Seun Anikulapo Kuti speaks from the heart. His motto when talking to reporters is “If you are brave enough to ask, then I am brave enough to answer.”
The 29-year-old Afrobeat star talked openly and passionately about music, politics and family during a night off from his U.S. tour.
Kuti, who began performing at the age of 8, is the youngest son of Nigerian music legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti.
“I used to open shows for my dad by singing a song or two,” said Kuti, who spoke by phone from his Colorado Junction hotel room. “Sometimes I try hard to remember those days and some particular nights just stay in your memories. My dad died when I was 14 it was a roller-coaster time for me.
“When I play live now, I always play one or two of my father’s tracks, because I need to give respect to the man when we play.”
Kuti performs with his father’s band Egypt 80 and his spring tour continues to support the 2011 release Africa With Fury: Rise.
What was it like to work with Brian Eno and John Reynolds, two of the best producers in the music business?
I spent 2 months in the UK mixing the album and it was an amazing experience and a learning experience for me as well because I was spending all this time with these guys in the studio and being able add to their knowledge to my music was for me a really great experience.
When I write a song for me, it’s physically finished. It was new for me to meet people that show me new ideas on how to get take it a step further. And I think we achieved that in London with Brian and John.
Did you enter the studio with more confidence this time around?
Yes. The first time you’re not sure if people are going to accept our things. When you put it out there people have to judge it. People love my first takes and the stuff I’m coming up with now, and I feel I made a better record than I did the first time.
I’ve grown as a person. I’ve experienced life more. I’m a better musician than I was then (2008), which I try to prove all the time. So, I think that absolutely shows on the new album.
How was Africa With Fury: Rise different or similar to Many Things ?
I feel as a musician your music should steadily evolve. Evolution is not change. Evolution is an improvement of what is. I feel my music still has the same energy, same drive, but I’m more mature and that shows in my new music and to also put my personality in my music.
Why do you like to play your songs live first and then record them in the studio later? What’s the advantage of that?
I think the advantage of playing the songs live is you allow the people to judge your music. People like the songs not because the radio has played it so many times.
Let’s talk about some of the tracks from the new record. In “Rise” what message are you trying to convey to the African people?
We need to stand up for what we believe in Africa – for an Africa that gives Africans something to believe in. It’s a passionate song for me because to see Africa used as a business — America, France, England, Russia, China, they don’t do anything for Africa, they just use Africa as business — it’s a shame.
What’s “Slavemaster” about?
I’m comparing what’s going on in Africa today to new-colonialism and modern slavery. It’s more mental in the sense that we don’t truly have freedom of speech, just like the slaves didn’t have freedom of speech. We all work and live in Africa and like the slaves, could not benefit from the farm of the master.
Africa has been sold, not physically, but in our resources and opportunities. There are no African multi-nationals. There are multi-national companies and corporations from Europe, America and now China as well as Asia.
You cannot say Africa is really free capitalism because we don’t have any multi-national corporations from Africa. Africa and their people is the salve to finance our politicians and their big dreams.
What’s the “Good Leaf” ?
That’s my political argument for marijuana. I believe man has no right to tell nature what to do. I think it’s too pompous of man to tell nature what is legal and what is illegal when it comes naturally.
Who or what is the” Giant of Africa”?
That used to be the nickname of Nigeria when I was growing up. We’re being sarcastic with the words, ’The Giant of Africa with no lights and no schools.’
Your new songs have similar themes to what Bob Marley sang about on his Survival album.
A lot has not truly changed in Africa. Nothing has changed much in Africa in terms of the development for African people. The development we have in Africa is development to support multi-national corporations, big companies, opportunities for capitalism. We have not really had true development from the angle of the people — the empowerment of the people first. People are not first in any country in Africa.
This is the second consecutive where you’re touring the United States, what can fans expect this time around?
I have not really paid a lot of attention to the States in my career. For some reason my former manager didn’t think it was viable at that moment with the recession and everything. So our first tour of the states was in 2008 and we didn’t come back for a while (summer 2011).
For me it’s always grand playing in the state festivals. All the bands come there and everybody has to be at their best because a lot of people come and see you. The festivals are where everybody really shows their spunk. I like playing these big stages — that’s what it’s all about.
How have you perfected your craft as a live performer?
I think I’ve had my live performance locked down for a while and just improve with time. I get stronger, I’m fitter. For me Afrobeat is powerful music — I don’t have any choreography. I move with the music and the way it moves me.
How has Egypt 80 evolved over time?
They’ve grown old. That’s how they’ve changed. (laughing)
Do they still have the energy to keep up with you?
We keep up with them. (laughing)
What makes Egypt 80 so good?
There’s nothing surreal or mythical about it. It’s just lots of work. You put in the work and you get the results. We put in a lot of work back at home and on the road. Every show is a show and an improvement curve. Every show we do, we take a look at what we can do better. I’m also my best critic as well and I think that is one of my best attributes. There’s nothing anyone can say about me or where I have to improve that I didn’t think of already. I’m open to feedback but the truth is that most feedback, I’ve already fed it to myself.
What keeps you living in Lagos full time?
It’s my home. It’s the only place I know as home. Once your heart is set as somewhere as home, it’s hard to leave there. I feel that I have a lot to offer my people.
Are you a celebrity there?
I’m a celebrity of course but I don’t see myself as a celebrity, but people know me. I get a lot of ‘Hi Seun.” You wave, you smile and you keep going. I don’t go to all the red carpet events and all that stuff. I don’t like the fact that music has been turned into a way to promote corporate bodies, and people explain what they’re wearing. I don’t wear suits or fancy boots.
What influence did your father have on you?
Growing up, watching my dad you cannot be anything but inspired. Every artist will tell you that they learned something from his as well. So for me it was a great time and a great feeling. His performances are one of my biggest inspirations as well.
Can you envision a day when you and your half-brother Femi collaborate together on the stage or in the studio?
Of course, lots of times. Right now, we both have really good careers. Of course, we’re going to do a project together. We just have to sit down but I don’t think we’ll both have that time to sit down and think about it. I’m not adverse to the idea and I’m sure my brother is not either.
