Sons of Kemet release 'Black to the Future'
The multi-Jazz FM Award-winning saxophonist and composer Shakaba Hutchings is back
Last updated 16th May 2021
Saxophonist, composer, philosopher and writer Shabaka Hutchings has released a brand-new album from his Mercury Prize-nominated British jazz group Sons of Kemet.
The release Black To The Future is the band’s fourth LP and brings together vocalists including Angel Bat Dawid, poets Moor Mother and Joshua Idehen, and grime artist D Double E.
The first single “Hustle” features Kojey Radical with backing vocals from singer Lianne La Havas and is out now with a dance-inspired metaphorical video directed by Ashleigh Jadee.
Watch Sons of Kemet video for “Hustle” directed by Ashleigh Jadee
Just over a year since Shabaka Hutchings last release – on the eve of the pandemic the composer has created a politically poignant album drawing on the musical contributions of the core group – Theon Cross (tuba), Edward Wakili-Hick (percussion), Tom Skinner (percussion) – plus guest musicians including saxophonist Steve Williamson, Chicago bandleader/vocalist Angel Bat Dawid, American poet Moor Mother, legendary British Grime MC D Double E, British artist/rapper/spoken word musical artist Kojey Radical, and more.
"Black to the Future is a sonic poem for the invocation of power, remembrance and healing," said Shabaka Hutchings, "It depicts a movement to redefine and reaffirm what it means to strive for black power.
“The meaning is not universal and the cultural context of the listener will shape their understanding,” he continues. “Yet in the end, the overarching message remains the same: For humanity to progress we must consider what it means to be Black to the Future.”
Black to the Future is out now on Impulse! Records