Good music moves people. It moves people out of their seat and on to the dance floor, and it moves people to reinterpret the world around them. Sometimes it can do both at the same time, which is exactly what Lakuta does with their new single, “Bata Boy,” released by Tru Thoughts.
The nine member group comes from Brighton with members that originate from Kenya, Tanzania, Ghana, Malaysia, Spain, the UK and describe themselves as afro jazz soul funk. The global diversity extends past the genres they cross and members to build a socially conscious message in “Bata Boy.” The song is built around a lively drum beat, noodley guitar riff and saxophone lines that introduce the chorus, “We will not stand for this/We will say yes no more,” and follow it with it's own verse.
The song addresses discrimination against gays to point out its nature as a global problem, Africa, Asia, Europe too/Think that they have a right to/Tell him how to live his life/All this trouble, all this strife/Just because he don't want a wife.” Taking the focus from the global issue of the discrimination of gay people, the song move its attention to the largely Africa-based issue of female genital mutilation, addressing it as something done “All in the name of beauty/All in the name of culture,” before rhetorically asking “Is this what we call civilized?”
“Bata Boy” is certainly not the first song to be political. It's not the first to offer an anthem like message and chorus. What makes it special is that it's one of few that get away with mentioning divisive topics, criticizing cultures all around the world and doing it with a dance beat that can't be refused. The single also includes two remixes, and instrumental and A Capella versions. The name Lakuta comes from Swahili and means “to find, meet, share or feel full,” and “Bata Boy” is a great dance track with an important message that should meet ears and be shared but only leaves a listener hungry for the LP to come.
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