Seun Kuti to open for Lauryn Hill in California

The concert, which will be held in California in the US, is already sold out, and comes after Felabration, the annual celebration of the music and life of Seun’s father, the Afrobeat great Fela Kuti.

Ahead of his concert with Hill, Seun has released an EP titled Struggle Sounds. The album was made with Egypt 80, the backing band of the late Fela. Like some of his father’s music, the album features songs with political and social messages, with certain ills denounced in strong language.

Speaking about the EP, Seun said in a statement, “More than ever, we are convinced of our mission and the purpose of our music. The Struggle Sounds EP is a true reflection of my social and political beliefs. I give honor to my parents and every revolutionary who made this possible even before I was born.”

The California concert is a part of Hill’s ‘The MLH Caravan: A Diaspora Calling! Concert Series,’ which begun in August and has such guests as Nas and Talib Kweli. Seun Kuti and the Egypt 80 band represent Nigeria on the concert tour, while EL and Jojo Abot will showcase Ghanaian talent.

Says Hill: “The MLH Caravan allows me to continue the theme of unity and celebration of the many facets of cultural and artistic beauty throughout the African diaspora while on tour. In these days of tension, tumult and transition, an exchange of this kind can yield direction, expression, understanding and empowerment as well as connection, self-love and appreciation that hopefully overflows into our respective communities.”