The apple does not fall far from the tree.This aphorism comes to mind when one thinks of Seun Kuti’s latest achievement. The son of the legendary Afrobeat king, Fela Kuti has surged up to number 8 on the Billboard World Music Chart.His acclaimed fourth album, ‘Black Times’ earned him the spot on the Billboard music charts.

“Debut No 8 in the billboard world music chart. My first ever album to get in the charts,” Seun wrote on Instagram.

“Fehintola and Fela come and see ur son oooooo! Thanks for ur support Struggle people. Thanks to my label K7 and STRUTT” he declared.

The album features Carlos Santana and Robert Glasper.

When asked about the new album project , Seun said: “Black Times is a true reflection of my political and social beliefs.It is an album for anybody who believes in change and understands the duty we have to rise up and come together.The elites always try to divide the working class and the poor people of the world. The same oppression felt by workers in Flint, Michigan is felt by workers in Lagos and Johannesburg.”

‘Black Times’ contains songs like Corporate Public Control Department (CPCD), African Dreams and Last Revolutionary featuring Yasiim Bey (the artist formerly known as Mos Def) and Nai Palm.

This is not the first time a Nigerian musician will be surging up on the Billboard World Music Chart.

King Sunny Ade’s Synchro System was number 91 on the Billboard Pop Album Chart in 1983. While Fela Anikulapo-Kuti’s album, Live In Detroit, was number 9 on Billboard World Music Album Chart in 1986.

Dr Alban’s It’s My Life was number 3 on the Billboard Hot Dance Music Club Play chart, number 4 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart, number 28 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Modern Rock Tracks chart and number 88 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1992. (This song was also used in adverts and soap operas in the UK, Germany and India).

Lagbaja’s We Before Me was number 15 on the Billboard World Music Album Chart in 2001.

Asa’s Beautiful Imperfection album was number 3 on the Billboard World Album chart in 2011, while Wizkid made the number 97 spot on the Billboard 100 Artistes Chart in May 2016.

Read his fans comments below

@Ayoappeal: Congrats bro, Fela is sure proud of you wherever he is now

@YvonneJegedeFawole: I’m dancing o. That’s how you do it. Congrats.

@Deprincejnr: Blessings boss you deserve it cos you work hard

@Rigbogbo: May the ancestors continue to move @shotsdboss to higher and higher

seni4africa@rigbogbo Asé!

@Daraibowend: Congratulations bro. You’ve got many more to come. Nigerian radio? Nada!!

Simi’s album leads at number five on Billboard’s World Albums chart