"Could We Be More" showcases KOKOROKO's signature blend of jazz, afrobeat, and soul, characterized by rich instrumentation and vibrant textures. The album features a dynamic interplay of brass, woodwinds, and percussion, creating a lush soundscape that is both intricate and inviting. Tracks like "Ewà Inú" and "War Dance" pulse with rhythmic energy, while "Soul Searching" offers a more contemplative, mellow vibe. The production is crisp and polished, allowing each instrument to shine, with layered harmonies enhancing the overall depth. The varied tempos across the album maintain an engaging flow, making it distinctive in its ability to balance upbeat grooves with reflective moments, inviting listeners to experience a journey through sound.

Album: Could We Be More by KOKOROKO (2022)
Format: Album

Artist Background: Kokoroko are a young, London based Afrobeat 8-Piece band led by trumpeter Sheila Maurice-Grey. Inspired by Fela Kuti, Ebo Taylor, Tony Allen and the sounds that come out of West Africa. Trumpet - Sheila Maurice-Grey (Bandleader) Saxophone - Cassie Kinoshi Trombone - Richie SeivWright Bass - Mutale Chashi Guitar - Oscar Jerome Keyboards - Yohan Kebede Percussion - Onome Ighamre Drums - Eddie Hicks Part of the London, UK music scene. Emerged in the contemporary era. Associated with Jazz movement.

Related Artists: Ezra Collective, Yussef Dayes, Nubya Garcia, Nubiyan Twist

Music Scene: Part of the London, UK music scene. Emerged in the contemporary era. Associated with Jazz movement.

Tags: 2020s, Album


Album: Tuff Times Never Last by Kokoroko (2025)
Genre: Jazz
Record Label: Brownswood Recordings
Format: Album

Description: Kokoroko’s charmed ascendency continues on Tuff Times Never Last, the follow-up to their 2022 debut album Could We Be More. The record finds the London-based septet in an enviable position, having garnered both critical acclaim for their distinct fusion of jazz, Afrobeats and highlife music and a formidable reputation as live musicians. Tuff Times Never Last maintains the group’s core identity as champions of the West African sounds that serve as inspiration for their own compositions while weaving and layering new textures and influences into their artistic fabric.

Drawing on elements from a litany of genres from funk and neo-soul to UK R&B, band leaders Onome Edgeworth and Sheila Maurice-Grey direct the group through 11 unique variations on the main theme of togetherness, with shades of love and romance shining the brightest. “Just Can’t Wait” leans into the delight of anticipating a flirtatious rendezvous with a smooth bassline and reverent harmonies, while the hypnotic melodies of “Closer to Me” play off “Sweetie”—feather-light and bubbly—to contrast infatuation at two different intensities.

Music Scene: Part of the London, UK music scene. Emerged in the contemporary era. Associated with Jazz movement.

Tags: Jazz, 2020s, Album, Brownswood Recordings

Kokoroko’s charmed ascendency continues on Tuff Times Never Last, the follow-up to their 2022 debut album Could We Be More. The record finds the London-based septet in an enviable position, having garnered both critical acclaim for their distinct fusion of jazz, Afrobeats and highlife music and a formidable reputation as live musicians. Tuff Times Never Last maintains the group’s core identity as champions of the West African sounds that serve as inspiration for their own compositions while weaving and layering new textures and influences into their artistic fabric.

Drawing on elements from a litany of genres from funk and neo-soul to UK R&B, band leaders Onome Edgeworth and Sheila Maurice-Grey direct the group through 11 unique variations on the main theme of togetherness, with shades of love and romance shining the brightest. “Just Can’t Wait” leans into the delight of anticipating a flirtatious rendezvous with a smooth bassline and reverent harmonies, while the hypnotic melodies of “Closer to Me” play off “Sweetie”—feather-light and bubbly—to contrast infatuation at two different intensities.

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