After Birthday, Seun Kuti Leads Egypt 80 To South America

The Ikeja home of Afrobeat prince, Seun Anikulapo Kuti, was beehive of activities on Monday, as family members, close friends and colleagues of the multi instrumentalist converged to toast his birthday.

Aside from some members of the celebrant’s family, the celebration, which lasted till the late hours of the day, had in attendance his manager Oloye, leader of the Egypt 80 band Lekan Animashaun, otherwise known as Baba Ani, Afrobeat musician and promoter Odafe, broadcaster Abdul Okwechime and others, who joined in the house party.

“It’s not an elaborate birthday celebration, but I thank my friends for coming to celebrate with me; I really appreciate,” he said

With the celebration over, Seun is set to hit South America for an international music tour that will see Egypt 80 band play across the continent, before returning to Nigeria for their monthly show at the New Africa Shrine. Also, Seun and his band are likely be hitting Senegal, where the band will headline a major music festival in the country, before jetting out again to Australia for gigs in major cities such as Melbourne, Sydney and others.

“Right now, we are on the verge of touring South America, where we will play at different festivals and locations. Notwithstanding, the band will be back in time for our monthly show at the Shrine. Because we are always engaged with shows abroad, we’ve decided to sustain the monthly show at the Shrine, which gives us the opportunity to meet with our fans at home.”

However, unlike in the past when the Egypt 80 band played mostly abroad, it seems the trend is changing gradually, with Seun being listed in shows at home. Aside from playing at the Lagos International Jazz Series, where he treated the audience with his rich repertoire, the band also feature at the Lagos Crossover Concert.

“It’s not our making that we play more abroad; it all depends on our schedule. But we are open to playing anywhere in Nigeria; it gives me pleasure to play at home. For this month, I intend to sample some of my latest songs at the Shrine,” Seun hinted.

Meanwhile, there are indications that the leader of the Egypt 80 Band, Baba Ani, might be stepping aside as bandleader of one of the most successful bands in Africa. The multi instrumentalist is planning to bow out later in the year, when he will turn 80. According to source, Baba Ani’s retirement from active service will be marked with series of events to be staged in his honour.