“This is your flight captain, Femi Kuti” the 62-year-old Nigerian artist announces as the first family of Afrobeat proceed to take a sold-out Brudenell Social Club on a transcendent, theatrical and groove-laden journey through his prolific repertoire.
The eldest son of the late Fela Kuti, Femi’s career has spanned around four decades since first performing with his father’s band, Egypt 80. In 1995, he released his self titled debut album, then after his father’s passing in 1997 became the torch-bearer of the Afrobeat genre, winning a Grammy Award nomination in 2002 for his album Fight To Win.
You can draw obvious parallels between Femi and his legendary father – his music is politically charged, uplifting and empowering. He has, however, carved out his own lane over his fruitful and long-standing career, combining his father’s Afrobeat sound with elements of Jazz, Soul, Funk & Hip Hop. Having worked with Snoop Dogg, James Brown, Common & Alicia Keys to name just a few, he is arguably one of the most important, influential and successful African artists of our time.
As I arrived at the Brudenell Social Club, the atmosphere was bubbling, drawing one of the most diverse audiences I’ve seen in recent years. It’s clear that Kuti’s influence and appeal transcends demographics in a truly unique manner. There was no live support act tonight, with a DJ posted up by the sound desk spinning a delectable selection of Jazz, Funk and Afrobeat. As the venue began to fill, the vibes continued to percolate with an excited anticipation.
As the clock struck 9pm, members from Kuti’s band The Positive Force assembled on stage, stationed behind their instruments, smiling ear to ear and donning matching blue outfits. The guitarist quickly introduced each member before inviting Kuti and his colourfully dressed backing singers/dancers up to the stage. Saxophone in hand, Kuti greets the audience with a wave before getting stuck into the first track.
He switches seamlessly between playing the organ, singing, chanting and soloing on the saxophone, each angle of Kuti’s artistry equally as endearing as the next – the saxophone solos are just as impressive as his ability to command the audience; utilising call and response frequently and at one point having the whole room crouch down before jumping back up to dance as he and his band rolled straight into the next track. In between songs, Kuti is a compelling figure. His on-stage patter had the audience in stitches at various points and whether he’s talking about his children swearing and the pitfalls of social media, his appreciation of the cold weather or joking about where he finds such levels of energy, he is as much a vivacious character as he is a virtuosic artist.
Femi Kuti is a one-of-a-kind musician. He leads his band with a commanding yet often subtle set of hand gestures, the level of musical cohesion and chemistry on show astounding – Femi Kuti & The Positive Force are truly a force to behold, one I am grateful to have been fortunate enough to experience first hand.
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Photography provided by Sonic PR.
