Audio: Osekre 'Why Are You Here?'

Fela Kuti meets punk in Osekre's African music single "Why Are You Here?"

Audio: Osekre 'Why Are You Here?'


Photo: Julia Pearl

If you've ever found yourself wondering what it would sound like if King Kuti decided to make punk rock music, American/Ghanaian outfit Osekre and The Lucky Bastards might be the answer you're looking for. Singer and frontman Osekre lays his throaty vocals over a melange of ska horns, opening up to a loud punk chorus that eventually delves into afrobeat in their new track "Why Are You Here?" Anyone being dubbed 'the new Fela' (per Afropunk) deserves at least a listen and maybe several repeats, even if that comparison seems like a bit of a stretch. Stream and download "Why Are You Here?" below. And if you in NYC, catch the band live this Monday at Mercury Lounge.

Thandiwe Newton in a grey sleeveless dress, wearing red lipstick and crystal earrings, poses against a pink background
Arts + Culture

What's in A Name: How African Names Get Lost in Translation

From NBA stars to Grammy nominees, prominent Africans have often had their names misspelled or mispronounced. While some have pushed back and reclaimed it, others embrace it.

A man stands on a stage, wearing a denim jacket and pants while holding up a hand fan.
News

With “Sade,” Adekunle Gold Challenged The Nigerian Music Industry

As “Sade” turns 10, we take a look at how Adekunle Gold provided an alternative template to being a Nigerian superstar by making music with soul and commercial merits.