rhythmic vibes of Reggae, creating a bridge between Nigeria and Jamaica that is sure to captivate audiences worldwide. ‘Dey’ is the first single from the much-awaited new album by Seun Kuti & Egypt 80, ‘Heavier Yet (Lays The Crownless Head)’ that will hit the streets on October 4th and that is now available for pre-order directly from Record Kicks right here.
Seun Kuti expressed his deep sentiment about the new single ‘Dey’ featuring Damian Marley, emphasizing its special significance. He sees it as a historic moment for African unity, art, and brotherhood, emphasizing the significance of collaborating with Damian Marley, marking the first time Kuti and Marley have been on a record together, symbolizing the rebuilding of a bridge.
He says, “I’m very honoured to have Damian on this track; it’s a historic moment. This is the first time that Kutis and Marleys have recorded together. We are two performers, both from the dynasty of Africa, with a huge continental divide, singing about similar struggles. To have the legacies of these great movements that represent African people is an amazing thing. It shows the similarities between the experiences of black people all over the world. I think this collaboration is an affirmation of the righteousness of our messages.”
“The song depicts African unity and African art,” Seun continues. “It doesn’t matter where we are positioned in this world, very few African people receive notability; we are for the most part seen as the underdog. Therefore, this song is all about embracing and championing who we are. It is about human beings not having to be special, to be special. As African people, one thing that I hate about the way the world relates to us is that only special Africans are human. We can't just be humans. That is removed from the black African experience. So, this song is about how we are special and how we should not feel the need to constantly prove ourselves to anybody.”
Produced by a collaborative dream team of top-tier producers that includes superstar Lenny Kravitz (executive producer) and Fela Kuti and Egypt 80’s original producer Sodi Marciszewer (artistic producer), ‘Dey’ delivers a timeless fusion of sounds that pays homage to the rich musical traditions of both Nigeria and Jamaica while pushing the boundaries of contemporary music.
With its pulsating rhythms and infectious melodies, ‘Dey’ is set to become a timeless anthem that transcends borders and resonates with listeners from all walks of life. Seun Kuti and Damian Marley's collaboration is a celebration of cultural fusion and musical innovation, showcasing the rich tapestry of sounds that define contemporary African and Caribbean music.
Seun Kuti is a Nigerian musician, singer, and songwriter renowned for his captivating performances and socially conscious music. He is the youngest son of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti. Seun has spent most of his life preserving and extending his father's political and musical legacy as the leader of his father's former band Egypt 80. As a developing saxophonist and percussionist, he entered the formal ranks of the band before he was 12. In 1997 when Fela passed, in fulfilment of his father's wishes, Seun assumed the mantle as head of Egypt 80 and he has run it ever since.
Based in Lagos, where with Egypt 80 he rehearses at Kalakuta Museum aka Fela Kuti’s former home in Allen Avenue, Seun has also made his mark as an active voice of the people and a politically conscious activist. He has been in the Nigerian scene, voicing out when he should, primarily via his pages on social media platforms. He was an active participant in two of the biggest mass unrests in Nigeria in recent times: #OccupyNigeria and #EndSARS protests. Significantly, he’s revived the Movement of the People (M.O.P.), the political party his father set up in 1979, which was quashed by the military government not long after Fela’s failed presidential bid.
During his career, Seun Kuti released 4 albums with Egypt 80: ‘Many Things’ (2008), ‘From Africa with Fury: Rise for Knitting Factory Records’ (2011), coproduced by Brian Eno and John Reynolds, ‘A Long Way Beginning’ (2014) and the Grammy nominated ‘Black Times’ (2018) that included a feature from Carlos Santana. They also released numerous EPs. Seun has played for enthusiastically receptive audiences globally and collaborated with many great artists. In 2022, he joined forces with Roots frontman and MC extraordinaire Black Thought in the EP ‘African Dreams’. In 2023, Seun collaborated on Janelle Monae's ‘The Age of Pleasure’ (Grammy nominee for Album Of The Year) with the two singles 'Float' and 'Knows Better', teamed up with Talib Kweli and MadLib for their album ‘Liberation 2’ on the song ‘Nat Turner’ featuring Cassper Nyovest and released a new version of the single ‘Bad Man Lighter’ with Black Thought, featuring Vic Mensa.
Listen to "Dey" below. And check out Seun Kuti & Egypt 80s upcoming tour dates including a Toronto show with Red Hot Chili Peppers at Budweiser Stage on July 17th. Get tickets via Live Nation right here.
 |
| Catch Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 on tour in July! Get tickets right here. |
No comments:
Post a Comment