Femi was born in London on 16 June 1962 and grew up in the former Nigerian capital Lagos.
Like his father, Femi has shown a strong commitment to social and political causes throughout his career, but he differs in his religious views.
In 2001, Femi collaborated with a number of US musicians such as Common, Mos Def, and Jaguar Wright, on his Fight to Win album. This album was widely regarded as the most influential Neo-Afrobeat album of the early 21st century.
DAY BY DAY
Femi Kuti Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
By night by night
We work and pray
For peace to reign
Day by day
By night by night
We work and pray
For peace to reign
By night by night
We work and pray
For peace to reign
Because the suffering is too much
So many meaningless wars
The people are confused about their future
So we turn, we turn, we turn to God
Day by day
By night by night
We work and pray
For peace to reign
Day by day
By night by night
We work and pray
For peace to reign
Day by day
By night by night
We work and pray
For peace to reign
Go look Mushi
The condition just dey worse
Go look Ajegunle
The matter make we no talk
See as our papa dem dey suffer for Oshodi bus stop
Mama mama no get any money to chop
Day by day
By night by night
We work and pray
For peace to reign
Day by day
By night by night
We work and pray
For peace to reign
Day by day
By night by night
We work and pray
For peace to reign
The lyrics of Femi Kuti's "Day By Day" call for an end to the suffering caused by meaningless wars and a plea for peace to reign. The repetition of "Day by day, by night by night, we work and pray for peace to reign" strengthens the message and conveys the idea that peace is not something that can be achieved overnight, but requires constant effort and commitment.
The song highlights the confusion and uncertainty felt by people about their future, particularly in areas like Mushi, Ajegunle and Oshodi bus stop where poverty and misery are rife. The lyrics are a call to action for people to turn to God and work tirelessly to bring peace and hope to their communities.
The song is a reflection of Femi Kuti's deep-rooted commitment to social justice and equality, which are themes that run through much of his music. Femi Kuti has stated that he draws inspiration from his father's legacy of using music as a tool for activism and change. "Day By Day" is a poignant reminder of the power of music to raise awareness about social issues and to inspire people to work towards a better future.
Line by Line Meaning
Day by day
Every single day
By night by night
Even during the night
We work and pray
We put in effort and offer supplication
For peace to reign
In the hopes of achieving peacefulness
Because the suffering is too much
The agony is unbearable
So many meaningless wars
Numerous wars with no significant purpose
The people are confused about their future
Citizens are unsure of what is in store for them
So we turn, we turn, we turn to God
Seeking divine intervention
Go look Mushi
Observe the state of Mushi
The condition just dey worse
The situation is deteriorating
Go look Ajegunle
Take notice of Ajegunle
The matter make we no talk
The issue is too complex to discuss
See as our papa dem dey suffer for Oshodi bus stop
Witness the struggle of our fathers at Oshodi bus stop
Mama mama no get any money to chop
Mothers do not even have the means to provide food
Writer(s): 布袋 寅泰
Contributed by Jasmine M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Oba Orisha
One of the best albums ever. The legendary Femi, just like father like son
Mattycakes
A guy I worked with had this playing one day. I mainly listen to Metal/Hip-hop, but this always stuck with me. After an exhaustive search I found out who this was and have been jamming it on the reg. Never limit yourself by genre or culture, you'll miss out on something special.
Stay Smüth
respect to that mattycakes! I'm not a metal guy, but you inspired me...i'll take your best album rec ! :P
LOUIS OTIENO
Enlightening
PeekaPeep
Found this album heavily marked down in the used CD section at my local indie music retailer several years ago, virtually unplayed (O_O)! One of the best in-store music purchases I ever did make, looking back...
:-)
The Urban Philosopher
Powerful music, this man is the truth
Emilio Panizio
yes
KuttyJoe
I can't get enough authentic Afrobeat.
Préférence Rhum
One of the most underrated album imho
Benada Mtu
Not since I listened to very good 🎶 music 🎶 that accompanies deep meaningful lyrics written & performed by the best band in the land, which back-in-the- day, was Earth 🌍, Wind 🌬️, & Fire🔥, have I heard 👂🏿 any contemporary Afri~ Artist's excellent created & performed 🎼 🇳🇬 🎵sounds 🎤🎤, 🎹, 🎺🎷🎺🎷,🎸, 🥁 as are on this entire 📀 album.