Femi Kuti

Expected nothing, got everything. Awesome fucking record.

It's not an album you could put on any time, any day. But at the right time this is awesome. For me that was making breakfast on a Sunday morning and this had me bouncing around the kitchen.

When you're the son of one of the most revolutionary musicians of the second half of the 20th Century, it's best to be aware of the massive sized shoes that would hopefully be filled but Femi Kuti's self-titled does all that and then some. Bringing, and refining, his father's penchant for lengthy jams about societal and personal issues into the 90s (atrocious album cover aside), this over an hour long collection gives the listener an understanding of who Femi is and what he could be capable of, regardless of the knowledge of who preceded him. The songs may be long but the grooves are undeniable and the pedigree beyond worthwhile.

I didn't even notice the songs were 9 minutes long because I was having so much fun

hard, if not impossible, to compare his work to his father's. his shadow looms large but this is still worth a listen! fav track: changes

Not going to lie, this slaps. Fantastic, really fun, amazing

Think if Earth, Wind and Fire were from Nigeria. A great jazz-funk album all around. Lots of fun, infectious grooves, and top talent to boot. Who knew listening to a sax-led band could be so much fun?

Nothing else I can say other than this album will exceed every expectation you may or may not have

Not generally a world music fan, but the debut album by Femi Kuti is an absolute monster. A tour de force os musicianship, with Femi’s voice and sax playing leading the way. The call and response at the end of “Frustrations” between Femi’s sax and the percussion is a highlight. Loved it all the way through!

Funky, groovy Jazz. Hooks you in with the first couple of beats and doesn't let go!

great album with great sounds. The tunes slap hard. solid 9/10

Refreshing album that I’ve always wondered about. It would be beautiful to see him at a festival. Not sure I’d ever choose this album again but I appreciated nonetheless

Femi Kuti is a groovy, funky, lovely to listen self-titled album. Energetic, a bit on one-note, a bit long, but I didn't feel bored. And you know, some problems really do be stubborn problems. I wouldn't call it a masterpiece, and I'd find it hard to compare about my favourites, but I think it's very, very solid record.

More Kuti is just what I needed.

Quite an excellent record, though I will say it was very difficult not to compare his music to that of his father. Like they say, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. The DNA of Fela Kuti’s music is here, but Femi manages to differentiate himself enough with a broader view and incorporation of different musical styles. It’s more polished, chilled and maybe a more accessible sound, where Fela’s records were more stripped back, aggressive and carrying a palpable sense of righteous anger.

Interesting, very African sounding, fun, different genre to the rest of the albums really

So funky and groovy. The music is uplifting and danceable while the lyrics are political. Very glad to be introduced to this artist. Favorite tracks: Frustrations, Plenty Nonsense, Live for Today

This album is really cool! I it's full of cool rhythms and groovy sax. It also feels like experiencing a new culture through the music alone. The song, Frustration, makes me feel like I am playing as Knuckles in Sonic Adventure 2 haha. Favorite track: Frustration and Survival

Wow, this is fantastic! Superb performances, so expressive, and such a nice blend of styles and ideas. I'll bet it's great to see him play live.

At first it just made me want to listen to Fela. But after a bit I really got into it.

Vibes. At first glance, I had thought this was going to be a Fela Kuti album (who also has some banging music), but was pleasantly surprised to find someone new in the genre. The orchestration is superb and I found myself getting quite pumped up as I listened to it during a workout. I'm a sucker for some saxophone and he can really rip. There is enough genre bending across the album to hold your attention and he does so without losing the core sound. Overall, a great time but I don't know how often I would go looking for it to listen. Stand out track: Survival

Clearly talented but totally not my thing

Based on the albums I've listened to so far, I like this guy's music more than his father's.... WAY more! I loved every second of this album, and was enjoying a wild private party in my headphones while listening to it. Great sax playing and the playful tunes perfectly offset the seriousness of some of the political messages in the songs. I'm adding this to my Tidal library and giving it five stars.

The groove is absolutely infectious, and the social commentary is a righteously angry cherry on top. Femi manages to distance himself effectively from his father’s legacy; the influence is still clearly there but Femi’s music seems more structured, less improvisational. But what’s important for both is that this is just good damn music

Way better than Julian Lennon and not as good as Sean Lennon. Not bad by any means but just made me want to play a Fela Kuti record.

Interesting. Clearly solid music. But not for me really

Wonder Wonder - 7.5/10 Survival- 7.5/10 Frustrations - 8/10 Nawa - intro - 7.5/10 Nawa - 8/10 Plenty Nonsense - 8/10 Stubbor problems - 7.5/10 No Shame - 8/10 Live for Today - 8/10 Changes - 8/10 TOTAL - 78/100

I liked the Fela Kuti album better by his dad I think. This one was ok but got a bit repetitive

No. Just. No.

The very best Afrobeat since Houmous & Chutneys controversial 82nd studio album ‘We’ll Afrobeat You At Your Own Game’ 4.8

Femi can jam just like his father. This album is so good and fun, it was easy to just get lost in the music. My favorite is definitely Plenty Nonsense. It's so upbeat and esch part gets to shine. Most of the songs are similar, especially the singing which has Femi doing a call and response for large parts around the title of the song, but that didn't really bother me. Seems like a staple of world music from this area and the instruments are just so good that it gets a free pass. The sax and percussion are the highlights for me here.

Discovering bangers like this album are why I continue through all the middling and garbage picks. I put this on at work and I was just in my seat grooving right along. From start to finish it just gets you moving. Fantastic!

Very fun listen

This is the 92nd album I’m rating. I’ve listened to his dad and it was pretty good. Adding to my Playlist - Wonder, Wonder, Survival, Frustrations, Nawa (Intro), Nawa, Plenty Nonsense, Stubborn Problems, No Shame, Live for Today, and Changes. Not Adding to my Playlist - Nothing. Nawa (Intro) - Why isn’t this combined? All in all I liked 10/10 songs. Arguably better than his dad.

*****

Papa was beter maar wel 5/5

Just as good as his dad. Strong lyrics with amazing instrumentals. Just an amazing album! Also the opening to Stubbor Problems was crazy especially considering that it's what really happened to Fela Kuti.

A really fantastic and fun album. Vibrant musical colors and styles throughout each song, with a wide breadth of lyrical topics. A great album to either dance to, or sit and listen to. The longer runtimes for the songs aren't an issue either, as every second is equally engaging. Great listen

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

Can I start dancing now?

Number 1000! and its Afrobeat! Funky jazz. yes. Was a little worried of a dated sound when I saw the year but the production is fine. Nawa is a joyous banger. Plenty Nonsense also a joyous banger somehow while furiously railing against corruption in Nigerian and African politics, one of his dad's favourite pastimes (the railing, not the corruption). Oh and Stubbor Problems. the same. They just keep on coming. Soooo good. and I'd never heard it before, even better. Fantastic from start to finish for over 70 minutes. That's some achievement.

One of those completely unexpectedly awesome albums that just come out of no where. I remember listening to his father's album Fela Kuti and really liking it. This one was a lot more groovy I believe with some long drawn out jams that hit me perfectly. The singing that went with the horns and drums was just such a fun aspect I was really bouncing around. The guitar parts in Survival were so awesome I could listen to that song all day long. Live for Today was also really dope with the energy that it brought and the build up. This wouldn't normally be a 5 type of album for me but this just really hit nicely in all of the best ways. This style was right up my alley and I am such a sucker for awesome horns.

This was an absolute banger, put me in a great mood. Definitely going to be listening to this again. Must be great live.

I had never heard of Femi Kuti until I heard this album. But I didn't need much information because everything I needed to know I heard in this album. The Nigerian's album brings Afrobeats in a fun and sincere way. Even though each song is long, time passes smoothly. Kuti gave Afrobeats the recognition that the genre needed and today artists like Tyla, Tems and other artists carry the genre today with equal mastery.

Oh snap! This fabulous. Loved it all the way through.

Funky rhythms slaps, good listen

Fantastic!

That was great! They were jamming so hard, Femi didn't start singing until about 3 minutes in on almost every song. I love a good build-up.

Wow. This album is a blast.

Something I would have loved to have seen live. The music took me to a different place, I could close my eyes and the world around me would transform into a dimly lit club with the musicians on stage, everyone either dancing or sitting in leather club chairs with a whiskey in their hand and their feet tapping to the percussion. The energy is infectious.

Sensational jazz album

Really enjoyed this album! I love the whole Afrobeat genre in general and this was really great. I'll definitely throw this on and play it all the way through in the evening while enjoying a cocktail or making dinner. But I also really liked that you can pick it apart and listen to the actual musicians and what each one is doing. Sax is great, horns are great, fantastic bass, superb vocals. This is the kind of album that most people, especially in North America/Europe, which I would imagine is the majority of people going through this list, probably don't hear too much but absolutely should. Exactly what this list was made for. One of my favorite 'world' albums from this list so far. 5/5

This album fucking slaps.

This kept me moving and grooving for over an hour. Marvelous!

This is great fun. Let's dance!

Always up for something from Africa or Asia on this list since the pickin’s are slim. I loved those awesome rhythms and the presence of the choir of singers backing Femi Kuti. The band instruments were fantastic! While I wasn’t able to listen closely enough to catch everything, I detected a lot of activism in those lyrics. Fun with a purpose! I love this. Would love seeing this performed live. Terrific!

Wow, wow, wow - I loooooove this! I also then found his father's music, Fela Kuti.

This was fantastic!! A wonderful combination of funk, jazz, Afro-influence...really, really fun discovery. Favorite track: Stubbor Problems

um this was actually incredible? omg.... i had so much fun listening to this! i can't believe i haven't heard of him before! what a fun surprise!

Femi Kuti is so good, I could listen to his music for hours.

Same vibe I get from his father’s work.

A straight hour of horns and sax. This was made for me

This is listed as “pop” and “world” at the 1001albums site. Wikipedia calls it “afrobeat”. I dunno…. This seems very Jazzy to me, rather than pop. I rather like the Allmusic review which states the album is “Packed with contagious rhythms born of African, jazz, and funk melodies”. That seems to fit perfectly. I don’t know about labels, but this album is really good. It has GREAT rhythms, great songs. If you don’t groove to this it’s your own fault. All of the songs are 6-10 minutes long, I wouldn’t mind if they were all a hint more concise. But that’s a very minor complaint. This is what I came to this project to find, new and different (and good) music. It will absolutely get listened to again. 5/5

Fantastic album from beginning to end , difficult shoes for Femi to fill - but he slams it :)

Yes! this is exactly what I am.listening to a lot of right now. Polyrhythmic, funky and righteous. Continuing his father's rich legacy with more of the same.

Afrobeat? Very is 5/5. Great album from start to finish, I loved everything about it. What a perfect combination of jazz, funk and African influence. Another record to look for in my vintage vinyl shops endeavours.

Saved. Great music

I was expecting strict Afro beats, but this is so much more! What a fun, exciting album!

Loved it

Welp, turns out I'm an Afrobeat fan.

So so good. As soon as the sax notes hit in the first track I was on board. Not a genre you get to hear very often and its executed so well. Gives great vibes of 70's car chases at some points.

Really enjoyable! Modern afrobeat

When I was a young whippersnapper, my buddy Deen from Nigeria turned me on to Femi's dad Fela Kuti. My first exposure to Afrobeat. Fast forward a few decades and here's his kid -- who may be a better musician than his father was. This is just a fun album...about revolution! Play it loud! Unexpected bangers: Wonder Wonder, Plenty Nonsense, Stubbor Problems

Like father, like son!

The sax sure is saxy. A real snarky puppy bug band jazz sound 5

Albums like this are why I wanted to to through this list in the first place. I don't think I would ever find this on my own, but I love it and can't wait to listen again. The energy and joyous performances hit you right in the face, but the vocals and lyrics also hit you in the face for a competent different reason. I'm sold and I want to drive more into Femi's stuff now.

This is an album I won't soon forget. Incredible music, just incredible. Time went by so fast as I worked with this album in my ears. I was grooving and dancing all the way through. I don't know when next I might listen to this again, but this has definitely been my favorite album in my music discovering journey so far. I think I'd prefer to give it a 4.5 but I can't so I'll let it be a close 5.

Loved the beats on this one!! I danced in the kitchen while I was cooking it was heaven!!

Great! You can hear the influence of his dad, but it doesn’t feel derivative.

Phenomenal record, had me grooving the whole time. Very much influenced by the sound of his father but elevated and updated with an incredibly heavy horn section and some great incorporations of synths/organs. Top tracks: Wonder Wonder, Survival, Frustrations, Nawa, No Shame, Live For Today

Wow

Absolute bop. I had never heard of this artist before but I will definitely be listening again!

loooved it. was such a surprise, i wasn't expecting this to be such a banger of an album.

I actually listen to this album frequently. I really enjoy it. I love those African beats.

10/10 I’ve been a fan of Fela Kuti’s Zombie album for a long time; it’s really cool knowing his son is just as talented

This is what I’m here for

Great rhythms and impossible not to bop your head to everything

Not just walking in his father's footsteps, but SPRINTING.

I had never heard of Femi Kuti before, but what a way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon. Hypnotic African beats with healthy doses of jazz and funk.

Got me dancin!

way too much fun

Greatest live show I've ever seen! The one song 30 minute encore covering his father's song Water No Get Enemy was magical! Looking forward to listening to this again, it's been too long! Great feel to this, a lot of energy and the right amount of political outrage! Doing his father proud! Band tight as hell songs just fucking go!

Dank as fuck

Never heard of this artist but a really great afrobeat album. Excellent.

Am a huge Fela Kuti fan so naturally loved this. Interesting to hear classic Afrobeat with signature 90s production, and Femi manages to mark his own style on his fathers legacy.

Have not ventured into Fela's son. I'm excited... Well very similar to Fela. 5/5

That was brilliant. So much joy and diversity in each song. The liberal use of horn sections was *chef's kiss*

Very nice record! I didn’t know him before but it’s simply feel good music.

This one took me by surprise. I was expecting some awful tribal world music but this is reminiscent of the best soul/funk of 70s America. Amazing album.

While slightly more vocal, Femi Kuti is clearly following in the footsteps of his father, Fela Kuti.