Afrobeat royalty Seun Kuti teams up with the legendary Pos of hip-hop icons De La Soul to share “Stand Well Well (Grand Stand Version),” released via Record Kicks. The track is taken from his critically acclaimed, Lenny Kravitz-produced, album Heavier Yet (Lays The Crownless Head). Here, the song is reimagined with the distinctive lyrical prowess of Pos, who adds a fresh and vibrant dimension to one of the most captivating tunes from the album. This new version of “Stand Well Well” is part of the deluxe edition of Heavier Yet (Lays The Crownless Head), set for release on May 28 featuring additional reworks by Kamasi Washington, Alborosie, and Adi Oasis.
“Seun is a powerful soul and it’s inspirational being around him whenever I have been,” Pos says about getting to collaborate on the track. He continues, “The song for me means to stand well rooted in agreeableness. Standing well rooted against the whirlwind of misery dressed up as entertainment online, as well as its powerful elixir of self doubting. Standing focused to not fall for the trap of redundancy that being on social media can present.”
Each song on Heavier Yet (Lays The Crownless Head) is a testament to Seun Kuti’s unwavering commitment to using music as a tool for social change and empowerment. As an outspoken pan-African activist, he recently joined Santigold’s Noble Champions podcast to discuss his views on Nigeria’s political landscape, the challenges of rebuilding broken institutions, and the necessity of grassroots movements in reclaiming power.
Seun Kuti is the youngest son of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti. He has spent most of his life preserving and extending his father’s political and musical legacy as the leader of Fela’s former band Egypt 80.
After wrapping a series of dates with Lenny Kravitz in Europe, Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 will embark on a spring headlining US tour starting in April. Beginning with four nights at the legendary Blue Note Jazz Club in New York City, the band will also perform at this year’s Coachella on April 11th and 18th before joining the legendary New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival on April 24. Tickets can be purchased here.
