Monday, February 12, 2024
Jembaa Groove Do The Hustle
International soul-jazz sensations herald the release of their sophomore album with first single, ‘Dabia’, and a forthcoming European tour
© Jannis Keil
Truly a global phenomenon – with members hailing from all across the planet – Afro-jazz soulsters Jembaa Groove announce the release of their full-length follow-up to 2022’s much-lauded Susuma. Issued via Agogo Records on April 5, Ye Ankasa | We Ourselves is alive with ebullient examples of the band’s slinkily svelte and hang-loose mix of Ghanian highlife, funk and contemporary jazz, driven by hypnotic conga-led polyrhythms and sumptuous brass, while boasting flavoursome cameos from K.O.G., Gyedu-Blay Ambolley and Sikyi highlife ace, Kwame Yeboah (Kwashibu Area Band).
Fully representative of the album’s feel-good vibes is its opening track and first single, ‘Dabia’, a booster for the benefits of an industrious work ethic (the title translates as ‘hustle’), soundtracked by deliciously choppy guitar staccato, mellow horns and some sublime vocal melodies.
The band are currently preparing to road test Ye Ankasa | We Ourselves through spring, with a European tour including scheduled dates in London, Berlin, Lisbon, Madrid, Paris, Rotterdam and Zurich (see below).
Jembaa Groove release Ye Ankasa | We Ourselves via Agogo Records on April 5
