Acclaimed Nigerian artist Seun Kuti in London this Friday

MOBO nominated Nigerian artist Seun Kuti brings his 14-piece band Egypt 80 to 229 The Venue this Friday 4 November.

The youngest son of legendary Afrobeat musician Fela Kuti, Seun started as a backing singer for his father in Egypt 80; taking the lead of the band at the age of 15 following his father’s death.

Like his father, his lyrics are intensely political, reflected in the title for his latest album, From Africa With Fury: Rise, which was co-produced by Brian Eno. Other notable industry players who have championed his work include Gilles Peterson and Jools Holland (Kuti appeared on Later… earlier this year).

The first single from the new album, Rise, is released on 7 November in a remix package that features US dj and rapper, Swizz Beatz. Seun uses the track to launch a scathing attack on his homeland’s oil industry.

African governments may fail their people, but a new breed of African musicians, including Seun Kuti, hold them to account; and grab the attention of ears from Lagos to London in the process.

Seun Kuti & Egypt 80
Friday 4 November

229 The Venue
229 Great Portland Street
London W1W 5PN
020 7323 7229

Transport: Regents Park / Great Portland Street