Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 – Heavier Yet (Lays The Crownless Head) (Record Kicks, 2024)
Nigerian Afrobeat artist Seun Kuti released his highly anticipated album, Heavier Yet (Lays The Crownless Head) just a few days ago, through Milan-based independent label Record Kicks. The album comes six years after Black Times and highlights his remarkable growth as both a musician and activist.
Produced by Lenny Kravitz and Fela Kuti’s original engineer, Sodi Marciszewer, the album expertly combines Seun’s irresistible Afrobeat grooves, magnetic vocals, fantastic brass section and intricate guitar, with contemporary influences. It features collaborations with notable artists such as Damian Marley and Sampa The Great.
The album contains six extensive tracks, each reflecting themes of resistance and revolution. Notable songs include “Dey” (featuring Damian Marley), which celebrates identity and self-empowerment, and “Emi Aluta” (featuring Sampa The Great), a tribute to revolutionary figures.
Other tracks, such as “T.O.P.,” “Stand Well Well,” and “Love & Revolution,” challenge societal values around wealth and success, promoting empathy and love as forces for positive change.
Seun Kuti, the youngest son of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti, has carried forward his father’s legacy, leading his father’s former band, Egypt 80, since 1997. A musician and activist, he has been involved in social movements such as #EndSARS in Nigeria and revived his father’s political party, the Movement of the People (M.O.P.).
“This project has been very special to me from the moment I conceived it, speaking to Lenny Kravitz, who has shown me such a brotherly love and respect” Seun says. “He has brought me to his home. I met his daughter Zoe and he has guided us with fierceness. Since we spoke about the album, three years ago, as the executive producer of this project, he has always been by our side and very supportive”. “I want to thank Craig Ross and Sodi, the producer of this project. We had a great time. It was the first time for me in the studio with Sodi and I was really impressed by his work and his fatherly advice and dedication”.
Buy Heavier Yet (Lays The Crownless Head).
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.