Afrobeat powerhouse Seun Kuti and his legendary Egypt 80 band have joined forces with Grammy-winning Reggae artist Kabaka Pyramid for their explosive new single, “Problems.” The collaboration fuses the revolutionary spirit of Afrobeat with the conscious soul of Reggae, delivering a timely anthem that speaks to the shared struggles of everyday life.
Produced by Femi Koleoso, “Problems” is driven by energetic drum patterns, rich Jazz textures, soaring saxophone arrangements and shimmering guitar riffs that create an expansive, cinematic sound. Anchored by an infectious chorus and powerful harmonies, the track balances musical sophistication with a message of resilience.
The single also showcases an exceptional lineup of musicians, including Anis Benhallak and Tobi Adenaike on guitar, James Mollison, Fabrice Fila, Nicolas Julien Sakelario and Jermaine Amissah on saxophones, Chris Olusesi on keyboards, and Kunle Justice and Gbeke Ojutiku on bass. The record was mixed by Riley MacIntyre and mastered by Stuart Hawkes at the renowned Metropolis Studios in London.
Speaking about the collaboration, Seun Kuti said:
“I am truly thrilled to announce my new collaboration with my brother Kabaka Pyramid on our new single, ‘Problems.’ 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! Working with Kabaka on this track has been an incredible experience, and I can’t wait for the world to feel the energy we’ve poured into it.”
“Problems” arrives on the heels of Seun Kuti’s acclaimed 2024 album, Heavier Yet (Lay The Crownless Head), and follows his 2026 single, “Na Dem.” The album featured an impressive roster of collaborators, including Damian Marley, Sampa the Great, Pos of De La Soul, Adi Oasis, Kamasi Washington and Alborosie, while also boasting production contributions from Lenny Kravitz. The project was supported by an extensive 13-month global tour spanning more than 130 shows across Australia, South America, North America and Europe.
Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 are currently continuing that global momentum with another world tour, which kicked off on 7 May in Barcelona, Spain. The run includes performances across the Philippines, Australia and New Zealand before heading to the United States this autumn for two headline shows: My Life in Movement at The Regent Theatre in Los Angeles on 9 October, followed by Webster Hall in New York on 14 October.
Explaining the inspiration behind the song, Seun added:
“‘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—whether you’re a doctor, a lawyer, a lecturer or a hustler on the street. Everything feels like a puzzle, ‘hard like Sudoku,’ and people everywhere are just trying to navigate the madness and survive the daily stress. But as the song says, we can’t destroy ourselves over Babylon’s mess; we have to push back, fight the stress and stand firm in our truth.”
“Problems” is now available on all major streaming platforms.