Grammy-nominated Nigerian Afrobeats multi-instrumentalist Omorinmade Anikulapo Kuti, popularly known as Made Kuti, on Sunday, July 27, thrilled a select group of media executives, celebrities and the public to an exclusive taste of his sophomore album titled ‘Chapter 1: Where Does Happiness Come From?’
The event, held at the African shrine, serves as a prelude to the album, which was released on all digital music platforms on Friday, July 25, under FK Management.
The album follows his acclaimed 2022 debut ’For(e)word’, released jointly with his father Femi Kuti’s ‘Stop the Hate’ as part of ’Legacy+’, which earned him a Grammy nomination for Best Global Music Album.
Three years later, ‘Chapter 1’ continues Kutis’ tradition of confronting societal issues through music, offering personal reflection and a fresh sonic experience.
Media personality Do2dtun took on the host’s duties as he led a cheerful Made Kuti through a series of questions about the album.
Speaking about the sophomore album, which features socially conscious songs like ‘Take It All In Before The Lights Go Out,’ ‘I Won’t Run Away,’ and ‘Life As We Know It.’ Other songs are ‘Find My Way,’ ‘Pray,’ ‘Won Na Pa,’ ‘Our Own,’ ‘Wait And See,’ ‘You Can’t Hide,’ ‘Oya,’ ‘My Voice,’ ‘Story,’ and ‘After The Tears Flow,’ Made Kuti said the album was inspired by the willingness to look for a better future for the average Nigerian just like his father, Femi Kuti and grandfather, FelaKuti did in the past.
Sharing insights into his creative process, he said, “I compose the music myself and bring it to the band. The energy we put into what we do is something we also have to consider, because when people listen to the music, they tend to stay calm.”
The Grammy-nominated artist also discussed the inspiration behind the album, citing some personal experiences that shaped its narrative. He explained how an experience involving three band members from his father Femi Kuti’s band who went missing shortly after arriving in America for a show led to the track, ‘story’ which reflects on the responsibility that comes with power and questions ‘are you better than the power you judge’ while also recounting how popular Nigerian singer, Runtown believed in his work when he was starting, and giving him a chance with a feature.
Shedding more light on other songs on the sophomore album, the singer mentioned that each song posed its own writing challenge, emphasising that, like all artists, he aimed to create music that reflects his true self.
As a third-generation Kuti, the songwriter, Made remains committed to using music as a tool for social impact and cultural pride.
“Chapter 1: Where Does Happiness Come From?” was released to the public on July 25, and is available for streaming across all platforms.
In attendance was Made Kuti’s mother, Funmi Kuti, and his wife, Inedoye Adanne Anikulapo-Kuti. His father, Femi Kuti, his Uncle, Seun Kuti, and his aunt, Yeni Kuti, all sent their love electronically.
He ended the show with an intimate dance with his beautiful
wife, Adanne, which led to an uproar in the crowd.
Runtown, Sunday Dare, Molly, Odunsi the Engine, were some of the celebrities in attendance.
Food and drinks were served as girls in beaded outfits serenaded the crowd with their erotic and breathtaking dance styles.
