Smashed Chair - Femi Kuti

– The Definitive Collection

Feels like a 70s chase sequence. Everything is building up with such tension and energy.

	June 26, 2007

It’s been a long time since I’ve heard a brass section move with the sound of sex and power. This is the work of African Afrobeat musician Femi Kuti. The man’s work spans across the Jazz and World genres. His work is much publicized, because of his strong political messages and he doesn’t hesitate to speak his mind in a part of the world where people are killed for opposing the government.

Femi Kuti isn’t a musician, but an representation of a great Nigerian artist. His work is in the same realm as any person who has clashed with their government. He’s collaborated with Macy Gray, Mos Def, Jaguar Wright and many other mainstream musicians. This “Definitive Collection,” a double disc album, combines songs from over 20 years of work. He has a great voice and he is accompanied by the entire African nation. The chorus is the backbone in his songs. He would be a sad man if it were not for the sound of celebration that his chorus gives. The majority deals with the turmoil and corruption of the African government. Femi Kuti is very political, but you wouldn’t know it from the way his music sounds, as if it were celebrating life.

Some of his songs have a subtle message, like “Do Your Best” which is a message to those in power in Africa to try and stop the bad that goes on in his country. Other songs simply feature titles like “Bang Bang Bang” and “Stop Aids.” Kuti’s music is the perfect transition album for those that are looking to get into more world music, but I use that term lightly, because it’s an album that everyone should have in case they want to make an argument that they’re in touch with the roots of rap or hip hop. The second disc includes remixes and other singles. I think that this collection could have been one CD and maybe it could have done with a DVD, but that’s wishful thinking and a little bickering for an already great album. His style is oh so cool, and his lyrics are easy to understand. The best part is that this guy plays saxophone, trumpet and keyboards and manages to make a political message feel like a party. So, what better way to get people motivated to do something better with their lives than to make them dance?

By Nathan Solis

Listen to the album at Amazon.com