Newen Afrobeat & Seun Kuti - Zombie (Fela Kuti)

En 2018, Newen Afrobeat vuelve a Nigeria para compartir con la familia Kuti y participar de Felabration Lagos por segunda vez. Unos meses más tarde, se produce un nuevo encuentro entre Seun y Newen Afrobeat, esta vez en Santiago de Chile con motivo de Lollapalooza 2019, donde en los días posteriores se graba esta sesión en vivo en La Makinita en una sola toma. La canción escogida es Zombie, lanzada por Fela Kuti el año 1977 y que habla de la brutalidad de la policía contra su propio pueblo. Una especie de premonición con lo que sucedería en octubre de ese mismo año en Chile donde tras el estallido social más relevante de las últimas décadas, la policía chilena torturó, mutiló y mató a cientos de personas que se manifestaban por un Chile más justo.
In 2018, Newen Afrobeat returns to Nigeria to share with the Kuti family and participate in Felabration Lagos for the second time. A few months later, there is a new meeting between Seun and Newen Afrobeat, this time in Santiago de Chile on Lollapalooza 2019, and in the following days this session was recorded live at “La Makinita” in a single take. The chosen song is Zombie, released by Fela Kuti in 1977 and which speaks of the brutality of the police against their own people. A kind of premonition with what would happen in October of that same year in Chile where, after the most relevant social outbreak in recent decades, the Chilean police tortured, mutilated and killed hundreds of people who were demonstrating for a more just Chile.
NEWEN AFROBEAT & SEUN KUTI
Seun Kuti - Lead Vocals & Alto Sax
Fran Ri - Lead Vocals
Francisca Castro - Backing vocals
Macarena Rozic - Backing vocals
Enrique Camhi - Trumpet
Maururu SanchezFlores - Trumpet
Diego González - Trumpet
Klaus Brantmayer - Alto sax
Marcelo Morales - Tenor sax
Aldo Gómez - Baritone sax
Diego Alarcón - Keyboard
Martín Concha - Electric guitar
Seba Crooks - Electric guitar
Alvaro Quintas - Bass
Tomás Pavez - Percussions
Alejandro 'El Galita' Orellana - Congas, bongoes, kpalongo and accesories
Roberto Gevert - Drums
Recorded by Cristian Zamora (Pini) on "Estudios La Makinita", April 2019, Santiago de Chile
Audiovisual montage by Camilo Carrasco
Cameras by Camilo Carrasco, Jennifer Maçan, Claudio "Karita" Parra
Video postproduction by Matías Cerón, Vania Soto
Mixed and Mastered by Jorge ‘Pluto’ Abarca
Produced by Tino Canessa / Lichens Family
Follow us on:
Spotify: shorturl.at/oryCI
Instagram: newenafrobeat

[@Dcham312]

For those who don’t know, this song was written about the Nigerian government and ultimately resulted in the Nigerian government murdering Fela Kuti’s mother. Blood was shed for this beautiful music to be played.

[@agentxyz]

the military salutes by the backup singers made it clear

[@oumarouzabda8198]

With obansanjo as president at the time

[@jpzarka]

After watching Opposite People more times than I'd like to admit, you've gone and brought the 🔥 again! Superb!! 👏

[@RgenisiL]

All the band members look a little different

[@Hbit99]

So did I and today the Ladies are really goodlooking… everything is perfect

[@richard1849]

lmao so right.

[@oppamaclare]

@@RgenisiL A little older.

[@jota37]

Me too. Red hot performance both! And they've fixed the air con ;-)

[@michaeludeze8470]

*Zombie* is a song by Nigerian Afrobeat creator, Fela Kuti. The song was released in 1976 when Nigeria was under idiotic military Government. In the song, Fela mocked soldiers as mindless robots who follow illegal and immoral orders thoughtlessly. In response, soldiers stormed his resident, injured defenseless residents, threw his mom out of a second floor window, and burned the place down. Fela lamented the murder of his mom in a song, titled, *Unknown Soldier.* Fela Kuti remains a folk hero to Nigerians. He is the inspiration of Modern Frobeatz artists.

[@ricardocuevas7877]

Nice synopsis.

[@malvadoboy]

That is so sad

[@uncensored2282]

it's not Afrobeatz but Afrobeats. Sabi sabi carry last

[@detapor09]

Thanks 💕

[@Michael-zf7yi]

@@uncensored2282 its AfroBeat actually. "Afrobeats " with the "s" is a new school derivative of the original created by Fela.

[@Dubplatodnb]

drummer is insanely good

[@doviejames]

This drummer is the secret weapon!

[@eduardoschubertferreira]

Yesss!!!

[@enobmah1955]

I an really impressed by this drummer!! .....he must have perfect time, as Ginger Baker used to say. I do not think I would have learned about Newen Afrobeat, had I not been a lifelong fan of Ginger Baker, and even when he left England for Nigeria and set up his 16 track recording studio in the 1970's in , and his alliance with Fela Kuti began, I then came to know of what a giant Fela Kuti was for Nigerian music, and also African music in general. In looking for Fela Kuti on the internet, I was so happy to have met with the sound and the powerful rhythm of Newen .Afrobeat. I am very sorry that their popularity is not so much in the United States. What are Newen Afrobeat doing now? I see they are alive and well and all the members are solid and unified year after year, but there are no recordings of their music being played on American radio, they are almost unknown in even New York. Even Amazon only has ONE album that is a mix of other bands, and Newen Afrobeat is reduced to only selling MP3 format! Maybe they prefer this path. Maybe it's less hassel with record companies who rip artists off, and possibly being forced into dealing with the Mafia, which is deeply involved in the music industry. They are obviously happy making music in their way, and they may just be so de-centralized and democratic that there is no real "BOSS" bean counter, and dealing as a musical entity with a record company is just too much like misery to interfere with the music and spirit of the people who make it work. This problem of also being a BUSINESS arose for the Beatles after Brian Epstein died, and although it did not wreck their ability to create music, suddenly the real world came crashing in, and they had to balance this thing called a check book!! And they had to make serious decisions.....business decisions....and who was going to get how much money?!?! All the uncomfortable decisions that went along with the beautiful music had been taken care of by Mr. Epstein. When he was no longer there, their world of beautiful thoughts and inspired feelings had to become business meetings and disagreements on directions to go with The Beatles Ltd., and how to pay less than 90% taxes!! I am sad to say, I have been a fan of theirs for maybe 2 years now,but I still have not known who they are. Their names are not mentioned anywhere in English publications, I never hear of their music being played anywhere despite how enjoyable it make us feel. The few websites that are supposed to be dedicated to Newen Afrobeat I have sent notes to, asking for information for when they tour America and where a person can get CD's of their music, but there is no responding person on the other end!! I wish these fine musicians and artists to have a happy and long career making their happy and rhythmic sound together. I just wish it were possible to get to know them a little better as people in a great band and hear them play live!! Maybe one of the band will read this and answer me?

[@adropofgoldensun27]

Totally love the female lead singer's voice! Great Band!

[@davidcarmean5132]

I don't know her name (yet) but .. amazing. Worthy of a separate solo career for sure.

[@tolueneowolabi]

@@davidcarmean5132 her name is Fran Ri

[@hunterhatfield7157]

It took me 3 watches to realise this is even the same studio as Opposite People with new lighting. Magic space and magic music!

[@josiesbuzz]

This is an excellent cover. Fela would be proud of Newen Afrobeat and what you stand for.

[@callospaziale]

And proud of his son ❤️

[@noesny4110]

what is the original song? :o

[@callospaziale]

@@noesny4110 Fela Kuti - Zombie

[@karloarsch1579]

@@callospaziale 😂 that was a simple answer.

[@pedro2lavega]

Fran Ri's voice is incredible ! And the whole band is mind blowing !

[@georginabastien49]

Fran Ri - her voice is amazing!

[@9mod9]

Amazing! As a Nigerian, I am speechless!

[@herysosa7097]

I'm 70 and that bit make me dance on my bed, they are really GOOD..Iove your music gguys

[@johnhrichak3451]

Infected by Fela more than 35 yrs ago, an Afro-Beat pandemic is what the world needs! Seeing young people get it lets me fade away a happy old person.

[@vortexmadden6674]

Hi from Nigeria

[@aurezio]

I want more of these studio recordings!

[@nzemaina]

I want more Seun Kuti... You for sure have made Papa Fela Kuti damn proud... You've done this one justice oo

[@petersydow4002]

Femi is even better

[@jeangerard3496]

J ai vu Féla au Shrine à Lagos en1980, puis Seun dans le sud de la france au côté de Femi....avec son saxophone qui touchait presqu'à terre ! Mais ce que fait Newen Afrobeat de cet héritage musical est une merveille, un miracle !! Je me rendrai n' importe où en Europe pour les voir , et même à defaut au chili !!!! Merci mille fois, gardez cette joie de jouer, et cet état d esprit magnifique !!!

[@lilyjane1011]

Moi, jalouse et méchante 😑🤣😁👍🏻

[@davidmatthews3131]

Love everything Newen does. In particular love the kit-drummer and Fran Ri's voice.

[@jeanabrown]

Yes! That drummer caught me off guard 😮 he is great!

[@dairyairman]

That drummer is bad ass! I'm a drummer myself and I love what he does. All open handed too!

[@jordankaplowitz6082]

Wow! What a follow up to Opposite People. So amazing to see Newen and Seun play together again. Instant Goosebumps!

[@charlestrivisonnno3386]

I have been a fan for several years. This session it's unbelievable! Perfect sound perfect energy! Glad to see you all together again.

[@laurentfournier561]

Hi guys, It brings back memories of my teenage years when people around the world were fighting for justice and equal rights... Some progress was made but the financial counter revolution as brought back the worse... Thanks for this energetic cover... Let's tell the zombies to stop and go away for good! Beautiful voices, beautiful talented people. Abraços fortes de Portugal.

[@volker3923]

Roberto Gevert getting better and better!

[@ariellobogonzalez9849]

Desde que descubrí a Newen Afrobeat me hice un aficionado, y son una compañía permanente en la musica de mi taxi, le gente me pregunta quiénes son y apunta el nombre de la banda!! Una exelente performance, la verdad que tienen un nivel impresionante, felicidades, saludos desde Barcelona

[@jota37]

Si subo a tu taxi y está sonando Newen sabré que eres tú y te saludaré. Sigue compartiendo la música! Estos son una pasada! Saludos.

[@dirklammertse4174]

I agree, saludos Oldenzaal

[@oriolvalentin7221]

Totalmente de acuerdo!!

[@richardrogers9333]

Zombie is a great tune,and I love your music but $9.99 for two tunes, come on!

[@javierrodriguezmori]

@@richardrogers9333 ¡¡ Come on Richard, don't be cheap....by chance don't you take pleasure in them....Do you know how many hours in rehearsal they take to play like this?....They are 17 high level musicians playing for us....Think about it....

[@clarketheshark01]

The singers sound great and are very BEAUTIFUL !!!!

[@gratefulape12]

Love this band. Love the Latin influence that makes its way in occasionally. Doing honour to Fela's memory.

[@nrich5127]

Damn ... my new favorite Newn Afrobeat song ... smokin hot ...... insane energy ... cosmic vibes ...

[@ribolovsana4991]

I don't subscribe to channels but this one i had to, after watching Opposite People. What a bunch of beautiful people.

[@jeanabrown]

I did too! Exactly in that order!!

[@gitsurfer27]

I was so excited when i got this notification, and DAMN it didn't disappoint!! Viva la Newen Afrobeat!

[@DrSquee]

Excited, my 3 y/o and I have listened to Opposite People since he was 1 y/o. We love it, we both just get lost listening and watching such talented musicians. We are both waiting for the premiere Emocionado!!!!, mi hijo de 3 años y yo hemos estado escuchando Opposite People desde que el tenia un año, y nos encanta, ambos nos quedamos embelecidos observando a estos musicos tan increibles. Los dos estamos esperando la premier 💓

[@jeffreyleeser859]

It's so amazing to me that this band, with its humble origin, is on its way to becoming a worldwide phenomenon! Much love to Fran, Tito and the rest of the band for their energy, dedication, and above all else, LOVE!

[@Permitmon]

First sax solo killin it.

[@MrGywo]

I'm totallt agree

[@alohengrin]

This must be so good after watching "Opposite people". Love Kuti's and Newen Afrobeat. Waiting eagerly for the first display. After listening, what a beatiful interpretation. Grandma Kuti would be very proud.

[@sophiamayaK9]

AH! Seun Kuti! ❤️ Our Egungun are dancing!!! I just discovered this channel…mi Orishas had something to do with this I suspect. My Godson’s parents were initiated into IFA by Fela Kuti. Ancestors are happy!!! Long live Fela’s work. Long live Candomble y Umbanda. 💫✨💙✨💫 USA is listening.

[@MyDrFunkenstein]

Fantastico !!!!!!!! After the legendary "Opposite People " you 're giving us a new masterpiece !!!We salute you and thank you ALL !!Love from Greece !!!

[@dimitrism.1814]

I was lucky enough to listen to Seun live with Egypt 80 in Nis at Nisville Festival.Great perfomance-wrong audience..

[@ArjyDuah]

Massive performance by a great band Newen Afrobeat!!!

[@MrBillblake123]

Yes Sir! ... Now we're talking! .... I love it when they have these get togethers in the closed room. ... Man, they all sound GREAT!!!

[@richardduiventil]

Don’t mess with the zombie It has no ideology 😂! Anyways you people groove like nobody else: amazing 😃👍. In my book you are all superstars !

[@mertzroofer]

i fuckin love you guys you know how many times i watched the opposite people one , too many

[@robertaccornero7172]

this is a rare moment in time when it all comes together

[@neemok7784]

Seun, it seems you took them to Lagos and had them eat plenty fufu and jolof and visit Kalakuta because they play your late father's music with such soul. Nicely done, band!

[@randomchori9401]

Que bueno que esta vez les dejaron prender el aire acondicionado. Estupendo como siempre, viva Newen!

[@therealist2866]

😂😂😂

[@juanignaciocosmelli6351]

Los Chilenos sabe de calor sofocante de verano... Ya ni sudamos.

[@borjapascualr4824]

Ya ves, q si, esta vez ,le dejaron!! Grandes con o sin aire acondicionado

[@borjapascualr4824]

Les*

[@peterhaslund]

You guys are amazing, I have discovered afrobeat because of you. Fela Forever!

[@MrDjslav5]

I'm sitting here in tears thinking about how little things have changed since I first heard this 30 years ago. Underutilized revolutionary masterpiece!

[@aum1083]

WOW. I just noticed that it has been EXACTLY FIVE YEARS since the legendary Opposite People video has been released on KZbin. Happy anniversary Newen! ;-)

[@A_Dome_Dream]

From Opposite People to now this! Holy cow! there's magic in this room.

[@praxidisjoaquim7890]

Nigeria's real Prince. Royalty Fela Kuty, timeless talent

[@cironicholas526]

If I didn't see this on video, I'd swear it was a remastered original. BRILLIANT!

[@shodapad07]

Lovely take...

[@thomasgetchell-lacey642]

This is not a criticism necessarily, but the tempo on this is much faster than on the original.

[@jahjah4i]

great version of Fela's "Zombie"-- love the trading of lead vocals between Seun & Fran Ri---this number & also "Sorrow Tears & Blood" bring back the struggles of people worldwide but esp prevalent in Chile & Haiti now---a timely song

[@georgiagonzales3769]

Awesome. You guys are most like Fela 💯❤️ was fortunate to see Fela at the African Corner in Portland Oregon. It was the most awesome show I have ever seen. I have a whole pack of photos from that show a Nigerian friend gave me. What beautiful musical arrangement 👍❤️

[@paulovictorbarros3822]

Oh wow! How did I miss this? They're back at it with Seun again! And playing zombie! Damn Awesome! One of my favorites. Good going guys. I'm still wishing for your cover of "Sorrow Tears and Blood". Anyways, I'm so glad to see the gang back in a video. Cheers from Brazil. Abraços do Brasil. o/

[@NavSpirituel]

Amazing High frequencies !!

[@ricksaunders]

Absolutely outstanding. The only thing that could make it better is if it was twice as long.

[@pipenhxq]

Fran ri supremacy!!

[@Dave-bo8ry]

The alto saxophonist wears the Nigeria shirt from the last World Cup. Respect.

[@BLDRUNNER81]

Damn!!! Carlos Santana should be jamming with you guys!!!!!

[@b.nzie.2388]

Beautiful. Never get tired of listening this real music without borders.

[@engindustrial]

...Oi a Fela Anikulapo y los Africa 70, hace más de 20 años, y desde ahí que sigo a Fela, y es insólito que yo siendo de Chile, de la región del Biobio, yo no supiera de Newen Afrobeat. Ahora son míos, para oír alguna fusible nueva fusión de los 2 continentes que en su cruce accidental han dado a luz dos estilos de los importantes del mundo, el jazz y la música caribeña. Salud por esto.

[@Trey7105]

This was incredible. U guys really bring out the essence of this song and Seun was tremendous as well. I think I'm in love w/ the middle girl. 😍

[@gpdonovan]

we all are, but she's no longer in the band :(

[@raoshridhar90]

@@gpdonovan any idea on why that happened?

[@richardhall5489]

It looks like Fran Ri's amazing vocal delivery is so much connected to her posture and body language. Powerful and inspiring.

[@jeffreyleeser859]

She's a superstar - LOVE HER!!!

[@apataye]

@@jeffreyleeser859 She stands, I would say, half way between a SUPERSTAR and a GODDESS!!!!

[@kke]

I've been waiting for something like this since the Opposite people! Wow, Fran can go deep :D I hope there's "Water no get enemy" in the pipeline.

[@kasaka28]

Best sounding band on the planet

[@konstantinosxatziioannou3664]

Obra maestra👌🏻 Con respeto a su grande compositor!! Saludos desde 🇬🇷 ✊🏻

[@gachek22]

сумасшедшая музыка и такая же атмосфера. Вы большие молодцы. смотрю вас постоянно. с приветом из Москвы!!!

[@aum1083]

It looks like the temperature in the studio has dropped a lot since the "Opposite People" video 🔥🔥🔥🔥 :-) ;-)

[@alexispardo2312]

Pedazo de cover. Qué calidad. Una verdadera pieza musical, sin desajustes. Un solo envión de armonías, ritmos y notas. Fela, qué homenaje...

[@rodrigoespinozaolivares768]

L mejor

[@rodrigoespinozaolivares768]

Del cosmo

[@shehuhamdala6724]

Wikkiid session jammin' right there 🎉

[@ssaracco8417]

Fantastic, thank you all Newen Afrobeat and Seun! Crazy powerful vocals from Fran.

[@ernestkanu1247]

Fela's. music is characterized to be so complex that no group has been able to reproduce it, no matter how much they try. This group did a masterly job of zombie , even Fela will approve.

[@dewimatthews]

Love that woman’s voice !

[@LEAHBENYOSSEF-lh1ex]

Love 😘 it

[@TheRolfano]

Love love love…….Don’t be a Zombie stand up and fight for whats right!

[@FrowinIckler]

So good ! While listen to this you can't sit.

[@121055jp]

Love it

[@bayokehinde4440]

5 star performance, the band absolutely nailed it!

[@eselopez_]

Amo este grupo !!!

[@manosthaiger4475]

Love this sound !!!

[@LEAHBENYOSSEF-lh1ex]

Wow....no words....

[@1970coconut]

Only a few years after. The Band is altogether again. A new project should be watched hundred times. Till we become zombies. God bless you, Fela Kuti. Greetings from Hungary.

[@MEject]

Just WOW ❤

[@yukipanda4812]

Omg how soooooo powerfuuuuuuuuuull 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍 goosebumps are ↗️↗️↗️↗️📈📈📈💣🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@mglasow6340]

The horns!! love it.

[@Pakunin61]

Son fantásticos.

[@Xtjiggzs]

This is music.

[@igortakesabride1139]

i CAN'T LOVE THIS ENOUGH!!!!!!!!

[@emekaoputa4963]

Beautiful, this is the essence of Afrobeat

[@MattmanLovesMusic]

So amazing! I love this!!! Please come to the East Coast in the States, especially Philadelphia, like at World Café Live! 🥰

[@luchosalazar5]

Los amo ❤️❤️

[@ThePatchulee]

I cannot get enough of listening!!!

[@daector]

love it....

[@SportyOtterPop]

Just wonderful!

[@curtis445]

what a great rendition. one of my favorites with some new life.

[@budda777pl]

They are excellent.

[@raquelargueta5225]

Me encantan...

[@qadobob5783]

CHEIKH ANTA DIOP on the t-shirt of seun kuti is wonderfull and the music too . CONGRATULATIONS

[@bdquest9]

Love this band. The same third world issues Fela covered in the 70s and 80s are still prevalent all over the world now more than ever.

[@johnchristiancaldwell4403]

Brilliant in all ways

[@ajabisong]

Beautiful!!!

[@lukasg6928]

SUPERB!!!! BAND, SONG, STYLE, MUSIC!!!

[@maternaanna]

WOW, needed that, thank you, love you

[@franyanez7840]

Puras JoyassssS!!!!