Femi Kuti may have set the new world record for the longest single note held on a saxophone at the New Africa Shrine.
The record was previously first set in December 1997 by legendary saxophonist Kenny G when he held an E-Flat note for over 45 minutes.
Kenny G was reported to have used a technique called circular breathing, which keeps a steady stream of air flowing through the saxophone even as the player breathes.
For Femi Kuti, it is unclear yet what technique he used but he held the note for 46 mins 38 seconds and awaits official recognition by the Guinness Book of World Records.
He attained the feat on Sunday at the New Africa Shrine as shared by his sister Yeni Anikulapo-Kuti on her Instagram page @yenikuti.
“This evening 7th May at the New Africa Shrine, Femi Kuti broke the world record for the longest single note on a saxophone note set in 1997 by Kenny G,” she wrote.
“The record stood at 45 mins 37 seconds….Femi did 46 mins 38 seconds!! Give it up, we have a world champ.
“This was witnessed by a large audience that included Sen. Ben Murray-Bruce, the deputy high commissioners of Netherlands and the United Kingdom.”
Femi started playing the sax when he was 15 and played with his father, Fela when he joined his Fela’s Egypt 80’ band.
He later formed his own band, ‘Positive Force’ in the late 80s.
Femi, four-time Grammy award nominee, is skilled on other musical instruments including the trumpet and piano.
