Seun Kuti and Egypt 80 perform "Rise"

"Rise" is the title song on Seun Kuti and Egypt 80's new album. In the Fela tradition of Afrobeat, it's an angry song -- protesting against corrupt leaders and corporations exploiting Africa's resources. It's also a big band tour de force, with echoes of James Brown and Miles Davis. Above all, it's a call to rise against injustice.

This is Seun's incendiary anthem, but there's an underlying sadness here, too, as if he knows all too well the suffering his people have endured. The constant refrain: We want a better life but "our stomachs still empty."

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Seun Kuti
• Egypt 80
• Fela
• Sound Tracks
• PBS
• Quick Hits
• Nigeria
• Music

[MrRedgold]

great work