Quote from Oladosun Joshua Segun on June 16, 2024, 4:01 PM

Today marks a special dual celebration for a figure who has not only shaped the musical landscape with his Afrobeat rhythms but also stands as a symbol of cultural heritage and paternal strength. Femi Kuti, the eldest son of the Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti, celebrates his birthday today, coinciding with Father's Day—a fitting overlap for a man who is both a renowned musician and a devoted father.

Born on June 16, 1962, in London and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, Femi Kuti has carried the legacy of his father with grace and innovation. His music, infused with the spirit of his father's creations, also brings its own modern flair, addressing contemporary issues and reaching a global audience. His band, Positive Force, is not just a name but a statement of his commitment to positive change through music.

Femi's journey has been one of both continuity and individuality. Stepping into his father's shoes as a member of the band Egypt 80, he later established his own path with Positive Force in the late 1980s. His international career took off when he was invited to perform at various festivals and venues, showcasing his talent and spreading the Afrobeat genre beyond African borders.

His accolades are many, including multiple Grammy nominations, which speak to his talent and the respect he commands in the world music scene. But perhaps more telling is his role as a father, raising a son who has joined him on stage, playing the alto saxophone. This generational link not only honors the past but also paves the way for the future of Afrobeat.

On this day, as we celebrate fathers around the world, it's particularly poignant to honor Femi Kuti, who embodies the spirit of fatherhood in his nurturing of both his family and his musical heritage. His life's work serves as a testament to the power of music to inspire, to protest, to heal, and to unite.

So, on a vibrant Sunday night, the heart of Lagos pulses with the rhythm of Afrobeat, emanating from the iconic New Afrika Shrine. This isn't just any Sunday; it's June 16, 2024, a special date that marks the continuation of a legacy as Femi Kuti, son of the legendary Fela Kuti, takes the stage with his own son, Made Kuti. It's a father and son show that promises to be etched in the annals of music history from 7pm till 11pm.

The New Afrika Shrine, an open-air entertainment center located in Ikeja, Lagos State, is more than just a venue; it's a cultural hub that represents the spirit of Afrobeat and the soul of the Nigerian people. Upholding his father’s legacy, Femi Kuti, during a chat in a podcast, revealed the challenges and triumphs of building the New Afrika Shrine, which stands as a testament to the enduring power of music and community.

Femi Kuti, a multiple Grammy-award nominee, has been a torchbearer of the Afrobeat genre, a movement created by his father in the 1960s. Fela Anikulapo Kuti was not just a musician; he was a political activist whose music spoke of the struggles and aspirations of the African people. His son, Femi, has carried this mantle with pride, infusing his music with messages of hope, resistance, and unity.

The Father and Son show is more than a concert; it's a celebration of family, heritage, and the relentless pursuit of artistic expression. Femi and Made Kuti, both accomplished musicians in their own right, come together on this night to deliver a performance that transcends generations. The synergy between them is palpable, as they weave a tapestry of sound that is both fresh and deeply rooted in the Afrobeat tradition.

Fans of Afrobeat flock to the Shrine every Sunday night to experience the "Sunday Jump": three hours of non-stop music hosted by Femi Kuti and the Positive Force band. But this particular Sunday is unique. It's a convergence of past, present, and future, as Femi and Made honor the legacy of Fela Kuti while charting their own course in the ever-evolving landscape of Afrobeat.

The New Afrika Shrine is not just a place of music; it's a refuge for the youth of Lagos—a place where one can be free, find community, and perhaps even a job. It's a space where the legacy of Fela Kuti lives on, not just through his music but through the lives he continues to inspire. As Femi Kuti states, "The Shrine is a place where you can come and be free, maybe get a job, have a community—and these are some of the young cats we met there".

So, here's to Femi Kuti—may your Birthday be as joyful and inspiring as the music you create, may your Father's Day be filled with the love and respect you so richly deserve. Your contributions to music and society will continue to resonate, and your legend will undoubtedly live on for generations to come.

Happy Birthday, Femi Kuti, and Happy Father's Day to all the fathers out there who, like Femi, play a vital role in shaping lives and legacies. Let's all take a moment to appreciate the rhythm of life they contribute to our world.

So, if you find yourself in Lagos today June 16, 2024, you can maybe make your way to The New Afrika Shrine. Witness the power of Afrobeat, the legacy of Fela Kuti, and the bond between father and son that fuels the fire of this unstoppable musical genre. It's more than a show; it's a historical moment that promises to leave an indelible mark on all who experience it. Join the celebration, feel the rhythm, and be part of the legacy.