This New Live Video Captures the Raw Energy of Seun Kuti and Egypt 80
French director Vincent Moon films Kuti and his band members singing “Emi Aluta“ in Rio de Janeiro.
A still from the live video of Seun Kuti’s “Emi Aluta.”
Afrobeat scion Seun Kuti has always been an advocate for radical action. “Emi Aluta” is one of the standouts from Heavier Yet (Lays The Crownless Head), Kuti’s new album with Egypt 80, the band he inherited from his father Fela Kuti. The track is a frenetic ode to the spirit of the struggle against bad political leadership.
In a new live music video, Kuti appears shirtless — per usual — at the Galpão Ladeira das Artes in Rio de Janeiro, as he speaks truth to power, calling out corrupt politicians and exploitative religious officials.
Filmed by French director Vincent Moon, the video captures the urgent, rebellious energy of the song, as beads of sweat gather around Kuti’s face from the fervor of his performance. Moon pans around the room, focusing on Kuti’s backup singer & dancer as she gyrates and adds echoing backing vocals, as well as glances at the band members, most of whom are shirtless like Kuti.
Notably absent in the live video is the Zambian rap artist Sampa the Great, who is featured on the recorded version on Heavier Yet (Lays The Crownless Head). The video was filmed during the Brazilian leg of Kuti’s tour, giving listeners and viewers a unique, raw iteration of a song Kuti and his band have been performing for a few years.
Watch the live video for “Emi Aluta” here.
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