The album title of Baba Kuboye‘s most recent record is “Cultural Canvas,” and it’s an extravagant blend of songs and stories that honour his rich African history.
The picture in question is concealed away deep inside the album’s rhythmic heart. There is no refuting Baba’s abilities because he was born into a singing family. His parents, jazz greats Fran and Tunde Kuboye, and his uncle, Afrobeat King Fela Kuti, all influenced his music.
His first memories as a musician can be heard in the Jazz 38 club in Lagos, where the grooves were continually hitting. Today, you may recognise those early influences from his childhood in his music. They are linked to a voice that speaks of social awareness and a deep understanding of what it means to be human.
The ten songs on this album are like no other soundtrack that Baba has ever made; each song is like a different brushstroke on his huge art. Not only are there Afrobeat rhythms, dancehall rhythms, and hip-hop cadences all great, but each song is also a great mix of tradition and modernity, excitement and knowledge.
Each song on the record talks about a different topic, such as happiness, sincerity, determination, unity, and the artist’s own singing journey, as well as the basic aspects of meeting one’s goals. Because of this, each track on the record has its own set of unique qualities.
“Cultural Canvas” is an album with a lot of upbeat and exciting songs. It includes UK rap drill, live big band records, spoken word, and some of his amazing alto and tenor saxophone skills.
Kuboye takes a lot of ideas from the many traditions that people in West and Southern Africa follow as a way to celebrate his African heritage and culture. He does this to remember how much he loves life and how far he’s come on his journey to find himself.
To honour his late uncle Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, who was known as the “king of Afrobeat,” he chose to connect with his ancestors and add unique Afrobeat characteristics to the new Afropop style instead of using existing bands on the record.
This record was inspired by the way Africans have been separated from their own culture throughout history. It stresses the importance of working closely with African artists to help them improve their skills and support their families.
The honest celebration that is “Cultural Canvas” is a memorial to Baba’s love for life, his journey of self-discovery, and the rich fabric of his African background that makes him who he is.
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