WPKN's Ebong Udoma interview with FEMI KUTI
Son of Afrobeat pioneer and political activist Fela Kuti, Femi inherited his father's zeal for both music and activism.
Femi Kuti protests war and promotes worldwide peace with his 10th LP memorial to his father, musician Fela Kuti.
Kuti was signed to Motown Records in 1994 and his music blends Afrobeat with more current soul, R&B and jazz. He's worked with rappers Mos Def and Common and continues to explore his music and collaborations.
While the music matters, the man himself remains just as politically motivated as his father. Kuti's nightclub in Lagos, the New Afrika Shrine, had become a Mecca for West African music and creative expression, until it was closed by the authorities earlier in the summer.
Kuti recently told a reporter for All Africa Global Media that the Shrine was a place of worship where people can honor "great black people, who fought for the emancipation of Africa through music."
Freeing the "Shrine" from being under lock and key is just one of his crusading missions, as with his band, The Positive Force, Kuti remains outspoken about Nigeria, corruption and the positive changes that Africa can achieve.
In a statement, Kuti said he hopes the project “inspires us all to understand we are all one on the same planet and it’s our duty to defend peace, love and justice and keep our planet healthy.” He also discussed how The Shrine has developed into a local cultural hub. “When we built it, there was nothing around The Shrine,” he said. “Over the years, a neighborhood of homes and businesses sprang up. The Shrine has become one of the most famous places in the country. We keep the price low, so everybody can afford the show.”
