Seun Kuti & Fela’s Egypt 80 - A Long Way to the Beginning (2014)

After Many Things, released in 2008, and From Africa with Fury: Rise in 2011, A Long Way to the Beginning is the third album by Seun Anikulapo Kuti with Egypt 80, the 14 musicians big band he’s been leading since the death of his father Fela Kuti in 1997. It’s actually the third part of a triptych in which Fela’s youngest son, direct descendant of the afrobeat music style created by his father at the end of the 60’s, is back on the offensive regarding injustice in his country, Nigeria, where it still grows, with an intact anger and a music more powerful than ever.
The ingredients that have contributed to the success of the first two albums are warring beats, triumphant brass sections and burning lyrics but A Long Way to the Beginning is also distinguished by jazz pianist Robert Glasper’s contribution as a producer. While opening the spectrum of the sound, Glasper has made the participation of guests from the conscious American rap scene such as M1 (Dead Prez) or Blitz The Ambassador, a Ghanaian in New York, possible. The voice of German-Nigerian singer Nneka can also be heard on the track “Black Woman”. Finally, the French vibraphonist David Neerman adds his personal touch on two tracks (“I.M.F.” and “Black Woman”), enhancing his attention to details that, allied to its firepower, allows “A Long Way To The Beginning” to be a sophisticated and strong album.

The message of this record is political. Its mood is offensive. When asked about his commitment, Seun answers: “Being African means being politically involved. From the moment he wakes up in the morning, an African has a political attitude as everything he’ll be doing during the day will have something to do with survival.” In his book “A Long Way To Freedom” published when he was let out of jail at the beginning of the 90’s, Nelson Mandela wrote: “Being African in south Africa means being politically involved at birth.”