MUSIC REVIEWS
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Forensics Exile EP (Digital Sin) |
DLX/Breakage Matter of Fact (SMOG) |
Djunya/DJG & Antiserum NarcoHz 012 |
Cocoa Tea Yes We Can (Roaring Lion) |
MATTY G Take You Back (Argon) |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| The Bug London Zoo (Ninja Tune) |
DZ A1 - Old Timers A2 - Eardrumz (Black Acre) |
Alborosie Soul Pirate (Forward Recordings) |
SEUN ANIKULAPO KUTI and FELA'S EGYPT 80
(Disorient)
The Egypt 80 has been silent for a while, but listening to this album, one can hear that it is a force that can’t be held back."
Seun Kuti’s debut release finds him fronting his late father’s (Fela Kuti’s) band, but he is far from just a torchbearer, bringing his own interpretation and influences, with much success, to afro-beat. Many
Things is the Egypt 80’s first since Fela’s death in 1997 from an AIDS related illness. The album serves as a link back to the wilder, grittier classic style of 70’s afro-beat while introducing new stylistic and production elements, particularly Seun’s lyrical flow, which is reminiscent of modern rappers such as Chuck D and Dr. Dre, two artists Seun has directly cited as influences.
This seven track effort highlights all the best elements of afrobeat: extremely tight grooving rhythm section performances, precise inter-weaving guitar lines and bass lines that are at once rhythmic and melodic. The music is filled out by a strong horn lines and by Seun’s vocals and sax playing, supported by a choir of background singers.
The message of his music is consistent; like his father, he rails against government corruption, ignorance, and oppression in all its forms, with particular attention paid to the issues that face his home country of Nigeria and many African countries. “Mosquito Song” is a cry against malaria, while “Many Things” exposes Nigeria’s current President Obasanjo for the violent, corrupt thug he is. (President Obasanjo is the same man who illegally imprisoned Fela and ordered the killing of Seun’s grandmother; government troops threw her from a window).
Seun’s first album marks a return to the classic sound of afro-beat, while also introducing vital new lyrical and production elements. The Egypt 80 has been silent for a while, but listening to this album, one can hear that it is a force that can’t be held back.
For art submisisons: art@thebigupmagazine.com
For content submissions: bigup@thebigupmagazine.com
For advertising opportunities: lud@thebigupmagazine.com