Kokoroko
Named for the Nigerian Urhobo word meaning "hard to break," London-based septet Kokoroko makes their SFJAZZ debut with music from their latest Brownswood Recordings release, Tuff Times Never Last — a beguiling mix of Afrobeat and modern funk that draws from their influences including Loose Ends, Don Blackman, William Onyeabor, and Cymande.
Formed in 2014 by trumpeter/vocalist Sheila Maurice-Grey and percussionist Onome Edgeworth through a shared love of African Highlife music, Kokoroko became a critical part of the surging London jazz scene. They gained international fame when their signature song "Abusey Junction" was featured on Gilles Peterson's We Out Here compilation in 2019, becoming a viral hit with over 75 million streams and earning them Best Group at the 2020 Urban Music Awards.
Expect a genre-melding experience that moves seamlessly between danceable rhythms and mellow fluidity. Live reviews consistently praise their dynamic range — punchy brass and funky rhythms in livelier passages give way to softer, perfectly layered harmonies in quieter moments. The seven-piece creates what one reviewer called "a palpable sense of celebration," with Maurice-Grey's trumpet and flugelhorn joining trombonist Anoushka Nanguy in sumptuous unison, backed by four-way vocal harmonies and Yohan Kebede's exquisite keyboard textures.
Known for their infectious energy and mesmerizing stage presence, the band pulls off impressive dance moves while delivering jaw-dropping musicianship. They effortlessly traverse between Afrobeat grooves and ethereal jazz, creating what audiences describe as "simply joyful" music. Their setlists blend original compositions with covers that showcase their inspirations, including rare soul gems and Afrobeat classics.
Tuff Times Never Last explores themes of togetherness, community, perseverance, and what it feels like to spend time with this group of seven talented musicians. The album represents their most accomplished statement to date, building on the success of their 2019 debut EP and 2022's Could We Be More.