Afrobeat royalty ignites Willits

Coming all the way from Lagos, Nigeria, Grammy-nominated artist Seun Kuti and his incendiary band Egypt 80 will perform at 8 p.m. May 10 at The Arts Campus at Willits in Basalt. 

Well-known for his enthralling live performances and socially concerned songs, attendees are sure to be dancing as Seun and the band perform songs from his recently released fifth studio album, “Heavier Yet (Lay the Crownless Head).” 

Afrobeat, funk, reggae, rap, and jazz all come together in the deluxe edition of the 2024 album coming out May 30, which fuels the main event. Meanwhile, the lyrics explore themes of “resistance and revolution.” Son of the influential Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti, Seun has focused his career on becoming the lead singer of Egypt 80, the band his father founded. Seun played with the band, even as a youth.

“Being an African myself, I bring my own special personality to my own music,” Seun said. “My father stands for the emancipation of all oppressed people and that message is not only my father’s message. My father was inspired by many great people. It’s not a matter of whose legacy it is or trying to balance it. It is a matter of persevering this message to take the action to change our world.”

Seun recently completed a string of shows opening for Lenny Kravitz in Europe, including Munich, Germany, Vienna, Austria, Gliwice, Poland, and Prague, Czechia.

“I’ve loved everywhere I’ve been,” Seun said in a good-natured manner, speaking of the many packed venues during his tours. “I’ve had fun.” 

Kravitz produced his latest album.

“Lenny’s a master. I really appreciate him being part of my project, for bringing that knowledge, it’s like a training exercise,” Seun said. “He’s been really supportive of what I’m doing, so we met and he’s one who has always wanted me to improve myself as a songwriter and as a musician.

Being on tour has had its personal challenges, primarily that he misses his 11-year-old daughter, Adara. The band’s U.S. tour leg comes to an end on May 17.

Tickets are $30 for members, $35 in advance, and $45 same day. All sales are final. Doors open at 7 p.m. for the standing room show, which is for ages 21 and older.

For info, visit: https://tacaw.org/calendar/seun-kuti-and-egypt-80/.