Àṣẹ – a Yaruba philosophy signifying the power that makes things happen and produce change; given to Gods, ancestors, spirits, humans, animals, plants, rocks, rivers, songs and prayers. BOM takes influence from all the corners of Africa and its diaspora, blending with 25 years of Western electronic music into a melange of forward facing, leftfield afro futurism. Àṣẹ features one of Africa’s brightest rising stars Luka Productions (Mali), cosmic poet Sirius Rush (UK) and master drummer / vocalist Felix Ngindu (DRC/Liverpool). It goes on a journey where afrotech, gqom, shangaan electro and ampiano rub shoulders with Balearic, bass music, deep house and dub for a psychedelic kaleidoscopic celebration of collaboration and possibility. Learn More
Crate-digging reissue specialists Africa Seven has decided to flip the script on this fantastic album, asking a range of contemporary producers to "re-imagine" a string of rare soul, funk, Afrobeat and disco jams. Thrillingly for those who remember the original West London broken beat scene, the comp contains some killer "bruk" revisions - not least Silkie's brilliantly fluid and groovy take on Ekambi Brillant's "Soul Castle" and EVM's rolling, Bugz in the Attic style revision of M'Bamina's "Mosi Zole". Elsewhere, Appleblim delivers a typically fuzzy and bass heavy rework of Sorry Bamba, Dj Food chops up Sookie's organ-laden funk slammer "Rhythm on Rhythm" an IDM heroes Plaid join the dots between vintage African jazz and woozy electronica. In a word: superb.
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This is The Last Poets' 50th anniversary year, and they've celebrated it with an album that matters - not just musically, but as a record of the times we're living in. The Last Poets are weathervanes, warning of the future and past sins in poems that are indivisible from the rhythms they're voiced on. Think warriors reporting from the battlefield; but their work is also a test of our own courage, because are you ready to receive what they're saying? And is your heart clean and strong enough to withstand the truth?
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Kokoroko return with this exclusive Double A Side vinyl of 'Baba Ayoola' and 'Carry Me Home' released via Brownswood Recordings on 25th June 2021. Both singles achieved huge support upon digital release by BBC Radio, BBC 6 Music, 1Xtra, Afropunk, Clash, Rolling Stone France & NPR. 'Baba Ayoola' was written as a tribute to the grandfather of the band's alto saxophonist Cassie Kinoshi and is 'an invitation to celebrate life'. Whilst 'Carry Me Home' was inspired by conversations with the masterful Dele Sosimi, whose technical ability in bridging the gap between the West African afrobeat sound of his roots, and the London energy of his upbringing, has directly informed the ever-impressive capabilities demonstrated by London's eight-piece collective, Kokoroko.
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"Chakalaka Jazz" is a compelling compilation curated by DJ and collector Fred Spider, in collaboration with Heavenly Sweetness. This 2xLP collection delves into the rich tapestry of South African jazz and jazz-funk, spanning tracks from 1969 to 2003. The compilation's title, "Chakalaka Jazz," draws inspiration from a traditional South African relish made from tomatoes, onions, and chili. This relish is known for its spicy and diverse flavors, mirroring the eclectic and hybrid nature of the tracks selected. Featured artists include Victor Ntoni & Clarence Wilson, Gibson Kente, The Soweto Boys, The Drive, The Cliffs featuring Winston Ngozi, The Four Sounds, Jazz Ministers, The Tailfeathers, Clarke Cassidy, Zim Ngqawana, and Johnny Dyani. These artists contribute to a compilation that not only showcases the diversity of South African jazz but also highlights its evolution over three decades. JAZZ CHILL. The 2xLP is presented in a gatefold sleeve, with artwork by Romy Brauteseth and design by Laurent Belando. The compilation has received acclaim for its insightful selection, capturing the essence of South African jazz's golden years. Simon Ndlovu from All About Jazz/SA commented, "This is a super compilation which captures the essence of our South African jazz.
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