On July 18, 2025, the streets of Montréal’s Quartier des Spectacles were set ablaze with rhythm, resistance, and raw Afrobeat energy as Femi Kuti & The Positive Force delivered a historic live performance at the Festival International Nuits d’Afrique. With Femi Kuti’s full set now available, fans worldwide can relive every horn blast, protest lyric, and percussive pulse from this unforgettable night.
As the torchbearer of his legendary father Fela Kuti’s legacy, Femi has carved his own path through political consciousness and music that vibrates with global urgency. Backed by his powerhouse band, The Positive Force, this Montréal show wasn’t just a concert—it was a cultural event.
🎤 Afrobeat Lives On: Femi Kuti’s Message, Music & Mission
When it comes to modern Afrobeat that blends jazz-funk, highlife, and social commentary, few do it better—or louder—than Femi Kuti. From “Chop and Run” to “Corruption Na Stealing”, the setlist touched both soul and society, bringing music that moved bodies and minds.
This show is part of Femi’s Politics Don Expose Them Tour, a continent-spanning performance crusade inspired by his new album Journey Through Life. According to Financial Times, the record marks a shift toward introspection while staying true to his activist roots.
Songs like “After 24 Years” and “Work on Myself” show that personal growth can coexist with protest. As Femi recently shared with NPR, “Change begins inside, then radiates outward.”
🏟️ Quartier des Spectacles: Montréal’s Afrobeat Epicenter
Set in the vibrant Quartier des Spectacles, this was more than just another stop on a tour. The open-air venue, known for hosting Nuits d’Afrique and other cultural powerhouses, gave Afrobeat the visibility it deserves.
The Festival International Nuits d’Afrique is one of the most prestigious African music festivals outside the continent. Since 1987, it has been spotlighting Pan-African rhythms—from Congolese soukous to Nigerian funk—and this year, Femi’s set was the undisputed crown jewel.
Explore our music recaps section for more coverage of global festival performances like this one.
🎺 Setlist & Sonic Highlights
From the first brass hit to the final chant of liberation, Femi Kuti & The Positive Force proved why they are one of the most electrifying live acts on earth.
🔥 Key Moments from the Set:
- “Chop and Run” — Opened the show with a politically charged groove that had the crowd chanting along.
- “Politics Don Expose Them” — The tour’s namesake track felt especially poignant in Québec’s civic square.
- Classic Afrobeat throwbacks — Femi honored his father with revamped renditions of “Water No Get Enemy” and “Beasts of No Nation”.
As noted in The Times UK, “Every note was a weapon, every groove a demand for justice.”
🔊 The Positive Force: Music with Muscle
Formed in 1986, The Positive Force has evolved into a finely tuned engine of musical resistance. From hypnotic sax solos to soulful backup dancers and relentless drumming, the ensemble pushes the boundaries of traditional Afrobeat while preserving its activist DNA.
Learn more about Femi’s full biography and career on his Wikipedia page.
Their synchronicity and energy were particularly evident during the fan-favorite “Sorry Sorry”, where the horns, drums, and chants became a living, breathing wall of sound. According to Afropop Worldwide, “It’s not just music, it’s movement.”
🌍 A Global Voice with Local Impact
Femi Kuti’s music doesn’t preach. It provokes. As festival-goers in Montréal danced under the open sky, the lyrics took aim at systemic failure, corruption, and complacency.
The track “Corruption Na Stealing” drew some of the night’s loudest cheers—no surprise in a world grappling with political unrest. As Premium Times Nigeria notes, Femi carries the same urgency as his father, yet injects it with modern flair.
📸 Visual Energy & Performance Dynamics
Beyond the music, the concert was a visual feast. Costumes inspired by Yoruba heritage, synchronized dance routines, and towering brass sections combined for a stage experience that was both joyous and radical.
Catch a similar high-energy vibe in our BLACKPINK Deadline World Tour recap or Sabrina Carpenter’s BST Hyde Park set.
🎧 Related Music Recaps You’ll Love
Explore other performances that balance artistry and activism:
- Kendrick Lamar & SZA in Amsterdam
- Diana Ross & Norah Jones – North Sea Jazz Festival
- ATEEZ Citi Field Concert 2025
Or explore all the latest through our curated Music Recaps section.
🔗 More From Around the Web
Want to go deeper into Femi’s vision and tour?
- Partisan Records – Politics Don Expose Them
- Band on the Wall – Tour Stop Preview
- Spectrum Culture – Journey Through Life Album Review
- The Indy Review – Album Feature
- Festival Nuits d’Afrique Official Site
Will the full Femi Kuti concert from Montréal 2025 be available online?
Yes! We’ll be embedding the entire performance video right here on this blog as soon as it’s officially published. Stay tuned.
What makes The Positive Force unique?
They combine traditional Afrobeat with modern jazz-funk and a powerhouse horn section, adding synchronized dance and vibrant costume design for a full-sensory experience.
Where can I see more Afrobeat festival performances?
Check out our full music recaps and explore global festivals like Nuits d’Afrique.
🔚 Final Thoughts
Femi Kuti & The Positive Force’s July 18 show in Montréal wasn’t just a performance—it was a revolution in rhythm. With protest lyrics wrapped in danceable grooves, and a full crowd in joyous uproar, this set deserves to be seen, shared, and remembered.
Be sure to revisit this blog once we embed the full concert and don’t forget to explore more stunning performances on UltimateRecaps.com.
Let the music move you. Let the message change you.