Afrobeat icon Seun Kuti and his legendary Egypt 80 band have released their new single “Problems,” featuring reggae artist Kabaka Pyramid. ‘Problems’ follows Seun Kuti’s critically acclaimed 2024 album, ‘Heavier Yet (Lay The Crownless Head)’ and his 2026 single ‘Na Dem’.The track brings together the revolutionary spirit of Afrobeat and the conscious energy of reggae, delivering a powerful anthem that reflects on the struggles, contradictions, and challenges of modern life.
Produced by renowned drummer and producer Femi Koleoso, “Problems” captures the intensity of Seun Kuti’s signature sound while introducing fresh sonic textures. Built around rapid drum patterns, rich jazz influences, and layered instrumentation, the song combines Egypt 80’s unmistakable Afrobeat foundation with smooth melodies, expressive guitar work, and commanding saxophone arrangements.
The track’s production features contributions from a talented ensemble of musicians, including guitarists Anis Benhallak and Tobi Adenaike, saxophonists James Mollison, Fabrice Fila, Nicolas Julien Sakelario, and Jermaine Amissah, keyboardist Chris Olusesi, and bass players Kunle Justice and Gbeke Ojutiku. The final mix was completed by Riley MacIntyre, with mastering handled by Stuart Hawkes at Metropolis Studios in London.
Lyrically, “Problems” continues Seun Kuti’s long-standing tradition of using music as a platform for social commentary. The song explores the shared struggles faced by people across different backgrounds, highlighting the pressures of everyday life while encouraging resilience and resistance in the face of adversity.
Speaking about the collaboration, Seun Kuti described the track as a powerful connection between African and Caribbean musical traditions.
“Bridging the gap between Afrobeat and Reggae, between West Africa and the Caribbean, is always a powerful vibration. It’s not just music, it’s a reunion of the Diaspora, a true Live-aspora!”
Kabaka Pyramid adds his conscious reggae perspective to the record, creating a compelling exchange between two musical traditions rooted in truth-telling, cultural identity, and social awareness. Together, the artists transform “Problems” into a global statement about perseverance and standing firm through difficult times.
The single follows Seun Kuti’s critically acclaimed 2024 album Heavier Yet (Lay The Crownless Head), which featured collaborations with artists including Damian Marley, Sampa the Great, Pos of De La Soul, Adi Oasis, Kamasi Washington, and Alborosie, alongside production contributions from Lenny Kravitz. The album was supported by a major international tour spanning more than 130 performances across Australia, South America, the United States, and Europe.
Currently, Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 are continuing their worldwide tour, which launched in Barcelona, Spain, in May 2026. The run includes performances across Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, alongside headline shows in the United States, including “My Life in Movement” at The Regent Theatre in Los Angeles and a special performance at Webster Hall in New York.
For Seun Kuti, “Problems” represents more than a song; it is a reflection of the realities many people face around the world.
“Problems hits right at the heart of the everyday human condition. It speaks to the chaotic, contradictory world we live in, no matter who you are. Everything feels like a puzzle, ‘hard like Sudoku,’ and people everywhere are just trying to navigate the madness and survive the daily stress.”
As the son of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti and the current leader of Egypt 80, Seun Kuti continues to carry forward a powerful musical legacy built on activism, cultural pride, and fearless expression. With “Problems,” he once again proves why he remains one of the most important voices keeping Afrobeat’s revolutionary spirit alive for a new generation.
