Music News | 16 October 2016 02:01 CET

Seun Kuti speaks on his new album, Struggle Sounds

Source: vanguardngr.com

'It's a true reflection of my social and political beliefs'

By Benjamin Njoku
Ahead of the music tour that will see the Egypt 80 Band perform on different locations in the United States, Afrobeat musician, Seun Anikulapo Kuti, recently released his latest work, “Struggle Sounds”, on Sony Music Masterworks. Co-produced by Robert Glasper, the album features the single Gimme My Vote Back (C.P.C.D.), where C.P.C.D. stands for 'Corporate Public Control Department.'

Seun recorded the EP with Egypt 80, his father's original band, which he inherited after Fela. Written by Seun, the three-track album, which also has “Struggle Sounds” and African Dreams, comes with Seun's usual strong social and political messages, a theme that Seun weaves into all of this music.

“More than ever, we are convinced of our mission and the purpose of our music,” says Seun. “The “Struggle Sounds” EP is a true reflection of my social and political beliefs. I give honor to my parents and every revolutionary who made this possible even before I was born.”

Ever since he came to limelight, Seun has continued to be a strong voice against any form of oppression of the Nigerian people by the government. Even with his busy schedule that sees him play mostly abroad, he has remained consistent in his criticism of governments across the globe, using his music, social media handles, as well his concerts, to speak up against injustices on common man.

“I think it's more of the same elitism in government that has continued; a weird and ugly mixture of oligarchy and plutocracy that can only take shape in this country. The way forward in Nigeria is to have a fearless government willing to take on the oppressors in our society and redistribute the wealth,” Seun said recently, while commenting on Buhari's one year in office.

On the reason the album was released a day before Nigeria's Independence Day celebration, Seun's manager, A. Oloye, said, “the decision was entirely that of Sony Music; the album was released on their label. Though it's a coincidence, don't forget that Seun, as an artiste, has always been consistent in his criticisms of the government. If you look at all his previous albums, nothing has changed. So, to me, this is just Seun being himself,” he said.

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