About this item

‘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-song suite, the album explores togetherness, community, sensuality, childhood, loss and above all perseverance.

Initially drawing inspiration from a viral social media meme, co-bandleader Onome Edgeworth said of the title’s origins and meaning: “It’s true! Although we’re reflecting on joy and celebration, you realize that a lot of that beauty comes out of challenges and difficulties. It felt like a natural truth that we discovered whilst writing”.

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 colour 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 ‘Crookyln’ and 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”

Three years on from their debut album ‘Could We Be More’ which peaked at No.30 on the UK Albums Chart and received acclaim from The Guardian, The Telegraph, Financial Times, Jazzwise, CRACK Magazine and Downbeat Magazine, ‘Tuff Times Never Last’ sees the London band with careless abandon expand their wide-ranging palette and influences.

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”.

STAFF COMMENTS

Millie says: Kokoroko’s second studio album ‘Tuff Times Never Last’ is a literal message, a beautiful dose of optimism, joy and that resilience with the help of music and community, it might just all be ok in the end - if not better.

You can really get the sense that the 8-piece band have grown their sound from more Afrobeat jazz, to being influenced by soul, R&B, bossa nova and quite a range more. The progression of their style feels like an organic movement into this new chapter and I’m all for it. Vibrant, emotive, almost as though a snapshot of Summer 2025.

“Never Lost” has got to be my favourite track from the album, the harmonies they reach, the emotions it evokes, it really encapsulates the feeling of golden sunshine on your face. The album holds the sentiment that, with the people closest to you held tightly, it’s true, good times are only around the corner.

TRACK LISTING

A1 Never Lost
A2 Sweetie
A3 Closer To Me
A4 My Father In Heaven
A5 Idea 5 (Call My Name) [feat. LULU.]
A6 Three Piece Suit (feat. Azekel)
B1 Time And Time (feat. Demae)
B2 Da Du Dah
B3 Together We Are
B4 Just Can’t Wait
B5 Over / Reprise