Afrobeat singer, Seun Kuti, features on the latest issue of Guardian’s Life Magazine. The artiste who is the son of music legend, Fela Anikulapo Kuti talks about his deep-rooted musical background, his activism and how his personal assertions have guided him in his musical path so far.
The feature which is tagged, “Passionate for African Change”, shines the spotlight on the star who has carved a niche for himself on the international music scene with his style of music and also the constant activism portrayed in same music.
Speaking on his point of awakening, Seun shared; “The conviction I have today are borne from the foundation of my home but it is not because of the foundation of my home. I came to the awakening and consciousness independent of my father’s influence. Everybody’s awakening is an independent journey.”
Commenting on his chosen path of activism, he said; “The new way of oppressing people that speak the truth today is exclusion… My message contradicts the message of the elites…Even now, Fela is not played often in the media. If Fela was around now, it would be difficult for his music to rise like it did because there is so much distraction.”
“The oppressors always look to perfect oppression. They practice a system of exclusion. Back in the days, they used to be crude but they have realised that it only makes you popular. So they own everything and exclude you from it. It is not enough to say you love Africa, you need to know about Africa,” he added.
See full interview here.
By The Arubayi Keme