Femi Kuti & The Positive Force will perform at Manchester Academy in April, continuing a career that has played a central role in the evolution of contemporary Afrobeat. The eldest son of Fela Kuti, Femi has developed his own voice as a saxophonist, bandleader and songwriter while maintaining the political and musical foundations of the genre.
After leaving his father’s band Egypt ’80 in the mid-1980s, Femi formed The Positive Force in 1986. Together they have released a series of albums including Fight to Win, No Place for My Dream and One People One World, combining traditional Yoruba rhythms with jazz, funk and socially engaged lyrics. His work has earned four Grammy nominations and taken him to major international stages such as Glastonbury, Coachella and Carnegie Hall.
Femi Kuti’s live performances are rooted in Afrobeat’s collective energy, with extended horn sections, layered percussion and dancers forming an integral part of the show. Alongside his touring and recording career, he is co-founder of the New Afrika Shrine in Lagos, a cultural venue that continues the activist and musical legacy established by his father.
His latest album, Journey Through Life, released in April 2025, reflects a more introspective approach while retaining the political awareness that defines his work. Collaborations with artists including Common, Mos Def and Red Hot Chili Peppers underline his influence beyond Afrobeat, while his role as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador connects his music to wider social advocacy.
