Femi Kuti Drops “Oga Doctor” Ahead of New Album ‘Journey Through Life’

Afrobeat icon Femi Kuti returns with “Oga Doctor“, the latest single from his much anticipated new album, ‘Journey Through Life’, out 25th April via Partisan Records.

“Oga Doctor” is one of several new tracks Kuti has revisited from his early ’90s catalog for ‘Journey Through Life’, breathing new life into its urgent message with the perspective and musical evolution that decades of experience have brought him. Against a backdrop of kinetic, horn-driven Afrobeat, Femi delivers a fiery vocal performance, channelling both frustration and resilience. Reimagining “Oga Doctor” for the album not only preserves its legacy but also amplifies its continued relevance— showcasing Femi’s enduring ability to merge sharp social commentary with irresistibly vibrant music.

‘Journey Through Life’ marks a deeply personal chapter in the Afrobeat legend’s career. Known for his sharp critiques of political corruption and social injustice, Femi balances his signature “sweet music with a bitter message” with introspective reflections on family, life, and personal growth. Revisiting old tracks with fresh perspectives and producing entirely on his own for the first time, the album captures Femi’s journey as an artist, activist and father. Rooted in his Afrobeat legacy yet boldly charting new territory, ‘Journey Through Life’ is a testament to Femi’s enduring creativity and resilience.

He elaborates: “‘Journey Through Life’ is basically a summary of my life from my childhood to adulthood. All through my life family has been a solid foundation, from my parents, grandparents, to my siblings, cousins and now my children, my nieces and nephews, soon my grandchildren, and true to my song at the end of the day for me family is all that matters. I believe many events happen in our lives that draw us away from each other like an undercurrent, but the essence is to manage such events and let love prevail.”

“Most importantly too, is to forgive oneself for mistakes we make in life, as we strive to make corrections to improve our wellbeing and characters and always find peace and harmony with our minds, body and soul.”

Femi Kuti produced, composed and arranged all songs on ‘Journey Through Life’. The album was recorded in Nigeria at the Legacy Plus studios, a newly built studio by the Kuti family. It was mixed by Sodi at Studio Zarma in Paris, France.

‘Journey Through Life’ has previously been previewed by two further singles: its powerful centrepiece “After 24 Years“ – which reached the B list at BBC 6 Music – and the rousing “Politics Don Expose Them“, which was added to rotation at Double J and SER in Australia, RFI in France, and picked up by Craig Charles and Nick Grimshaw on 6 Music. The singles have earned reviews and support at press from the likes of MOJO, NME, The Quietus, The Independent, Clash, The Line of Best Fit, Far Out Magazine, Rolling Stone France, Songlines and more. Femi recently completed a UK tour including a sold-out London show at KOKO, which The Times described as “so joyous it could have been Notting Hill Carnival” in a 4/5 review, while The Telegraph called it “a show more energetic and committed than you’re likely to see all year.”