Africa's Music Selection, Title 237, Revealed by the British
In the vibrant world of contemporary jazz and afro-fusion, three London-based collectives - Nubiyan Twist, Kokoroko, and The Sorcerers - continue to push boundaries and redefine the genre. Each group brings a unique blend of styles, drawing from South African amapiano, West African highlife, and Ethiopian jazz, creating a dynamic and evolving musical landscape.
Nubiyan Twist, formed in 2015, is known for its eclectic sound that seamlessly merges afrobeat, jazz, and soul. The diverse lineup of musicians from different backgrounds contributes to the rich and dynamic sound that often incorporates elements of Ethiopian jazz, West African rhythms, and Caribbean influences. Their latest offering, "NT Soundsystem", released on June 13, 2024, reimagines nine of its tracks in the soundsystem style, including an "afro-fusion" version of Slow Breath and an "amapiano" version of So Mi Stay.
Kokoroko, another London-based group, is renowned for its fusion of West African highlife with modern jazz and psychedelic elements. The septet's second album, "Tuff Times Never Last", adds elements of 1980s British R&B, neo-soul, West African disco, bossa-nova, and funk to its jazz, highlife, and afrobeat fusion. This album, set to be released on July 11, follows their successful debut album, "Kokoroko", released in 2019.
The Sorcerers, a Leeds-based group with strong London connections, are known for their blend of Ethiopian jazz with elements of psychedelic rock and funk. Their fourth album, "Other Worlds And Habitats", will also be released on July 11. The group aims to avoid clichés of éthiojazz and draws inspiration from the works of Ethiopian keyboardist Hailu Mergia and Nigerian musician William Onyeabor for this upcoming release. The track "The Great Belt" from the album is inspired by a tour in Denmark and is characterized by a melancholic mellotron sound.
While specific details about new albums incorporating amapiano or highlife elements are not available for all groups, the commitment to experimentation and exploration of diverse musical influences is evident. These groups contribute significantly to the dynamic and evolving landscape of global jazz and afro-fusion, offering listeners a rich tapestry of sounds and rhythms.
It's an exciting time for fans of these groups as they eagerly await the releases of "Tuff Times Never Last" by Kokoroko and "Other Worlds And Habitats" by The Sorcerers. As always, their music promises to be a testament to their innovative spirit and their ability to seamlessly blend diverse musical influences.
Fans of the London-based collectives, Nubiyan Twist, Kokoroko, and The Sorcerers, will find a crossroads of entertainment and lifestyle in the upcoming releases of their music. These albums, with influences from amapiano, West African highlife, and Ethiopian jazz, promise to offer a unique blend of music that not only redefines contemporary jazz and afro-fusion but also creates a captivating tapestry for any music enthusiast.
