Today, legendary Nigerian artist Femi Kuti shares his first solo music in nearly six years and the first taste of his upcoming solo album due out in 2025 (more info on that coming soon).
Brand new single “Politics Don Expose Them”, out today on Partisan Records, is a scathing reflection on current times set over a bombastic sonic display of melodious sax lines, impossibly catchy horn riff and squelchy synths.
On the track, Femi chastises government leaders for their corruption and mistreatment of the masses. Femi exclaims on behalf of the people that politicians and criminals are one – he refers back to one of his most famous tracks, 1998’s ‘Sorry Sorry‘, which itself echoed the fierce message of his father Fela‘s legendary ‘Zombie‘ and claimed there was no difference between the outgoing military regime and the politicians who were about to take power. This messaging resonates in an era where mass protests have broken out all over Femi’s home country and global distrust in world leaders has become commonplace. This bleak reality delivered in such an energetic and joyful way displays the core spirit of Femi’s signature “sweet music with a bitter message”.
Speaking of the track, Femi offers: “‘Politics Don Expose Them’ talks about how politics has exposed the true corrupt natures of our politicians. As we are in a new democratic political dispensation, there’s no exaggeration or lie in saying our politicians have failed us. ‘Politics Don Expose Them’ highlights the greed and corruption by our politicians in destroying the lives and economy of our nations.”
‘Politics Don Expose Them’ comes accompanied by a video, directed by Pink (Chike, Wizkid), that illustrates the cycle of political deception and societal frustration in Nigeria through a powerful satirical narrative, contrasting scenes of promises, protests, and the painful aftermath across generations.
Earlier this month, Femi announced a January UK tour in support of the new single, built around his previously unveiled appearance at 2025’s Celtic Connections Festival. The run of shows takes him across the UK and includes a London headline show at KOKO on January 24th.
Throughout his prolific career, Femi has stood as a powerful voice for justice, carrying forward the revolutionary Afrobeat legacy pioneered by his father, Fela. Known for his unflinching critiques of political corruption and social inequality, Femi’s heady mix of funk, jazz and highlife has always been a tool for resistance and change. Over the past six years since his last standalone solo album, 2018’s One People One World, he has kept busy releasing new music with his son, Mádé Kuti, under the collaborative project Legacy+ (2021) – a double album that bolsters the rich musical heritage of the Kuti name – and touring worldwide with his band, the Positive Force. Recently, they captivated audiences across Europe, performing at top festivals and headlining shows in the UK, France, Spain, Belgium, and Portugal. Highlights included a memorable set at this year’s Glastonbury Festival, where Femi Kuti and the Positive Force opened Saturday on the iconic Pyramid Stage, returning on the Sunday to join Coldplay in a special live performance of ‘Arabesque‘.
Watch this space for more from Femi Kuti in the coming months.
UK TOUR DATES
Jan 23rd | Bristol, UK – Lantern Hall
Jan 24th | London, UK – KOKO
Jan 25th | Leeds, UK – Brudenell Social Club
Jan 26th | Manchester, UK – Band on the Wall
Jan 28th | Glasgow, UK – Celtic Connections Festival @ Royal Concert Hall
Jan 29th | Newcastle, UK – Wylam Brewery
FOR MORE INFORMATION