Nigerian Afrobeat powerhouse Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 have released their new single ‘DJB’, the third offering from their forthcoming album Na Dem, scheduled for international release on November 6, 2026.
The title ‘DJB’ stands for “Devil Just Busy,” setting the tone for a song that takes a serious look at the pressures and darker forces surrounding modern society. Built around a deep, mid-tempo Afrobeat groove, the seven-minute record gives Seun Kuti plenty of room to explore its themes without rushing through them.
Rather than following the increasingly short format dominating much of today’s music landscape, ‘DJB’ takes its time. The song develops through its layered instrumentation and commanding Afrobeat foundation, allowing the music and message to work together as one extended experience.
At its core, the single examines the forces that can weigh heavily on society and threaten to overwhelm the human spirit. Seun’s delivery carries the intensity expected from an artist whose music has consistently used social commentary as a central part of its identity, while Egypt 80 provides the expansive musical backdrop that gives the record its weight.
‘DJB’ was produced by Femi Koleoso, drummer and producer of Ezra Collective, whose approach brings a contemporary edge to the track while maintaining a strong connection to the foundations of Afrobeat. Samuel Egglenton handled engineering, with Dan Parry responsible for the mix and Stuart Hawkes of Metropolis Studio in London overseeing the mastering.
The single follows ‘Na Dem’, which features Tom Morello, and ‘Problems’, featuring Kabaka Pyramid. Together, the three releases have begun to reveal the musical range of Na Dem, giving listeners an early sense of what to expect from Seun Kuti & Egypt 80’s next full-length project.
The scale of the ensemble also plays an important role in ‘DJB’. Seun Kuti leads on vocals and saxophone, joined by Edidiong Blessing Eshiet on backing vocals, Noah Mayumbu and Anis Benhallak on guitar, Kaidi Akinibi and Fabrice Fila on saxophone, and Jermaine Amissah and Nicolas Julien Sakelario on baritone saxophone.
The extended lineup continues with Chris Olusesi on keys, Kunle Justice and Gbeke Ojutiku on bass, Will Fry on percussion, Valentin Pellet and Ben Amissah on trumpet, Mario Orsinet on drums, and Femi Koleoso also contributing drums. The combination creates the dense, layered sound that allows ‘DJB’ to move beyond a conventional single and feel more like an extended Afrobeat statement.
The release arrives as Seun Kuti continues the momentum from his acclaimed 2024 album Heavier Yet (Lay The Crownless Head). The project brought together an impressive list of collaborators, including Damian Marley, Sampa the Great, Pos of De La Soul, Adi Oasis, Kamasi Washington and Alborosie, while also featuring production contributions from Lenny Kravitz. The album was followed by a 13-month world tour that saw Seun perform more than 130 concerts across Australia, South America, the United States and Europe.
Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 are also currently on another major international tour, which began in Barcelona on May 7. The run includes performances across the Philippines, Australia and New Zealand, alongside two major US headline dates this autumn. ‘My Life in Movement’ is scheduled for October 9 at The Regent Theatre in Los Angeles, followed by a second headline performance at Webster Hall in New York on October 14.
Seun Kuti’s place within Afrobeat is deeply connected to his family history. The son of legendary Nigerian musician Fela Kuti, Seun became the leader of Egypt 80, continuing the musical tradition established by his father while developing his own voice through contemporary recordings and performances.
His career has produced five studio albums and earned international recognition for music that frequently addresses social realities, inequality and political issues. In 2019, Seun Kuti and Egypt 80 received a GRAMMY nomination for Black Times in the Best World Music Album category.
His catalogue has also continued to reach audiences beyond traditional Afrobeat circles. His 2022 EP African Dreams charted within the top 20 of the American Independent Radio Charts, while collaborations and features with artists including Janelle Monáe, Talib Kweli and Madlib have further expanded his international profile.
With ‘DJB’, Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 continue to show that Afrobeat can remain expansive, uncompromising and relevant while still evolving with the times. The single offers another powerful preview of Na Dem and reinforces Seun’s commitment to making music that carries both musical depth and a wider social message.
‘DJB’ is now available on major streaming platforms, with Na Dem set to follow on November 6, 2026.
