Chromesthesia: The Colour of Sound Vol 1

Chromesthesia: The Colour of Sound Vol 1, curated by British-Egyptian historian Hannah Elsisi, is a powerful compilation showcasing Afro-descendant electronic music from artists across North and Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America and the global diaspora. Bridging past and present, the album explores the deep influence of migration on musical heritage. Opening track ‘Mangrove’ layers dark synths and ominous drones in a soundscape reminiscent of The Chemical Brothers, but its intricate African-rooted percussion tells a different story, adding depth and echoing the migratory context of the composition. ‘Zamaleky’ is another highlight, blending South Africa’s smooth amapiano grooves with Egypt’s grittier trap scene; Sho Madjozi and Double Zuksh trade verses in English and Arabic over a piercing mizmar riff, crafting a defiant, electric track that is full of swagger. ‘Dark Out’ stands as Chromesthesia’s powerful core, blending eerie, abstract free jazz with jagged synths and dynamic percussion. Elsisi’s verses – including the striking passage ‘What am I doing here? What are you doing here? What were you doing there? I’m here because you were there!’ – hit hard, confronting xenophobia and the enduring impact of colonialism in a rich fusion of complex instrumentation and pointed lyrics. Chromesthesia is a vibrant, politically charged exploration of the legacy of migration and its silenced histories, compelling listeners to engage with the deeper narratives woven through its captivating soundscapes.