(Review by Steve T)
Just like them [Seun Kuti and the Egypt 80] I stopped off for this on my way from London to Cheltenham - Don't know why people don't turn up for Afrobeat gigs, because those who do seem to unanimously love them. Perhaps it's the politics or perceived misogyny, but even the more conservative Cheltenham audience appeared to have loved it.
For young, hip types, Afrobeat is part of their kitbag, like reggae for a previous generation, but mixing indigenous music with Black American Funk, rather than white, British guitar pop.
The music is rhythmic, funky, jazzy, infectious, vibrant, hot, powerful, sexy, colourful, edgy and downright irresistible.
Despite poor ticket sales, the Sage wisely left the seats out and by the time everyone came down from Level 2, and the ever-dependable hip, young, student, alternative types turned up, there wasn't a still butt in the place.
Drums, bass, two guitars, three percussionists, two saxes and a trumpet: some of them former sidemen of his dad, Fela. Two lady singers/dancers who never stopped, and Seun himself, resplendent in yellow and blue, topless for the finale, flitting between singing, sax and keyboards, just like his dad and brother Femi.
Saw Femi at the Gala a few years back, and one student type described it as the best night-out ever in Durham, and it was a definite marker in Francis' development as a listener and musician.
Next time you see a gig advertised with words like Afrobeat or Kuti, I strongly recommend that you go.
Steve T.
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