Nigerian international music artist, Oluwaseun Oluyole, aka Sean Dampte, has revealed the real impetus behind his new album, “Mo Kuti: Afrobeat Fella,” dropping on November 1, 2024, saying it is about honoring the foundation of Afrobeats.
“That’s really the heart of this project. Mo Kuti: Afrobeat Fella is all about honoring the foundation that greats like Fela laid, but also understanding that music is always evolving. Afrobeat is a genre rich with history, but I see it as a living thing—it grows, changes, and adapts to the times. With this album, I wanted to respect the essence of the past, the rhythm, the message, the instrumentation, but push it forward by blending it with modern sounds and perspectives. You’ll hear the influence of Afrobeat in its purest form, but also the innovation in the way I layer different genres, experiment with production, and use storytelling to reflect today’s reality. This isn’t just Afrobeat for now, it’s Afrobeat for the future,” he explained.
The 10-track album promises to be a groundbreaking celebration of Afrobeat’s roots while simultaneously charting a bold, innovative path forward.
The title, “Mo Kuti”—meaning “I die not”—serves as a powerful declaration of resilience and longevity, while “Afrobeat Fella” positions Sean Dampte as one of the true flag bearers of the genre. This album is not just about paying homage to Afrobeat’s origins but also about redefining what it means to be original in today’s music world.
“Mo Kuti: Afrobeat Fella is more than just an album—it’s a movement,” Sean Dampte explains. “The rhythm and the culture flow through my veins, but I’m not here to follow the old blueprint. I’m here to innovate, to redefine, and show what it truly means to be original in this game.”
The album features 10 powerful tracks, with fan favorites like “Sinner Man” and “Roll Up” already making waves across airwaves, while “Man On Deck” continues to gain momentum with Afrobeat lovers and critics alike. Each track tells a story, representing the hustle, life, and success that define the Awoodah mindset—a movement embodying life, wealth, happiness, and an unstoppable thirst for greatness.
Track Highlights:
- Man On Deck (Produced by Jomane): The gritty anthem of resilience and survival in the industry, this track sets the tone for the album. “A sergeant that makes it back from war is way better than the army general who dies at the city gates.”
- Farabale: Encouraging patience, this track reminds listeners that “who no hustle no go fit ball.”
- Normally: Flaunts Sean Dampte’s success, emphasizing his Afrobeat heavyweight status and his big-stage lifestyle. “Normally, everything I do is on the big stage.”