Nightlife

The Womack Sisters bringing it from back to the future

By NAYABA ARINDE

Amsterdam News Editor

Fela Anikulapo Kuti’s songs—one of them alone can typically go on for days, his youngest pikin Seun is similar (smile).

Afrobeat artist Seun Kuti brought his political savvy, activist philosophy, multi-instrument-playing musicianship, support of the common-man touch, and intoxicating revelry back to New York City with an East Coast stop on his global tour.

DJ Funmi Ononaiye kept beats flowing at Times Square’s Sony Hall on Thursday, Sept. 15, as an excited crowd awaited the Grammy-nominated “youngest son of legendary Afrobeat godfather Fela Kuti, Seun Kuti & Egypt 80.” While Afrobeat is suddenly the new populist phenomenon for some, Highlife, Afro Juju and indeed Afrobeat have been beloved genres for decades throughout the African Diaspora and on the Continent. In fact, a 14-year old Seun Kuti became the band leader of his father’s Egypt 80 after Fela’s death in 1997.

Along with the sound which inspired millions worldwide, Seun has continued his father’s quest to rail against social injustice, poverty, government corruption, neo-colonialism, and the out-and-out international racist infrastructure.

“The message of Afrobeat music is the counter of that narrative: the pro-Black, pro-people, pro-Motherland narrative from our own perspective,” the African Soldier previously told NPR.

In between blessing Sony Hall with his popular hits for about 90 minutes, from the stage the definitely not “Last Revolutionary” implored the audience to rediscover and cling on to its pursuit of a shared humanity, and the need for the youth of the world to find their collective voice and power to defeat all opposing forces.

His 2018 track “Black Times” might just be his personal anthem. It says it all after all. “The time they teach us about Black protection…The time they teach us about Black reflection of the Black Times.” A timeless track, and always a fan favorite.

The audience was equally excited to hear their own favorite Seun tracks with his tight band and female vocalists and dancers, as they eagerly anticipated the definitive Seun Kuti words of wisdom.

As parts of the planet were focused on the passing of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II, and the subsequent Commonwealth reparations demand, in one of his bountiful tangents, the always analytical “Opposite People” performer told his audience that as “the world is finding its path towards civilization…. there is normal racism….the banks, the police, education, housing…And then we have royal racism.”

Since he gave “When We Move,” fellow musician Roots drummer Black Thought a shout-out from the stage, folks were kind of hoping they might be treated to a collab featuring Common. No matter, folk. A fan is a fan. The show was great still! The “Bad Man Lighter” singer delivered as always in this another high energy gig. A packed audience included award-winning Broadway “Fela” producer Stephen Hendel, and international promoter Sparkie Martin.

While he continues his world tour, Thursday, Sept. 23, 2022, sees the release of his “Kuku Kee Me” remix with Black Thought.

With multiple-albums and EPs, Seun is a global musical star in his own right, alongside his brother Femi, and nephew Made, he is keeping his father’s name still current and central in the Afrobeat movement.

(Solwazi Afi Olusola photo)

Sometimes it sounds better in your head, then you realize that ain’t it. Case and point, the story was supposed to begin like this: Upon the first listen of the new EP “Legacy” I was truly at a “Lost for Words.” STOP!! Crumble the paper and reset. While that was an attempt to be clever it ended up being formulaic, elementary, and corny for lack of a better word. Those are a few of the same adjectives used to describe R&B music, henceforth over here, if we want the music to be seen in a different light, all aspects, including how we cover it, should be of a higher standard. With that, rewind and come again.

On an episode of “American Bandstand” aired in 1964, the host Dick Clark engaged in a brief interview with one of the biggest artists at that time, Sam Cooke. At that juncture of his career Cooke had expressed an interest in taking more of an executive, entrepreneurial, behind the scenes role in the industry. The question was posed by Clark, what would be the greatest thing that can happen in that capacity to which Cooke responded, “The greatest thing that could happen to me would be if all the singers connected to me would have hits.” Due to extreme circumstances the foundational pieces of his grandiose plans—record label, management and publishing companies—have been dissolved and/or no longer in the possession of the estate (more on that at a later date), rendering those that were connected to him to literal terms.

Enter BG, Zemani and Kucha. These three sisters are not three sisters paired to coalesce for a recording or two, but rather actual siblings with music in their DNA on the precipice of establishing their own career, known professionally as The Womack Sisters, a generation removed from Sam Cooke, who happens to be their grandfather. Each member glowingly spoke of what his impact was, starting with Kucha who offered, “Our grandfather was so much more than just a great singer. He was like Noah in a sense that he wanted to lead artists and our people to where we needed to be. He wanted to instill a degree of confidence and self-worth so that we can demand a seat at the table and get our proper share.”

Adds Zemani, “The bookshelves in the house where my mom grew up was lined with books about US that wasn’t taught in school so that knowledge. That REAL knowledge and he was sure to spread to everyone he came in contact with.” BG concludes, “He knew who he was, not just in this life but in a past life.”

Having Sam Cooke as your sole ancestor would for most be enough, but for these girls it gets deeper. Their parents are the famed singer/songwriter/production duo Cecil and Linda Womack (of Womack & Womack,) and their uncle is the iconic singer-songwriter Bobby Womack. For added flavor their father was introduced to the business as part of a gospel group the Womack Brothers, later called the Valentinos.

With such an esteemed lineage, having divine talent is not unexpected. Along with the talent however, lofty expectations may also enter the equation. These thoughts have no bearing on the journey to forge their own path on which the group is currently embarked. Riding coattails is not in the equation. Neither is shying away from your family’s storied accomplishments. BG said with pride, “I was in the group Womack and Womack. I wrote, sang, and produced on some of those records. Our parents taught us that the next generation was supposed to be a collection of who we are and more. Our uncle Bob, who we sang background for said to us, ‘You’re Sam, you’re me, you are your father and mother. KNOW that!!!’” Kucha reminisced and shared, “Our Uncle June, he’s the last remaining uncle, [Friendly Womack Jr.] tells us all the time how proud he is of what we’re doing. He says, ‘When I hear y’all sing, I hear us!’”

This leads to the here and now. The Womack Sisters have something to say and now, they feel, is the time. BG says, “We now are in a place where we can full on authentically present the kind of music that we want to give.”

On Sept. 9, they unveiled their debut EP “Legacy” (Ingrooves). Producers Balistic Beats, HighVolume, Tracksion, Jkits, Mr. Kooman, Jpdidthis1, Chemist, and HARRIX provide the sound beds to the primarily selfwritten 6 song project. Sharing their thoughts and feelings are part of the way in which the group wants to acquaint themselves to the public. “Artists need to make sure that people are being recognized in the art that we are sharing. We are sharing music, so we will be sure to include the inspiration, journey, and destination of our songs so people can fully relate,” concludes BG. For “Legacy” she continues, “It’s about the ins and outs of falling in love, becoming an adult, the different pressures of life and figuring out who you are. This is only an introduction. We have so many more songs we want to get out.”

So, looks like some new recruits are added to the R&B Warriors. Hope you stay a while.

Over and out. Holla next week. Til then, enjoy the nightlife.