GRAMMY World Music Nominee: Femi Kuti
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Topic: grammys2010

Femi Kuti was born the son of Nigeria’s favorite son, Afrobeat creator Fela Kuti, a man who was dubbed “The Black President” long before Barack Obama ran for and won the United States Presidency.  Fela left behind big shoes to fill, but it is clear that Femi carries this music in his flesh, bones, and spirit.  As bandleader for his troupe Positive Force, he walks in the path that his father created with the Afrobeat sound while still commanding respect as his own musician and songwriter.  He remains entrenched in the everyday struggle of his people, pondering the contradictions of Nigeria’s independence while so many within his own city live in poverty.  The Nigerian authorities have not taken kindly to Femi’s messages in song and actions in the street.  Such has resulted in the closing of the New Africa Shrine (Femi’s creative space in tribute to his father, which was captured for posterity on the Live At The Shrine DVD).  Even in the midst of these setbacks, Femi’s spirit remains defiant.  It is this resilience that bursts through on Day By Day, nominated for a GRAMMY^® for Best Contemporary World Music Album.  This nomination marks Femi’s second within this category.  It would be cool to see him take this home for Nigeria…