Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 have returned with ‘DJB’, a seven-minute Afrobeat record that confronts the darker realities of contemporary society while offering another glimpse into the Nigerian band’s forthcoming album Na Dem.
Released on September 18, 2026, ‘DJB’, meaning “Devil Just Busy,” arrives as the third single from Na Dem, which is scheduled for international release on November 6. The track follows ‘Na Dem’ featuring Tom Morello and ‘Problems’ featuring Kabaka Pyramid, continuing the rollout of a project that brings together Afrobeat’s traditional foundations with a contemporary musical approach.
‘DJB’ is built around a dark and powerful groove that gives the song plenty of space to develop. Its mid-tempo Afro-Folk character allows the musicians to stretch out, creating an immersive seven-minute performance that feels deliberately removed from the short-form approach increasingly common in today’s music landscape.
The song’s subject matter is equally weighty. Seun Kuti uses the record to reflect on the pressures surrounding society and the forces capable of overwhelming the human spirit. There is an introspective quality to the track, but it never loses the energy and intensity that have long defined Seun Kuti’s work with Egypt 80.
Behind the production is Femi Koleoso of Ezra Collective, whose contribution gives the record a modern sense of movement without stripping away its Afrobeat roots. Samuel Egglenton engineered the recording, while Dan Parry handled the mix and Stuart Hawkes at Metropolis Studio in London mastered the final version.
The size of the Egypt 80 ensemble also becomes part of the song’s appeal. Seun Kuti handles vocals and saxophone, with Edidiong Blessing Eshiet providing backing vocals. The recording features Noah Mayumbu and Anis Benhallak on guitar, Kaidi Akinibi and Fabrice Fila on saxophone, Jermaine Amissah and Nicolas Julien Sakelario on baritone saxophone, Chris Olusesi on keys, and Kunle Justice and Gbeke Ojutiku on bass.
Will Fry adds percussion, while Valentin Pellet and Ben Amissah contribute trumpet. Mario Orsinet plays drums alongside Femi Koleoso, creating a large-scale ensemble sound that gives ‘DJB’ its fullness and momentum.
The new single comes as Seun Kuti builds toward Na Dem following the release of his critically acclaimed 2024 album Heavier Yet (Lay The Crownless Head). That project featured collaborations with Damian Marley, Sampa the Great, Pos of De La Soul, Adi Oasis, Kamasi Washington and Alborosie, alongside production contributions from Lenny Kravitz.
The album also led into an extensive touring period, with Seun Kuti taking the music around the world for 13 months and more than 130 concerts across Australia, South America, the United States and Europe.
The new Na Dem campaign is now being accompanied by another major international tour for Seun Kuti & Egypt 80. The current run began in Barcelona on May 7 and includes performances in the Philippines, Australia and New Zealand. The band will also headline two US shows this autumn, with ‘My Life in Movement’ scheduled for October 9 at The Regent Theatre in Los Angeles and another headline date at Webster Hall in New York on October 14.
Seun Kuti’s connection to Egypt 80 stretches back to one of the most important chapters in African music history. As the son of Fela Kuti, he inherited a direct connection to the Afrobeat tradition and eventually became the leader of his father’s legendary band. Over the years, he has developed that foundation into a career defined by energetic performances, socially conscious songwriting and a willingness to keep Afrobeat moving forward.
His work has earned international recognition, including a GRAMMY nomination for Black Times in 2019. His 2022 EP African Dreams also found success on the American Independent Radio Charts, while collaborations with artists such as Janelle Monáe, Talib Kweli and Madlib have introduced his music to audiences across different scenes.
‘DJB’ therefore arrives as more than another preview of Na Dem. It is a reminder of the space Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 continue to create for long-form Afrobeat, live instrumentation and music that gives its message room to breathe.
With two singles already released and Na Dem approaching its November 6 release date, ‘DJB’ adds another substantial piece to the picture of what Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 have been building. The new record is available now across major streaming platforms.
