Seun Kuti & Egypt 80
Fela's youngest son's third album fronting Egypt 80 further demonstrates his desire to modernise the Afrobeat sound without diluting its power. Produced by Kuti and US jazz pianist Robert Glasper, he's enlisted rappers M-1 and Blitz The Ambassador, who take the music into more urban realms. From sledgehammer subtle Afrobeat to ballads, there's a real jazzy feel coexisting alongside Kuti's highly politicised lyrics, incredible grooves, clipped guitar and intricate stabbing horns. Highly political, Kuti's anger and frustration is most evident on African Airways – with a western pilot going nowhere.
