The late Fela Anikulapo Kuti is Nigeria’s most world-renowned popular musician and most acerbic critic of the authorities until his death in 1997. Seun Kuti has been performing on stage since he was nine years old, after starting his career as opening act for his father’s band Egypt 80 at the Shrine in Lagos. He has kept the band – containing many veterans in their 50s and 60s – performing in the same style as in Fela’s day, with as many as twenty singers and musicians in explosive live sessions, wearing original costumes and fronted by Seun Kuti’s vocals and saxophone.
Afrobeat has been one of the most influential sounds to emerge from the continent, combining jazz, James Brown and Highlife in an explosive brew which went on to influence many US musicians. Fela’s music was also closely tied to his outspoken political views, and Seun is also keen to perpetuate, in an updated form, his father’s message.
Barbican Centre Web Site
Detailed schedule information:
7:30 pm
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TRAVEL CALENDAR
