KOKOROKO Unveils Second Studio Album, Tuff Times Never Last
KOKOROKO Unveils New Single "Sweetie" and Prepares for Groundbreaking Show at O2 Academy Brixton
In a jubilant return to the music scene, London-based collective KOKOROKO has released their latest single, "Sweetie," marking their first taste of new music since the acclaimed EP Get The Message. Scheduled to drop on September 25, their highly-anticipated full-length album, Tuff Times Never Last, follows the trailblazing debut album Could We Be More, which took the world by storm in 2022.
In an exclusive chat, co-bandleader Sheila Maurice-Grey elaborated on the band’s evolving sound. "Innately, we’re jazz musicians, but we’ve tried not to box ourselves into one sound. There’s a level of freedom we’re starting to feel," she revealed. "We want to continue being as creative as possible without feeling any boundaries." This creative ethos has served the band well, allowing them to explore the rich textures of contemporary jazz while infusing elements of Afrobeats, soul, and funk throughout their discography.
The release of "Sweetie" coincides with KOKOROKO’s largest headline show to date, set for September 25 at London’s iconic O2 Academy Brixton. This milestone promises to be a celebration of their journey, bringing together fans eager to share in the experience of a band that has emerged as one of the defining voices of modern jazz.
The title "Sweetie" finds its roots in a viral social media meme, but the context is multidimensional, according to co-bandleader Onome Edgeworth. "It’s true!" she laughs. "Although we’re reflecting on joy and celebration, a lot of that beauty comes out of challenges and difficulties. It felt like a natural truth that we discovered whilst writing." The interplay between joy and hardship is a recurring theme for KOKOROKO, serving as the backbone for their sound and approach to storytelling.
Visually, the artwork for Tuff Times Never Last resonates with feelings of innocence and nostalgia, echoing the bittersweet experience of coming of age in London. Drawing inspiration from the vibrant imagery of Spike Lee’s 1994 film Crooklyn and Rick Famuyiwa’s 1999 classic The Wood, the band seeks to capture the beauty of black family, community, and resilience. "These movies are heartwarming representations of the experiences we relate to," Edgeworth explains. "I found Crooklyn to be very emotional, yet uplifting. This album is us sharing our own feelings, hopes, and dreams—a narrative we didn’t always have in the UK."
As KOKOROKO gears up for the release of Tuff Times Never Last and takes their message to new heights at Brixton, listeners can look forward to a deeper exploration of the themes that define their artistry. Strap in, because “Sweetie” is just the beginning of what promises to be an electrifying chapter for the bold collective.
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