RISING: Seun Kuti & Egypt 80

When Nigerian superstar Fela Kuti passed away in 1997, it was his youngest son Seun who carried the torch. He was only 14 at the time, but he strapped on his sax and fronted his father’s ensemble, Egypt 80. Along with his older brother Femi, they’ve been fanning the band’s flames of political courage and breakneck funk ever since.

Over six albums they’ve preserved Fela’s legacy while innovating with shades of soul and jazz. They’ve injected fresh perspectives on black, working-class struggles and collaborated with the likes of Brian Eno, Yasiin Bey and Sampa the Great along the way. On stage, Seun cuts an incredibly explosive and commanding presence – leading them through rapid-fire brass blasts, bouncy guitar lines and syncopated grooves that lock in and dance towards the horizon.

The full ensemble will be here armed with Egypt 80 classics and their latest set from album Heaviest Yet (Lays the Crownless Head). Ready to move bums off seats at Hamer Hall.