Made Kuti

Add Date: February 9

Artist: Made Kuti

Album: For(e)ward

Label: Partison Records

Genre: afrobeats

Comments: Rather than simply coast on his family's reputation as the masters of afrobeats, Made Kuti has shown his intentions to let the genre evolve through For(e)ward. Released as part of a dual album with his father, Made Kuti quite literally moves the genre forward as he combines a traditional afrobeat sound with hip-hop, indie rock, and even bits of electronica. While still broaching political activism in tracks like "Your Enemy" and "Blood," Made begins the album with an answer to his father's call to "Set your minds and soul free," in one of the most interesting tracks I've heard so far in 2021, "Free Your Mind." Give this album a listen if you're into Songhoy Blues, TV Priest or Afel Bocoum.

Recommended Tracks: 1, 2, 5, 6

DNP: none