Seun Kuti ft: Black Thought + Vic Mensa - Badman Lighter 2.0 (Single)

As the ‘2.0’ suffix hints, ‘Badman Lighter 2.0’ is a new revamped version of 'Badman Lighter [Remix]’, one of the stand out cuts from the groundbreaking African Dreams EP project released in December 2022 by Grammy nominated musical / socio political powerhouse Seun Kuti & the poet laureate/frontman of The legendary Roots crew Black Thought. On the ‘2.0’ version, the dynamic duo recruit Chicago’s revolutionary rap talent Vic Mensa to emphasise the electrifying synthesis of Afrobeat & Hip-Hop.

The empowering socially conscious African Dreams EP caused a worldwide stir: with significant radio & media support the world over, millions of streams across all platforms, a coveted place in the FIFA 23video game soundtrack, a dedicated billboard in Time Square NYC and not to mention fulfilling its ultimate purpose: engaging & provoking reactions amongst Africans & the global diaspora, aligning with the powerful Kuti family mantra that ‘Music Is The Weapon’.

Without leaving a moment's respite, the pair have decided to reignite the flame and continue the momentum with the release of the fiery ‘Badman Lighter 2.0.’ The pair have invited fellow progressive rapper/activist Vic Mensa to join them on this journey. Fresh off the back of his own impactful Black Star Line Festival initiative in Ghana, Mensa delivers a scorching verse that serves as the cherry on top of an already formidable composition.

Alongside the incredible vocal performances, every musical element found in the high energy production has been lifted from Seun Kuti’s critically acclaimed Black Times album and carefully spliced and woven back together to form by producer Volotov. True to the new Afrobeat & Hip-Hop hybrid formula, the driving beat ties together the very best of both worlds, from the iconic Egypt80 horn section to the signature call and response chorus, only to be finished off with a classic saxophone solo serving as the masterpiece's finishing touch underpinning the powerful messages found therein.

The exhilarating ‘2.0’ release precedes Seun Kuti’s extensive tour run with the prolific Egypt80 band, kicking off on 15th April in New York and travelling across Europe throughout the summer months until mid August.