The eldest son of legendary Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti, Femi Kuti continued his father’s legacy by playing with his father’s band, Egypt 80; He went solo in 1986, starting his own band, The Positive Force. His distinct voice and activism has made him a global music icon.. In 2001, he collaborated with a number of US musicians on his album Fight to Win, including Common, Mos Def, and Jaguar Wright; his latest LP Journey Through Life balances the political themes that have defined his career with deeply personal reflections on family, life, and inner growth. Also performing is the infamous hip-hop duo, dead prez, who have been outspoken against inequality and injustice throughout their career. Across three studio albums and a handful of mixtapes, they’ve championed militant social justice, self-determination, Pan-Africanism, and opposing corporate media. Cape Verdean singer and songwriter Elida Almeida is known for her viral single and album Nta Konsigui. DJing between sets will be Rich Medina, the producer, spoken-word poet, archivist, and journalist who claims both the Rock Steady Crew and the Universal Zulu Nation and is a part of the DJ collective The Originals. Maryam Bukar Hassan, also known as Alhanislam, is a Nigerian poet, human rights activist, and Pan-Africanist renowned for her impassioned advocacy on social issues being recognized as one of the 100 Most Reputable Africans for 2025 and as the United Nations next Global Advocate for Peace. Maryam’s participation is supported by UN Peacekeeping, the United Nations’ Department of Peace Operations.
Join us for a panel discussion prior to the show! Info and details below. Free with RSVP here.
BEATS & ROOTS Panel Discussion
Connecting through African music, Culture & the influence on the diaspora
This panel explores how Africa has connected global communities through its rhythms, traditions, and entertainment. It also brings attention to how these have shaped the identities of communities in the diaspora. The conversation will celebrate the deep root and bold beats that keeps Africa alive in the diaspora. It will honor the past and embrace the future
Panelists
Abass M. Akeju is a music executive, film maker, CEO and President.
Moderator
Shani Kulture is the leader of a new generation of talent. Having worked his way up the ladder, Kulture reaches the masses every weekday as an on-air personality on Hot97’s Morning Show. He continues to use his platform as a forum to help educate today’s youth thru his Non-Profit outreach campaigns.
