Seun Kuti and Egypt 80 have composed another album titled Black Times. The fourth LP by Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti’s youngest son and the dance orchestra is scheduled for release on March 2 via Strut Records.
“Black Times is a true reflection of my political and social beliefs. It is an album for anybody who believes in change and understands the duty we have to rise up and come together,” says Seun Kuti. “The elites always try to divide the working class and the poor people of the world. The same oppression felt by workers in Flint, Michigan is felt by workers in Lagos and Johannesburg.”
The 34-year-old musician recruited Carlos Santana for the title track, and Robert Glasper appears on the keys for “Last Revolutionary.” That song name-checks homegrown African heroes, revolutionaries and freedom fighters such as Kwame Nkrumah, Thomas Sankara, and Patrice Lumumba.
“I say the names of these men who died for us without any promise of resurrection. Maybe it will cause a young man or woman to wonder who they are. Maybe they will Google them, then set out on a journey whose destination is unknown,” explains Seun.
Other records cover topics like the irrelevance of commercial success, the value of marijuana, and the takedown of corrupt politicians. In particular, Black Times takes aim at Nigeria’s Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari.
Seun adds, “We are all capable of change, us iron people, us workers. Black Times is the sound of the people, and a weapon of the future. The big picture needs more color.”
Check out the tracklist for Seun Kuti and Egypt 80’s Black Times and “Black Times” featuring Carlos Santana below.
Black Times Tracklist
1. “Last Revolutionary” featuring Robert Glasper
2. “Black Times” featuring Carlos Santana
3. “Corporate Public Control Department (CPCD)”
4. “Kuku Kee Me”
5. “Bad Man Lighter”
6. “African Dreams”
7. “Struggle Sounds”
8. “Theory of Goat And Yam”
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