Femi Kuti

With seven kids to support, it's no surprise Fela Kuti's son is taking it Day by Day. Of course, seven years away from a recording studio is a lot of days, but Femi Kuti hasn't wasted the time. While he still may not be Afrobeat's most convincing lyricist, he's honed his instrumental skills and listened deeply to jazz, and that newfound breadth shows everywhere. Brother Seun may be keeping the pounding, Fela-style Afrobeat alive, but Femi's sound is growing more nuanced, textured and dynamic, stretching out instrumentally and not just mimicking dad.