The son of the the legend Fela Kuti continues is own legacy, now aged 62, with another vibrant release, and his first self-produced, of stirring, superbly performed afrobeat, positive life philosophy, social justice campaigns, and critiques of Nigerian politics and corruption. As ever it’s a balance of his signature “sweet music with a bitter message” with added more introspective reflections on family, life, and personal growth. His unstoppable energy, bright saxophone playing, brilliant rhythm and brass section remains as infectiously fine as ever. The upbeat opener and title track is packed with positive messages and call-and-response sections (“Life is a process, enjoy and learn for experience”). Work On Myself is another personal song, but the first political track, Chop and Run, pulls no punches with with a series of detailed corruption and repression examples and the summary that “Nothing for Nigeria fit shock me again.” Some of these songs are older and reworked, but remain timeless, with polyrhythmic highlights including Politics Don Expose Them, which has a fabulous furious funk momentum, but also pinpoints past and present Nigerian leaders for using their influence to enhance their own wealth and power at the expense the people; the powerful, the punchy Corruption Na Stealing; Shotan; Oga Doctor, and closer Think My People Think. Joyously powerful. What an ongoing journey and legacy. Out on Partisan Records.
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