In 2021, Mádé Kuti built upon the legacy of his father Femi and legendary grandfather Fela with the release of his debut album For(e)ward. The album was released alongside Femi’s eleventh full-length release Stop The Hate as part of the aptly named double album Legacy + (one of the best protest albums of 2021).
After completion of a U.S. tour with his father, he released his latest single “No More Wars”, featuring powerhouse vocals and expert backing from his newly formed band The Movement. The tune promotes the need to re-evaluate values and to make a conscious effort to pursue peace.
The stirring afrobeat anthem works on both a personal and political level. In connection with this Mádé stated the following: “‘No More Wars’ is entirely about temper, control, and focus. It’s about experiences I’ve had that taught me to reflect intentionally before I resort to violent acts. The lyrics are inspired by my father’s consistency in following his path despite dealing with an overwhelming amount of harsh, untrue, and deliberately cruel people inside and outside of his circle.”
In this world we live in there is a need for righteous indignation, but there is a danger that we can be consumed by anger. When that danger arises, we can remind ourselves of the lyrical refrain:
“So when dem come with dem trouble
All the negativity dem sabi
So when dem come with dem energy
Close your ears and sing.”