Shoki Shoki
You might say Femi Kuti is carrying on the family business begun by his late father, the greatFela, with whom Femi played for a while. But instead of the extended Afro-beat workouts that were Fela's musical trademark, Femi has a sound that's more based on '70s American funk--thinkTower of Powerwith some heavy percussion and you're not too far from the mark. While not as outspoken as his dad, Femi can be political, as on "Blackman Know Yourself" or "Victim of Life." At the same time, he's not above celebrating the joys of the flesh on "Beng Beng Beng." His band is hot and incredibly tight, and Femi himself is an excellent instrumentalist. Call it the new generation of Afro-beat, a dynasty continued. Call it an absolute joy.--Chris Nickson