On 15 October, the birthday of Fela Kuti, the founder of the genre, one of the most exciting contemporary Afrobeat artists, Adédèjì Adetayo and his band will perform at the Liszt Fest. Here are ten songs that will help you to get in the picture with Adédèjì, who will be performing at the House of Music Hungary, and his groovy, jazz-funky music that speaks to both the heart and the feet.

Ajo (2012)

The Nigerian singer, guitarist and songwriter combines Afrobeat, which was developed by Fela Kuti in the 1970s, with local Yoruba traditions, progressive jazz funk and a unique vibe, as is already evident in the opening track of his 2012 debut album, Ajo.

Ashake (2012)

These early compositions already make Adédèjì shine as an outstanding singer, who started at the age of five in a church choir in Lagos. He was its leader by the age of ten, and by 18 he was a sought-after session guitarist and singer on the local scene. He went on to hone his skills in the conservatories of London and Groningen. (In 2015, even house remixes were made of Ashake.)

Iba (Opus De Bolojo) (2017)

While the debut album was more indebted to his jazz studies in the Netherlands, even though they were infused with African traditions, the second album, the 2017 Afreekanism, was already distinctly Afrocentric.

C.O.P (Solo Acoustic Version) (2017)

C.O.P, a song from 2015 whose acoustic version was included on the second LP, is evidence that with regard to lyrics and themes, Adédèjì follows in the footsteps of Fela Kuti and speaks out against oppression and injustice in political and socially critical compositions.

Iyawo Ori Aja (2017)

At other times, Yoruba melodies soar, and we can forget about the troubles of the world as we are gently swayed by songs with Yoruba, English and pidgin English lyrics.

Anbene (2017)

There are twenty colourful, diverse songs on this ambitious album, including ones with the traditional instrumentation of drum and voice, a salute each to Fela Kuti (Felasophy) and the worshipped Prince – but his signature jazz-funk Afrobeat is already in full swing.

Oroku (2022)

Adédèjì’s third album was released by One World Records, one of the hottest labels in world music. The frontman had gathered some of Lagos’ trendiest musicians around him and grown his sound into a vibrant, pulsating musical giant.

Olomo Ki Lo (2022)

Complex compositions, the marriage of Yoruba traditions and progressive jazz-funk, the best of brass-rich Afrobeat pulsations – on occasion, they fuse to make some irresistible dance music.

Lagos Blues (2022)

At other times, the album’s songs are characterised by a slow, gently unfolding, majestic sway, with rich backing vocals – and even then we want to experience the sumptuous musical experience first hand.

Shyphiliezation (2022)

Any song from this outstanding album could be recommended to pique interests, but let’s close with this effortlessly performed marvel in the style of Funkadelic and Fela Kuti, in which a hundred things happen at once, yet we are led into euphoria by a tight groove.