Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 feat. Damian Marley - New single "Dey"
The artists unveil their first single off the upcoming album as a symbol of African unity and art.
June 26, 2024
Grammy-nominated Nigerian musician Seun Kuti has once again set the music scene ablaze with the announcement of his electrifying new single, ‘Dey’ featuring reggae icon and 4 Grammy Awards winner Damian Marley, which is available today on all major streaming platforms via independent Milan label Record Kicks. This much-anticipated collaboration combines the raw energy of Afrobeat with the rhythmic vibes of Reggae, creating a bridge between Nigeria and Jamaica that is sure to captivate audiences worldwide. ‘Dey’ is the first single from the much-awaited new album by Seun Kuti & Egypt 80, ‘Heavier Yet (Lays The Crownless Head)’ that will hit the streets on October 4th.
Seun Kuti expressed his deep sentiment about the new single ‘Dey’ featuring Damian Marley, emphasizing its special significance. He sees it as a historic moment for African unity, art, and brotherhood, emphasizing the significance of collaborating with Damian Marley, marking the first time Kuti and Marley have been on a record together, symbolizing the rebuilding of a bridge.
He says, “I’m very honoured to have Damian on this track; it’s a historic moment. This is the first time that Kutis and Marleys have recorded together. We are two performers, both from the dynasty of Africa, with a huge continental divide, singing about similar struggles. To have the legacies of these great movements that represent African people is an amazing thing. It shows the similarities between the experiences of black people all over the world. I think this collaboration is an affirmation of the righteousness of our messages.”
“The song depicts African unity and African art,” Seun continues. “It doesn’t matter where we are positioned in this world, very few African people receive notability; we are for the most part seen as the underdog. Therefore, this song is all about embracing and championing who we are. It is about human beings not having to be special, to be special. As African people, one thing that I hate about the way the world relates to us is that only special Africans are human. We can't just be humans. That is removed from the black African experience. So, this song is about how we are special and how we should not feel the need to constantly prove ourselves to anybody.”
Produced by a collaborative dream team of top-tier producers that includes superstar Lenny Kravitz (executive producer) and Fela Kuti and Egypt 80’s original producer Sodi Marciszewer (artistic producer), ‘Dey’ delivers a timeless fusion of sounds that pays homage to the rich musical traditions of both Nigeria and Jamaica while pushing the boundaries of contemporary music.
With its pulsating rhythms and infectious melodies, ‘Dey’ is set to become a timeless anthem that transcends borders and resonates with listeners from all walks of life. Seun Kuti and Damian Marley's collaboration is a celebration of cultural fusion and musical innovation, showcasing the rich tapestry of sounds that define contemporary African and Caribbean music.
Listen to the song/pre-order the album here.
We represent this song worldwide.
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