Afrobeat, a genre born in the 1960s in West Africa through the visionary genius of Fela Kuti, blends funk, jazz, and traditional African rhythms into a sound that’s both powerful and irresistible. Decades later, his son Seun Kuti carries that torch, infusing it with his own fire. Fresh off a high-energy Coachella set, Seun brought the iconic Egypt 80 band to Evanston, Illinois, turning the quiet college town into the epicenter of a night celebrating Afrobeat’s revolutionary roots and vibrant future.
Heavier Yet (Lays the Crownless Head), the latest album from Seun Kuti, is a bold soundtrack for an era hungry for justice and change.
That same energy surged through his April 21st performance at Space, an intimate venue near downtown Evanston. The crowd, an eclectic mix of Afrobeat devotees, hipsters, and hippies, packed the room, eager to dance, connect, and celebrate. Monday night or not, everyone came ready to move.
Chicago’s own Imperial Boxmen were kicking off the night, a four-piece outfit delivering infectious grooves with just keys, bass, and percussion. Their stripped-down setup didn’t stop them from heating the room and setting the perfect tone. Just after 9 PM, Egypt 80 took the stage. A smooth trumpet melody signaled the start of the journey, followed by band introductions and the arrival of their soulful backup singer. Then came the moment everyone was waiting for—Seun Kuti hit the stage, launching into one of his father’s classic tracks, a nod to the towering legacy he proudly carries forward.
From there, Kuti and the band led the crowd on a whirlwind through his own musical catalog.
The night’s biggest moments came from his latest album, Heavier Yet (Lays the Crownless Head), with standout performances of “T.O.P.” and “Love & Revolution.” Seun used the stage not just to entertain, but to inspire, reminding the audience that Afrobeat has always been a weapon for the people. His lyrics called out injustice and demanded change, and the crowd responded in kind. A spontaneous dance party broke out at the back of the venue, bodies moving freely to the beat, while others chanted along, a signature of Afrobeat’s communal spirit. And while the message was serious, the vibe was pure joy. Seun Kuti was there to get down just as much as everyone else.
Between songs, Seun Kuti kept the energy high with playful banter that grew more animated as the night wore on. He cracked jokes about world events, even diving into controversial territory with riffs on Kanye West and Elon Musk. All elicited a mix of laughter, gasps, and raised eyebrows. Whether the bit hit or missed, Kuti’s message was clear: the real power lies with the people, not celebrities or politicians. He hailed the crowd as “the best people in Evanston, Illinois,” cheekily declaring them superior to the recently deceased pope and even Michael Jordan. Behind the humor, though, was deep sincerity. Before the final song, he reminded the audience, “You are not here because of me. I am here because of you.”
With every performance, Seun Kuti both honors and expands his father’s legacy, pushing Afrobeat into new territory while keeping its revolutionary spirit alive.
From Coachella to cozy rooms like Space in Evanston, he and Egypt 80 are spreading the soul of West Africa to eager audiences across the U.S. Though small, Evanston’s rich cultural vibe, boosted by its proximity to Northwestern University, made it an ideal host for this unforgettable show. On a Monday night, no less, dancing to Seun Kuti’s Afrobeat turned into a joyful, defiant, and deeply memorable celebration.
All photography by Oscar De Leon
