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Femi Kuti

Music

Continuing the Afrobeat Tradition

As son of Nigeria's legendary Afrobeat musician Fela Kuti, Femi Kuti has some big shoes to fill. But Femi he has risen to his own star status, partly by mixing Afrobeat with modern soul and hip-hop. Kuti talks about his success, his father's legacy, and his enduring love for Africa.

Continuing the Afrobeat Tradition

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Live in Concert

Femi Kuti in Concert

A veritable superstar in his native Nigeria, Femi Kuti is the standard bearer for Afro-beat, the blend of American jazz and funk with African percussion and vocals pioneered by his father, Fela Kuti in the 1970s. Hear Femi Kuti recorded live in concert from Washington, D.C.

Femi Kuti in Concert on All Songs Considered - 07/13/2007

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Music

Femi Kuti: 'Live At The Shrine'

Producer Derek Rath talks with Afrobeat musician Femi Kuti about his new album and DVD, Live at the Shrine. The son of legendary Nigerian musician Fela Anikulapo Kuti talks about the Los Angeles concert, politics and the power of music to unite a crowd and a continent.

Femi Kuti: 'Live At The Shrine'

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Music Articles

Fela And Femi Kuti

Banning Eyre reports on the legacy of Nigerian bandleader and activist Fela Kuti. Kuti came from a talented and educated family. He was educated in England and spent time in America. In the 1970's, his jazz and funk-influenced music challenged the political and military leadership of Nigeria. His lifestyle reflected his sharp rejection of Western ideas. Kuti eventually died of complications from AIDS. But his life is attracting new attention here in the US as his son Femi tours with a band, and a new biography by Michael Veal details his life. (12:30)
Please note, Fela: The Life & Times of an African Musical Icon, by Michael E. Veal is published by Temple University Press; ISBN# 1566397650, June 2000.

Fela And Femi Kuti

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Femi And Seun Kuti Keep Their Father's Rebellious Beat

Femi Kuti and Seun Anikulapo-Kuti. Julien Mignot; Kelechi Amadiobi/Courtesy of Knitting Factory Records hide caption

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Julien Mignot; Kelechi Amadiobi/Courtesy of Knitting Factory Records

Review

Music Articles

Femi And Seun Kuti Keep Their Father's Rebellious Beat

The oldest and youngest sons of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti have both released new albums. Each strikes its own balance between individual expression and Afrobeat orthodoxy.

Femi And Seun Kuti Keep Their Father's Rebellious Beat

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Femi And Seun Kuti Keep Their Father's Rebellious Beat

Femi Kuti and Seun Anikulapo-Kuti. Julien Mignot; Kelechi Amadiobi/Courtesy of Knitting Factory Records hide caption

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Julien Mignot; Kelechi Amadiobi/Courtesy of Knitting Factory Records

Review

Music Articles

Femi And Seun Kuti Keep Their Father's Rebellious Beat

The oldest and youngest sons of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti have both released new albums. Each strikes its own balance between individual expression and Afrobeat orthodoxy.

Femi And Seun Kuti Keep Their Father's Rebellious Beat

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Femi Kuti And Positive Force: Making A Statement

Femi Kuti. Jim Bennett/KEXP hide caption

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Jim Bennett/KEXP

Favorite Sessions

Femi Kuti And Positive Force: Making A Statement

KEXP

Talk about filling big shoes. The son of Afrobeat icon Fela Kuti joined host Jon Kertzer in KEXP's studios with his 12-member band, Positive Force, for a lively session.

Femi Kuti And Positive Force: Making A Statement

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Nigerian Star Femi Kuti Talks Politics And Music

Like his father Fela, Femi Kuti puts African politics front and center in his music. Julien Mignot/Courtesy of the artist hide caption

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Julien Mignot/Courtesy of the artist

Music Articles

Nigerian Star Femi Kuti Talks Politics And Music

He has been one of the most recognized and beloved Nigerian musicians of the past 20 years. The son of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti, Femi Kuti has broken from his father's legacy and created his own unique identity.

Nigerian Star Femi Kuti Talks Politics And Music

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Nigerian Star Femi Kuti Talks Politics And Music

Like his father Fela, Femi Kuti puts African politics front and center in his music. Julien Mignot/Courtesy of the artist hide caption

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Julien Mignot/Courtesy of the artist

Music Articles

Nigerian Star Femi Kuti Talks Politics And Music

He has been one of the most recognized and beloved Nigerian musicians of the past 20 years. The son of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti, Femi Kuti has broken from his father's legacy and created his own unique identity.

Nigerian Star Femi Kuti Talks Politics And Music

Listen · 16:04
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