As the suffix hints, this is a new and revamped version of “Badman Lighter [Remix],” one of the standout cuts from the groundbreaking African Dreams, released in December 2022. This true meeting of minds united the Grammy-nominated Afrobeat ambassador/sociopolitical powerhouse Seun Kuti and arguably one of the greatest MCs alive today, legendary The Roots frontman/poet laureate Black Thought, over an electrifying synthesis of Afrobeat and hip-hop.
The empowering, socially conscious EP caused a worldwide stir, with significant radio and media support, millions of streams across all platforms, a coveted place on the FIFA 23 game soundtrack, and a dedicated billboard in Times Square, not to mention fulfilling its ultimate purpose: aligning with the powerful Kuti family mantra “music is the weapon” by engaging with and provoking reactions amongst Africans and the African diaspora.
Without a moment of respite, the pair have decided to reignite the flame, continuing the momentum with this release of the fiery “Badman Lighter 2.0,” inviting fellow progressive rapper/activist Vic Mensa to join them on the journey. Fresh off his revolutionary Black Star Line Festival in Ghana, Mensa delivers a scorching verse that serves as the cherry on top of an already formidable composition.
Alongside the incredible vocal performances, every musical element found in this high-energy production has been lifted from Seun Kuti’s critically acclaimed albumBlack Times, carefully spliced, and woven back together. The hybrid Afrobeat/hip-hop formula uses driving beats to tie together the very best of both worlds, from the iconic Egypt 80 horn section and signature call-and-response chorus to a classic saxophone solo that serves as the masterpiece’s finishing touch, underpinning its powerful messages.
So we ask, on March 10, 2023, who’s got the Badman Lighter?
“Badman Lighter 2.0”
Primary Artists: Seun Kuti, Black Thought
Featuring: Vic Mensa
Producer: Molotov
Writers/Authors: Seun Anikulapo Kuti, Tariq Trotter, Alex Jennings, Victor Kwesi Mensah
Mixed & Mastered by Forest DLG for KMJ45
Genre: Hip-hop/Afrobeat
Release Date: March 10, 2023
Digital Release
Vic Mensa appears courtesy of Roc Nation Records
Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 2023 Tour
4/15 – Apollo Theater, New York (US)
5/23 – Pumpehuset, Copenhagen (Denmark)
5/25 – Afro-Pringsten Festival, Winterthur (Switzerland)
5/27 – World Village Festival, Suvilahti TBA, Helsinki (Finland)
5/28 – Les Petites Folies, Théâtre de Verdure, Lampaul-Plouarzel, (France)
6/23 – Nuits Carreers Festival, Esplanade Du Pré Des Pêcheurs, Antibes Juan-les-Pins (France)
6/30 – Arsenal Festival, Kragujevac (Serbia)
7/15 – Sherwood Festival, Park Nord Stadio Euganeo, Padua (Italy)
7/22 – Colours Of Ostrava, Ostrava – (Repubblica Ceca)
7/28 – Uppsala Reggae Festival, Uppsala (Sweden)
8/4 – Festivalle, Valle dei Templi, Agrigento (Italy)
8/10 – Locus Festival, Masseria Ferragnano, Locorotondo (Italy)
8/12 – Color Fest, Agriturismo Costantino, Lamezia Terme (Italy)
8/16 – Overjam Festival, Tolmin (Slovenia)
