Kokoroko, the London-based contemporary jazz collective, announces the release of their forthcoming second studio album Tuff Times Never Last. The announcement is accompanied by their lead single “Sweetie,” a first taste of the new record that bridges the gap between where the band has been and where they’re going. A tribute to the playful bond between lovers, “Sweetie” is a horn-led and wonky-sounding tune saluting West African disco. It expands upon the band exploring more electronic sounds and toying with obscure drum notes and synth sounds.
Set for release on July 11th via Brownswood Recordings, Tuff Times Never Last is a spirited and vibrant collection of songs serving as an optimistic reminder to tightly hold and embrace the many dualities that occur in life. Over the course of the 11 songs, the album explores togetherness, community, sensuality, childhood, loss, and above all, perseverance.
The accompanying artwork was painted by Luci Pina, the acclaimed illustrator whose work has been sought and commissioned by the likes of The Cut, Soho House, DICE, Apple Music and It’s Nice That. Embedded within the image is Kokoroko’s ode to London in the summer. Speaking on its design, co-bandleader Sheila Maurice-Grey said: “The remit was summer in London, family and sense of everyone being in a congregation-like audience, and us being the musicians”.
The artwork’s imagery and color was inspired by feelings of innocence and nostalgia – coming of age in London and those rare summer nights where everything felt full of hope. The cityscape also pays homage to Spike Lee’s 1994 film Crooklyn and films like Rick Famuyiwa’s 1999 opus The Wood. The band saw these movies as heartwarming representations of black family, community and resilience that served as a balm for them as Londoners. Speaking further on this, co-bandleader Onome Edgeworth said: “‘Crooklyn’ is very emotional, but also very uplifting. It felt like how I grew up. This album is us sharing our own feelings, hopes and dreams. We didn’t always have those stories in the UK”
While the afrobeat jazz of their previous work is still a core part of the record’s sonic design, the new album largely pulls from British R&B from the 80s, neo-soul, West African disco, bossa nova, lovers rock and funk. Sonically taking cues from the likes of Loose Ends, Don Blackman, Common, Sly & Robbie, William Onyeabor, Patrice Rushen, Ofori Amponsah and Cymande. Throughout this instinctive evolution, the septet’s seasoned musicianship preserves the essence of who Kokoroko are as masterful jazz artisans.
Speaking on the band’s progression in sound, co-bandleader Sheila Maurice-Grey said: “Innately, we’re jazz musicians but we’ve tried not to kind of box ourselves into one sound. So there is a level of freedom we’re starting to feel. We want to continue being as creative as possible without feeling any boundaries”.
“Sweetie” marks Kokoroko’s first dose of new music since their EP Get The Message. Released last November, the project spawned “Three Piece Suit” featuring Azekel – their honouring of Nigerian elders contemplating home, lineage and ancestry in 1960s London.
