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Grammy-nominated artist Seun Kuti has announced his electrifying new song “Dey” featuring iconic four-time Grammy Award-winner Damian Marley. The track will be available on streaming platforms via Milan-based label Record Kicks on Wednesday, June 26. “Dey” is the first single from Seun Kuti & Egypt 80’s upcoming album dropping on October 4, 2024.

This is the first time that Seun and Damian have been on a record together, combining the raw energy of Afrobeat with the rhythmic vibes of reggae for a dynamic track that is sure to captivate audiences worldwide. The collaboration marks a historic moment of deep significance, with their brotherhood symbolizing the rebuilding of a bridge between Nigeria and Jamaica. This special sentiment is emphasized by Seun.

He says, “The song depicts African unity and African art. We are two performers, both from the dynasty of Africa, with a huge continental divide, singing about similar struggles. It doesn’t matter where we are positioned in this world, very few African people receive notability; we are for the most part seen as the underdog. Therefore, this song is all about embracing and championing who we are, regardless.”

Produced by a dream team of top tier artists, including superstar Lenny Kravitz (executive producer) and original Fela Kuti and Egypt 80 producer Sodi Marciszewer (artistic producer), “Dey” pays homage to the rich traditions of both Nigeria and Jamaica while pushing the boundaries of contemporary music. With its fusion of pulsating rhythms and infectious melodies, “Dey” is set to become a timeless anthem that transcends borders and resonates with listeners from all walks of life. This innovative track is a cultural celebration showcasing the tapestry of sounds that define African and Caribbean music.

Seun is a musician, singer, and songwriter renowned for his captivating global performances and socially conscious music. He is the youngest son of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti and has spent most of his life preserving and extending his father’s political and musical legacy. He entered the ranks of Fela’s band Egypt 80 at the age of 12 as a developing saxophonist and percussionist, and, in fulfilment of his father’s wishes, he assumed the mantle as head of the band in 1997 when Fela passed. Seun has led them ever since.

Seun has released four albums during his career with Egypt 80: Many Things (2008); From Africa With Fury: Rise (2011), which was co-produced by Brian Eno and John Reynolds; A Long Way Beginning (2014); and Grammy-nominated Black Times (2018), which includes a feature from Carlos Santana. He has also joined forces with countless notable artists, including Janelle Monae on the singles “Float” and “Knows Better” from her Grammy-nominated album The Age of Pleasure (2023); Talib Kweli and Madlib on the song “Nat Turner,” which features Cassper Nyovest, from their album Liberation 2 (2023); The Roots’ co-founder and emcee Black Thought on their EP African Dreams (2022); and Vic Mensa on the record “Bad Man Lighter 2.0,” which is a new version of Seun and Black Thought’s hip-hop remix of a single from Black Times.