Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 Collaborate with Damian Marley in New Single ‘Dey’
Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 Collaborate with Damian Marley in New Single ‘Dey’
Renowned Nigerian musician Seun Kuti, along with his band Egypt 80, has announced an exciting new single titled ‘Dey’, featuring the iconic reggae artist Damian Marley. This much-anticipated track will be released on all major streaming platforms on June 26th through the independent Milan label, Record Kicks, and will also be available as a limited edition 7” clear vinyl on September 6th.
A Fusion of Afrobeat and Reggae
'Dey' promises to be a groundbreaking fusion of Afrobeat and reggae, combining the raw energy of Kuti’s Afrobeat rhythms with Marley’s reggae vibes. This collaboration is the first single from Seun Kuti & Egypt 80's upcoming album, 'Heavier Yet (Lays The Crownless Head)', set for release on October 6th.
Stellar Production Team
The production of ‘Dey’ involves a dream team of renowned producers. Executive producer Lenny Kravitz, a pop/rock superstar, and artistic producer Sodi Marciszewer, known for his work with Fela Kuti, bring their extensive experience and unique touch to this project. The result is a timeless fusion that honors the rich musical heritages of Nigeria and Jamaica while pushing contemporary musical boundaries.
A Historic Moment for African Unity and Art
Seun Kuti has expressed profound enthusiasm about this collaboration with Damian Marley. He regards the song as a historic milestone for African unity, art, and brotherhood. Kuti highlighted the spontaneous creation of the song, describing it as one that essentially wrote itself. This collaboration symbolizes a significant bridge between African and Jamaican music, marking the first time Kuti and Marley have recorded together.
In Kuti’s words, “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.”
A Cultural Anthem
With its 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. The collaboration between Seun Kuti and Damian Marley is a celebration of cultural fusion and musical innovation, showcasing the rich tapestry of sounds that define contemporary African and Caribbean music.
Fans of Fela Kuti, Ezra Collective, Tony Allen, Damian Marley, and Orlando Julius are especially likely to appreciate this track. The anticipation surrounding 'Dey' reflects its potential to be a major hit, uniting fans of both Afrobeat and reggae in a shared appreciation of their vibrant cultural heritage.
Stay tuned for the release of ‘Dey’ and experience this historic musical collaboration that celebrates the enduring spirit of African unity and artistic expression.