Seun Kuti and his Egypt 80 band release their turbo-charged single, ‘Problems’, featuring Reggae star Kabaka Pyramid.
This anthem blends the raw, revolutionary fire of Afrobeat with the conscious roots of Reggae. Every lyric is hard-hitting commentary on the universal struggles of modern life. ‘Problems’ is produced by the iconic Femi Koleoso. This raging rhythm is built on fast-paced drum loops whilst layered with smooth Jazz melodies. The shimmering guitar riffs and stand out saxophones give the song an ethereal feel.
The catchy chorus is coupled with amazing harmonies, perfect for an orchestral exhibition. Every element on ‘Problems’ exudes excellence. Riley MacIntyre perfected the mixing, whilst Stuart Hawkes executed the mastering at the prestigious Metropolis Studios in London. The track features a heavyweight ensemble of musicians including Anis Benhallak and Tobi Adenaike on guitar, James Mollison, Fabrice Fila, Nicolas Julien Sakelario, and Jermaine Amissah on saxophones, Chris Olusesi on keyboard, and Kunle Justice and Gbeke Ojutiku on bass.
Speaking about the single, Seun Kuti said, “I am truly thrilled to announce my new collaboration with my brother Kabaka Pyramid on our new single, ‘Problems.’ Bridging the gap between Afrobeat and Reggae, between West Africa and the Caribbean, is always a powerful vibration—it’s not just music, it’s a reunion of the Diaspora, a true Live-aspora! Working with Kabaka on this track has been an incredible experience, and I can’t wait for the world to feel the energy we’ve poured into it”.
‘Problems’ follows Seun Kuti’s critically acclaimed 2024 album, ‘Heavier Yet (Lay The Crownless Head)’ and his 2026 single ‘Na Dem’. The former included collaborations with Damian Marley, Sampa the Great, Pos of De La Soul, Adi Oasis, Kamasi Washington, and Alborosie. It also boasts production contributions from Lenny Kravitz. The album was supported by an exhaustive 13-month world tour of over 130 concerts across Australia, South America, the USA, and Europe. Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 are currently on a major world tour that launched on 7 May in Barcelona, Spain.
This epic run includes stops in the Philippines, Australia, and New Zealand. There are two landmark. headline shows scheduled for the USA this Autumn. ‘My Life in Movement’ takes place on 9 October at The Regent Theatre in Los Angeles. A second show takes place on 14 October at Webster Hall in New York. Speaking on the inspiration behind the single, Seun explains, “‘Problems’ hits right at the heart of the everyday human condition. It speaks to the chaotic, contradictory world we live in, no matter who you are, whether you’re a doctor, a lawyer, a lecturer, or a hustler on the street.
Everything feels like a puzzle, ‘hard like Sudoku,’ and people everywhere are just trying to navigate the madness and survive the daily stress. But as the song says, we can’t destroy ourselves over Babylon’s mess; we have to push back, fight the stress, and stand firm in our truth”.
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