Beyonce's new album will be titled 4, the singer has revealed, and is influenced by Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti. In an interview with Billboard, she revealed the initial inspiration for the album came from the Nigerian music legend: "I recorded more than 60 songs: everything I ever wanted to try, I just did it. I started off being inspired by Fela Kuti. I actually worked with the band from Fela! (the Broadway musical based on his life) for a couple of days ... what I learned most from Fela was artistic freedom: he just felt spirit."
Beyoncé's husband, Jay-Z, was a co-producer of the Fela Kuti musical. The singer has already debuted the first single from 4, Run the World (Girls), and is expected to premiere the video later today (12 May).
Discussing the album title, the R&B star said the inspiration came from her fans using the number as shorthand. "Everywhere I look, I see them calling it 4. I had a whole other name and concept, but I keep seeing that the fans love the name 4. I think it would be a really nice thing to let them name the record."
The number also has a personal significance for Beyoncé. "We all have special numbers in our lives, and 4 is that for me. It's the day I was born. My mother's birthday, and a lot of my friends' birthdays are on the fourth – 4 Aprilis my wedding date."No official release date has yet been confirmed for the album. Beyoncé headlines Glastonbury festival in June.