As the world sinks deeper into screens and algorithms blur the line between creation and imitation, Nubiyan Twist return with 'Chasing Shadows', a record that reclaims the pulse, warmth and spontaneity of human connection.
The band’s fifth studio album is a rich and restless blend of jazz, afrobeat, hip hop and electronic textures, exploring the space between the organic and the digital. It’s music that moves, sweats, and breathes, made by real people in real rooms with heavyweight features bringing together varied voices from the music community which they inhabit.
Bandleader and producer Tom Excel explains: “We wanted to make something that felt joyous and defiantly human — something that couldn’t exist without that connection between people. You can get an AI to write a fugue in seconds, but it can’t capture the chemistry and chaos that happens when musicians lock in together. 'Chasing Shadows' is our way of holding onto that.”
Folowing 2024’s acclaimed 'Find Your Flame', praised by Roling Stone, Jazzwise, NPR and more, 'Chasing Shadows' pushes the band’s sound further into new soulful territory under Exce l’s expert guidance, featuring bright new vocalist Eniola and a glowing cast of icons and innovators. Malian star Fatoumata Diawara lights up the title track on a powerful slice of Afrobeat, Joe Armon Jones leads the dub workout ‘Rhythm Of You’ and the band take it back to their hip hop roots on great colabs with The Pharcyde’s Booty Brown, Ghanaian MC M.anifest and London dancehal favourite, Mr Wi liamz.
On 'Chasing Shadows', Nubiyan Twist continue to look outwards with their music but keep the focus firmly on humanity and positivity. It is an album which crosses continents and which shamelessly celebrates our co lective strength.
The band’s fifth studio album is a rich and restless blend of jazz, afrobeat, hip hop and electronic textures, exploring the space between the organic and the digital. It’s music that moves, sweats, and breathes, made by real people in real rooms with heavyweight features bringing together varied voices from the music community which they inhabit.
Bandleader and producer Tom Excel explains: “We wanted to make something that felt joyous and defiantly human — something that couldn’t exist without that connection between people. You can get an AI to write a fugue in seconds, but it can’t capture the chemistry and chaos that happens when musicians lock in together. 'Chasing Shadows' is our way of holding onto that.”
Folowing 2024’s acclaimed 'Find Your Flame', praised by Roling Stone, Jazzwise, NPR and more, 'Chasing Shadows' pushes the band’s sound further into new soulful territory under Exce l’s expert guidance, featuring bright new vocalist Eniola and a glowing cast of icons and innovators. Malian star Fatoumata Diawara lights up the title track on a powerful slice of Afrobeat, Joe Armon Jones leads the dub workout ‘Rhythm Of You’ and the band take it back to their hip hop roots on great colabs with The Pharcyde’s Booty Brown, Ghanaian MC M.anifest and London dancehal favourite, Mr Wi liamz.
On 'Chasing Shadows', Nubiyan Twist continue to look outwards with their music but keep the focus firmly on humanity and positivity. It is an album which crosses continents and which shamelessly celebrates our co lective strength.
STAFF COMMENTS
Barry says: An effervescent mix of super soulful vocals and smooth bass licks, crisp percussion and a positively uplifting end result. Deeply rooted in jazz and soul music, but with the lifting kick of Afrobeat and the laid-back chill of modern R&B.TRACK LISTING
1. Azimuth
2. Chasing Shadows (Ft. Fatoumata Diawara)
3. Red Herring (Ft. Bootie Brown)
4. How Far (Ft. M.Anifest)
5. Sunlight
6. Message (Ft Mr Williamz)
7. Mlonje: Voices Joined (Ft.The Zawsoe Queens)
8. Echoes
9. Body Flows
10. Threads (Ft. Patrice Rushen)
11. Rhythm Of You (Ft. Joe Armon-Jones)
