Mádé Kuti – ‘Chapter 1: Where Does Happiness Come From?’ album review: A new generation of the Afrobeat dynasty
THE SKINNY: A period of widespread revolution, both cultural and political, the 1960s changed the world forever. In the music world, genres like psychedelic rock and British invasion tend to dominate the conversation around that fateful decade, but it is worth remembering that the 1960s also birthed Afrobeat, one of the world’s most enduring and important movements.
It was Nigerian songwriting visionary and activist Fela Kuti who pioneered those groundbreaking sounds and, in the modern day, his legacy is carried forth by his sons and grandchildren, including Mádé Kuti, whose newly unveiled album Chapter 1: Where Does Happiness Come From? marries those old-school Afrobeat sounds with a more contemporary approach.
At the age of 29, Kuti already boasts an extensive career in music, having first picked up a saxophone at the age of five. His education was forged touring with his father, Femi Kuti, and it was the father-and-son collaborative album Legacy+ that helped to establish Kuti in his own right back in 2021. This new record builds upon the infectious sounds of that collaborative package, establishing Kuti as a bold new voice in contemporary Afrobeat, in addition to paying homage to the rich musical heritage of his family and home nation of Nigeria.
The blending of influences, old and new, is something which permeates the whole album, kicking off with ‘Take It All In Before The Lights Go Out’, which contrasts old-school blaring horns with an infectious electronic beat. In fact, there are very few moments across the entire project which do not command movement from the listener. As far as albums go, Chapter 1 might as well be a workout regime, in that it is impossible to sit still while listening to the album. Underneath those uncompromising rhythms, however, the stark social commentary of Kuti’s delivery is just as vital to the album.
Politically-charged lyricism has been a key aspect of Afrobeat since the very early days of Fela Kuti’s output, and that anti-authoritarian, anti-corruption ethos has continued on through multiple generations of the Kuti dynasty. On tracks like ‘Life As We Know It’, for instance, the songwriter and multi-instrumentalist takes aim at capitalist greed, with profound yet danceable effects.
Ultimately, when the biggest criticism you can find about an album is that the cover artwork isn’t great, you know you are in for an enjoyable listening experience. Kuti expertly establishes himself among the leaders of contemporary Afrobeat, driving the movement forward while honouring the past. We eagerly await the next chapter of the songwriter’s incredible journey.
For fans of: Hanging around the ‘world’ music section of your local record store, just hoping that somebody will ask you about your apparently impeccable music taste.
A concluding comment from a corrupt politician: “First Fela, then Femi, then Seun, and now Mádé Kuti – when will we be free to be corrupt and greed-ridden in peace?”
Chapter 1: Where Does Happiness Come From? track by track:
Release date: July 25th | Producer: Mádé Kuti | Label: LegacyPlus Records
‘Take It All In Before The Lights Go Out’: Marrying contemporary Nigerian influences with his rich Afrobeat heritage, Kuti opens the album with a rousing, horn-blaring triumph which commands ultimate attention and is impossible not to move to – having attempted to sit still on multiple listens. [4.5/5]
‘Find My Way’: Changing things up, Kuti opts for a more mellow, reflective mood on this track, demonstrating his inherited ability to switch from one mood to another very quickly, in addition to showcasing the deep emotional quality of his performance, which is something that permeates the entire record. [3.5/5]
‘Pray’: Continuing his penchant for social commentary and reflection, Kuti provides his comment on organised religion in the midst of a conflict-ridden world. Musically, the brass horns carry the rhythm of the song, turning what could have been a moody, melancholic offering into something distinctly more upbeat. [4/5]
‘Won Na Pa’: A classic Afrobeat odyssey of togetherness and unity, utilising the typical sound audiences have come to expect from Kuti, along with a noticeable influence of Afro-Caribbean rhythms, too. [3.5/5]
‘Life As We Know It’: Another musically joyous and lyrically profound effort, following in the long line of politically-charged Afrobeat anthems created by the members of the Kuti family over the decades. This particular song deals with issues of capitalist greed, both on a corporate level and a personal level. [4/5]
‘Our Own’: The instrumental takes precedence on this track, which features fewer vocals from Kuti than previous efforts on the album, allowing the listener to fully immerse themselves in the incredible tones of the songwriter’s band. [3.5/5]
‘Wait And See’: Lush, soulful horns open what seems to be a joyous celebration and tribute to Kuti’s father, Femi Kuti, with whom Mádé has collaborated on numerous occasions throughout their respective musical careers. [4/5]
‘You Can’t Hide’: Although perhaps not the most notable, outstanding track on this record, ‘You Can’t Hide’ still harbours the undeniable quality of Kuti as a songwriter and performer. Again, it is a marrying of traditional influences with a contemporary sensibility, and that blend of very different Afrobeat styles is not an easy task. [3/5]
‘Oya’: Another track in which Kuti’s multi-instrumentalist talents, and the horn section in particular, stand in the spotlight. The instrumental offerings on this record are incredibly diverse and always captivating, but ‘Oya’ is a notable highlight in that regard. [3.5/5]
‘I Won’t Run Away’: A song which really gets the soul singing, if, for some reason, the rest of the album has not yet done so. There is a palpable sense of upbeat optimism in this effort, which reflects the joy, hope, and unity at the heart of Kuti’s offerings. [4/5]
‘My Voice’: Kuti shows no signs of mellowing things out as the album approaches its conclusion, keeping the energy high and the atmosphere euphoric, as well as continuing his profound, socially-conscious lyricism. [4/5]
‘Story’: For the album’s penultimate track, Kuti opts for an epic narrative song asking a wealth of important questions and leaving the listener with a moment for contemplation before diving into this album’s stunning conclusion. [4/5]
‘After The Tears Flow’: A perfect closing track, Kuti captures the high-spirited Afrobeat brass which has continued throughout the record with the overarching emotional, political messages at the centre point of his music, creating an unparalleled introduction not just to his work but to the sounds and attitudes of the Afrobeat landscape in general. [4.5/5]
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