Album: Seun Kuti & Egypt 80, From Africa with Fury: Rise (Knitting Factory)

Reviewed by Howard Male

Sunday 03 April 2011

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Brian Eno doesn't seem the obvious choice as co-producer of Seun Kuti's second album, but he does a fine job of assisting in the distillation of Afrobeat into a diamond-hard, almost chillingly efficient groove.

But it's when Seun steps out from behind father Fela's shadow that things really shift up a gear. "Rise" does just that, building from a grungy guitar riff to an intense, soulful plea on behalf of a debilitated Africa. A potent shot in the arm for Afrobeat.

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