Seun Kuti, Ronnie Scott’s

By the time of his death in 1997, Fela Kuti had established himself as one of the most important musical voices in the world. His ‘afrobeat’, an exuberant fusion of jazz, funk and psychedelic rock influences with West African highlife and traditional chants, became hugely influential. And quite unlike anyone before or since, he melded incredible musicianship with a powerful political fervour.

Fela may be gone, but his torch still burns. His charismatic son Seun Kuti, far from becoming an imitation of his father, has carved out his own niche. His three albums – most recently A Long Way to the Beginning (2014) – take afrobeat to a frantic, punchy place, with so many instruments as to feel almost claustrophobic. This is music of overwhelming frenzy, with lyrics that pummel the darkside of Western capitalism.

Kuti will appear six times at the legendary jazz club Ronnie Scotts, playing both evening and late sessions on each date. He will be joined by Egypt ’80, Fela’s band, who largely retain their original line-up. Expect a mixture of Seun’s own music with some of his father’s classics. If you’re a fan of Fela, don’t miss this chance to witness his astonishing legacy.