It felt rather like a homecoming gig for Seun Kuti. The EGYPT ’80 bandleader spent three years living in Liverpool while studying at LIPA, and there was a twinkle in his eye and a definitive Scouse lilt to his English accent when he shared his joy at being back here. Seun’s love for Liverpool is perhaps why we were privileged to have such great musicians perform at all in a city so often overlooked by international acts in favour of Manchester…
+FURTHER ACTS ANNOUNCED FOR HUGE FESTIVAL CLOSING SHOW
Local promoter OBSCENIC has managed to pull in the huge coup, with this being one of only two UK shows for Seun & Egypt 80…
In very fitting homage to his father Fela, Seun Kuti will perform with legendary Afrobeat group, Egypt 80.
His latest release, ‘From Africa With Fury: Rise’ captures Seun and Egypt 80’s extraordinary power, fraught with the scorching rhythms and kinetic funk energy that has earned the band – as ever, under the leadership of alto saxophonist Lekan Animashaun – worldwide acclaim as one of today’s most incendiary live acts.
The album itself, which recently prompted a MOBO 2011 nomination, was produced by Brian Eno, John Reynolds, Godwin Logie and Seun himself.
Eno – an avowed fan – has nothing but the highest praise for Seun and his band, hailing them for “making some of the biggest, wildest, livest music on the planet.”
Eno – an avowed fan – has nothing but the highest praise for Seun and his band, hailing them for “making some of the biggest, wildest, livest music on the planet.”
Liverpool Music Week organiser & OBSCENIC promoter Joe Wills said:
“The inclusion of Seun Kuti in the 2011 programme highlights Liverpool Music Week’s taste for diversity following previous festival shows such as Seu Jorge and K’naan. This, without doubt, is set to be one of the most vibrant and uplifting shows of the year. Get ready for scenes straight out of Nigeria’s legendary Shrine”
Further acts for the huge closing show at Liverpool’s Contemporary Urban Centre on November 11th include LV & Joshua Idehen, DJ Wrongtom, Runners, aPAtT, DJ Derek, Warm Brains, Bos Angeles, Crushing Blows & Cowtown, who all join the massive line-up headlined by Ghostpoet, The Phantom Band, The Whip and very special hometown guests Outfit.
