Photo Credit: Tom Beetz
Femi Kuti is not only the oldest son of the legendary Fela Kuti, but he also established himself as an important socially conscious afrobeat artist in his own right.
As a teenager Kuti started his music career in his father’s band Egypt 80 (which is now fronted by his younger brother Seun). In 1986 he broke off from his dad and formed his own backing band, the Positive Force and he released his self titled album in 1995.
“One People One World” is the title track off of his 2018 album. Still receiving expert backing by the Positive Force, Kuti delivers a rousing anthem of peace and unity.
Poignant lyrics include “Exchange cultural experiences, that’s the way it should be” and “Racism has no place.” The song also takes on a global resonance with the line: “All nations are guilty / At one point of hostilities.”
The song is definitely relevant in light of systemic racism and current hostilities that certain countries like the US are expressing towards immigrants.
The tune is a timely reminder that embracing different cultures enriches us as a society. A policy of hate based isolationism benefits no one.