tUnE-yArDs has posted a new Fela Kuti cover online, with ?uestlove stepping in on drums.
One of those truly inspirational characters which only African music seems capable of conjuring, Fela Kuti’s life and music remains deeply influential. AIDS awareness initiative (RED) RUSH TO ZERO have gathered a number of tributes to the Highlife pioneer, including a number of specially recorded cover versions.
Upcoming album ‘(RED) Hot + FELA’ features some exclusive material, with the first single dropping this afternoon. tUnE-yArDs has recorded a new version of ‘Lady’ with ?uestlove stepping in on drums.
The collective is filled out Angelique Kidjo and Akua Naru, with Paul Heck at the controls. Merrill Garbus of tUnE-yArDs had the following to say: “I wanted to reclaim ‘Lady’ for women in the world today, particularly African women, who will have an important role in ending the AIDS epidemic there. I was so happy to have the powerful Angelique Kidjo pour her soul into it, and then rapper Akua Naru wrote a raw, intense verse that perfectly extended and completed our vision of the song.”
Stream ‘Lady’ below.
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For more information on ‘RED (RUSH TO ZERO)’ check out the following trailer.
