Femi Kuti’s eleventh studio album, Journey Through Life, is finally here, and it includes ten songs that definitely carry his ‘revolutionary’ spirit. The six-time Grammy-nominated musician stays true to Afrobeat (enhanced by jazz and saxophone riffs), highlighting problems in society like corruption and inequality.
Tracks such as Politics Don Expose Dem and Corruption Na Stealing expose dishonest politicians and unfair systems. Another track, Chop and Run, boldly calls out greedy individuals and their harmful actions. Femi combines strong messages with lively music, creating an experience that is entertaining and thought-provoking.
According to the Afrobeat legend, the album’s title represents his “unwavering commitment to the Afrobeat tradition as a weapon against injustice” and that he will “continue to document our collective struggle through rhythm and truth.”
The album was produced by Femi Kuti and recorded at the Legacy Plus studio in Nigeria.
Who Is Femi Kuti?
Femi Kuti, born on June 16, 1962, in London, England, is the eldest son of Fela Kuti, who is popularly referred to as the creator of Afrobeat, and Remilekun Taylor. Although born abroad, Femi was raised in Lagos, Nigeria. Growing up in a home full of activism and music, he learned about justice and equality from his grandmother, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, a women’s rights activist.
Femi’s passion for music started early. At 15, he began playing the saxophone, which became his signature instrument. In 1979, he joined his father’s band, Egypt 80, but he left in 1986 to form his own group, Positive Force. This decision allowed him to create music that showed his individuality.
Over the years, Femi has released albums like No Cause for Alarm, Fight to Win, and One People One World. His songs often talk about social justice, hope, and change. His talent has earned him several Grammy nominations, proving Afrobeat’s influence worldwide.
Father and Son Dynamic
Femi had a close yet difficult relationship with his late father, Fela. Fela was a great musician and activist, but his fame sometimes overshadowed his son’s efforts to stand out. When Femi launched his first album in 1989, Fela publicly criticized it at the launch event, calling it “rubbish.” Recently recalling the moment on the Sonical.ly Podcast, Femi shared his frustration, saying:
“The first time my father heard my first album, he came to the launch and said it was rubbish. He said it to the press and I was so upset. I was like, ‘How dare he say that?’ I was so upset.”
This deeply hurt Femi, but he stayed determined to prove himself and grow as an artist.
“I was in the storm and nobody wanted my point of view. I decided to stay focused because I couldn’t turn back, I’d have rather died, it was better I died trying and I’ve never stopped since then.”
To date, Femi still defends his father’s role as the sole creator of Afrobeat. In the same Sonical.ly Podcast interview, he dismissed claims that Nigerian drummer/composer Tony Allen co-created Afrobeat, saying:
“They tried to sell Tony Allen, so they decided to lie. Yes, he was a good drummer, but Fela taught him his style of drums. Fela came up with all his drum patterns. We saw it.”
While Allen, Fela’s drummer at the time, played an important part in shaping Afrobeat, Femi insists that his late father created all the beats and melodies.
