Nothing To Show For It - Femi Kuti
from the album No Place For My Dream (2013) Femi Kuti is a rare breed of musician who has found a global audience writing and performing protest songs against corruption, deception, and inequality. Following in the footsteps of his father - Fela Kuti - this Nigerian's songs shine an important light on the current circumstance plaguing much of Africa, earning him my most profound respect. Unlike most protest singers, Femi Kuti is also an incredibly gifted performer and bandleader. The first time I caught him in concert was in support of his 1998 release Shoki Shoki . It is one of the most memorable concerts I have ever attended. His band filled the hall with a complex collection of sounds, beginning with a large contingent of percussionists layering African polyrhythms complimented by a deep bass groove and funky rhythm guitar with sharp keyboard accents. On top of this was a powerful horn section, led by Femi Kuti on saxophone and vocals, backed by a colorful assortment o