Afrobeat ambassador Dele Sosimi’s new album ‘The Confluence’ has been recorded and produced with Essex musician Sam Duckworth, aka Get Cape, Wear Cape, Fly; and a team of specially assembled musicians under the banner of “The Estuary 21” – with the name of the nearby river and the year, being a clue to future Confluence projects. Recorded over a multitude of sessions in 2021, this new set of songs flow with the sounds of Afrobeat, jazz, and worldly pop, and feelings of freedom, strength, and collaborative dynamism as a balm for life changing events.
Dele and Sam were introduced at Felabration 2012, the annual commemoration of the music of Fela Kuti, and promised to work together in the near future. With many live collaborations, at Afrobeat Vibration, Kentish Town Forum and lots of hanging out and mutual love, nearly ten years passed before the two musicians connected in Sam’s hometown of Southend-On-Sea in a post-lockdown creative boom, recording the album over a burst of week-long sessions in 2021. The Estuary 21 band is completed by Callum Green (The Sleeping Souls, GCWCF), Philip Van Den Brandeler (Pocket Dragon, GCWCF), Pete Fraser (The Pogues, Field Music), Afla Sackey (Afla Sackey & Afrik Bawantu, Ibibio Sound Machine), Aby Dosunmu (Dele Sosimi), Sam Ewens (Myles Sanko) with special guest appearances from Sam Eagle and Essex percussion legend, Snowboy.
Born in Hackney, East London, but soon to return to his parents’ native Nigeria at the age of four, Dele Sosimi was schooled and raised in Fela Anikulapo Kuti’s commune (which he now refers to as his university of life). After Fela’s passing in 1997, Dele went on to focus on developing his solo career and, honing his creative talents, and with much patience on his part, carved out his own Afrobeat crown. His last album, ‘You No Fit Touch Am’ (2015), was a critical success with Songlines writing “Afrobeat will never die so long as Dele’s around”, Clash declaring it “blistering Afro-funk from a true legend”, The Quietus calling it “so fresh, while staying true to the template”, and David Hutcheon’s four star Mojo review said it was “a deeper, moodier collection than other Shrine veterans have released lately”.
A veteran at 36 years old, Sam Duckworth has been releasing music as Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly for half of his life. A catalogue that includes four top 40 singles, two top 40 albums (including the gold certified ‘Chronicles of A Bohemian Teenager’ that recently celebrated its 15th anniversary), a German club number 1 single and collaborations with artists ranging from Shy FX, Baaba Maal, Lily Allen and Jehst. Recently, Duckworth produced Benjamin Frances Leftwich’s album ‘To Carry A Whale’ and has been working on the forthcoming album by Kate Nash.
Reactions and Radio Play
Radio play from Craig Charles (BBC 6 Music), Don Letts (BBC 6 Music), Reuben Green (Jazz FM), Sarah Ward (Jazz FM), Ross Allen (NTS), Various (RFI & FIP, FR), Chris Douridas & Anne Litt (KCRW), Tim Spurrier (The Face Radio Brooklyn), Laurent Garnier (PBB, FR), Dagmar Golle (Bayern Radio, DE), Didier Melon (RTBF, BE), Soul Voices (NDR Blue, DE), Los Ultrasonics (Radio 3, ES), DJ Bunuel (YLE, FIN), Miia Laine (Radio Helsinki, FIN), DJ Khalab (Rai 2, IT), Alberto Pauletti (Radio Gamma 5, IT), SR2/Bayern Radio 2/Radio Z/GDS (Germany), Radio Campus Orleans/Radio Camper Angers/Flux FM (France), Rocky Marsiano (Radio Oxigenio, Portugal), RTP/EiTB/RTVE Radio 3 (Italy), Chris Douridas (KCRW, USA), Anne Litt (KCRW, USA), The Face Of Harlem (WHCR, USA), D Foe (The Face Radio Brooklyn, USA), Jazz Safari (New England Public Media, USA), Dublin (Sounds Now, USA), KGLT/WRIR/WOMM/KALX/KXSF/WORT89 (USA), Various (Radio Canada), CFIS FM, CKDU, Radio 3 FM, CILU, CJSF, CKUW (Canada), Systa B (RRR Radio, Australia), 2Ser FM, Radio Adelaide FM, 2XX, 7EDG, Artsound FM, Bay FM, Gin Gin Radio (Australia), Didier Melon (RTBF, South Africa), Nicky B (Kaya 959, Finland), Jazz De Ville Groove (Ireland), Nigel Wood (Dublin City radio, Ireland), Radio Active (GR), Radio Bratislava (Slovakia), Plum FM (France), Mike Stukes (Mystic Vybes WHCR 90.3 FM, USA), Dave Bassin (KXSF FM, USA), DJ Aja (Ketch-A-Vibe, UK), Sven Thomschke (Radio Z 95.8FM, Germany)
“Horn fanfares create a typically joyous Afrobeat sound but there are also intriguing experiments into downtempo grooves.” The Guardian
“Sosimi has distilled things into a form of bonsai Afrobeat… a terrific album by an impeccable band.” Songlines Magazine
https://www.songlines.co.uk/features/fireside-stories-with-dele-sosimi-fela-was-a-radical-who-taught-us-about-radicality-i-still-miss-him
https://www.songlines.co.uk/review/the-confluence-3
Nominated for Best Fusion Album – Songlines Magazine
https://www.lemonde.fr/afrique/article/2024/05/31/afrobeat-sans-frontieres-la-selection-musicale-du-monde-afrique-190_6236640_3212.html Le Monde (France)
https://afropop.org/articles/dele-sosimi-dissects-afrobeat-roots-influence-and-global-impact Afropop (USA)
‘Mo Ṣe B’ọ́lá Tán’ track included in ‘The Confluence’ LP has been added to the great Apple playlist Worldwide Groove! Covering 110 countries.
Featured on The Drop, France https://www.rtbf.be/article/the-drop-sincruste-aupres-dun-groupe-pas-comme-les-autres-fulu-miziki-11347531
Featured by FIP, France https://www.radiofrance.fr/fip/evenements/new-morning-en-janvier-3648927
“Informs fan of a fresh direction from his Afrobeat roots… at times eccentric, yet constantly a life-affirming record.” World Treasures Music
Featured in Qobuz New In World Playlist https://open.qobuz.com/playlist/2079772
“Excellent album. Will playlist a few tracks on PBB RADIO <3 <3 <3” Laurent Garnier (PBB Radio / Worldwide FM, France)
“Legends x” Kate Hutchinson (The Guardian / Worldwide FM, UK)
“Sick album.” Ross Allen (NTS, UK)
“Sounding good. Will support.” Robert Luis (Tru Thoughts / 1BTN, UK)
“Cool tracks!” DJ Angola (Wonderwheel Recordings, USA)
“Lovely collection of beats from one of the best in the business on the afro beatz front..Mr Sosimi!!” Raj Selli (Solar Radio, UK)
“Super super super!!!” Veronique Prebolin (Radio Krimi, France)
“Wonderful to have the full album. I love it to pieces. I loved interviewing Dele and Sam early days – such a great vibe between them and so wonderful live. Such real tunes with full stories and sometimes the making of the track is a whole story in itself . They have a perfect fusion between English classics and African classics … like they have always been there and are completely new as well. Fabulous.” Debbie Golt (Resonance FM, UK)
“Legend’s new Afro and Jazz sound is not to be missed.” Dazzle Drums (Block Party, Japan)
“Wow!” Martijn Barkhuis (Jazz de Ville, The Netherlands)
“Certainly exploring the more mellower, soulful side of things on this latest album release.” Steve Johns (Solar Radio, UK)
“I love his music!! gotta good feeling, full support!” Cesare Cera (Bologna Uno, Italy)
“Jazzy… big!” Jean-Marc Baehler (Couleur 3, Switzerland)
“Love it.” Kate Magic (Soho Radio, UK)
“Smells like 90s freedom jazz dance spirit! Radio support for sure.” Tiago Santos (Radio Oxigenio, Portugal)
“Lush melodies, fantastic drum sound! I want this on vinyl, no doubt!” Xander Roozen (Royal Groove, The Netherlands)
“Nice tracks. Thanks a lot. I’ll support!” Timos Koklas (Reverb Nation, Greece)
“We truly appreciate Dele’s music, and so do our listeners! Deep groove, serious chill!” DJ Phil D (The BocX, USA)
“So so happy to have this entire album of beautiful music!” DJ Mr Lob (Various, Australia)
“Nice album!” DJ Makala (Boom Shaka Laka Radio, Spain)
“Such a good project.” Dan Wesker (Detektor FM, UK)
“Amazing Album. #playlisted” DJ Osric (RTR FM, Australia)
“From the heart to the Sun. Thank you.” Andre Rheaume (Various, Canada)
“Great album!! Will support!!” Jamal Ahmad (WCLK Radio, USA)
“You’re spoiling us now!” Steve KIW (Balearic Assassins, UK)
“Always solid and my favorite artist on the label.” Phil Grab (KPSU Radio, USA)
“Fantastic album from start to finish!” Jason Palma (Footprints, Canada)
“Made my night!” Eric Tchaikovsky (Night Light Radio, Ukraine)
“One of the highlight records so far of the year for me, what a shit hot collection of musicians on this including the one and only Dele, will be supporting over the coming months!!!” Allan O’Malley (RTE Pulse, Ireland)
“All in all a nice album!” Sven Thomschke (Radio Z 95.8FM, Germany)
“Again a great album full of influences, surprises and great music.” Amar Kabouche (Fauve Radio, Hong Kong)
“Amazing work!! Full support! Congratulations again!!” Enrique Domenech (Freeform, Spain)
“Niceness!” Nicole Finnerty (Kane FM, UK)
“Very Nice and Easy Album!” Rino Spadavecchia (Hear Dis, Germany)
“I love this afro-light side of Dele.” Rado Tomek (NUSpirit Club, Slovakia)
“Loved the EP. so am looking forward to a larger helping – Dele is a great guy too!!!” Marky Mark Johnson (1BTN, UK)
“Killer album.” Lorenzo Aldino (Jockey Club Ibiza, Spain)
“A strong chapter two for this legacy – Bravo Dele keep it coming – and as you asked me I will play Alagbara loud & proud! #freePalestine” Roberta Cutolo (Totally Wired Radio, UK)
“Great record! Once again. Big up!” Olivier Cavaller (De La Bonne Musique, France)
“Magic! xx” Ross Wakefield (Frankson, UK)
“Really enjoy every new release from Dele Sosimi. Shouts!” Ivan Mera (Higher Club, Spain)
“Big fan of Mr. Sosimi. Looking forward to getting it on the airwaves of KMHD!” Derek Smith (KMHD Jazz Radio, USA)
“Great LP… couple of tracks have a Rotary Connection feel. Great production and arrangements.” DJ Expression (What’s Hot Radio, UK)
“Some really nice tunes!” Karsten John (Vinyl Vibes, Germany)
“An interesting change of direction for Dele Sosimi. Very high quality music, the musicianship shines through.” DJ Breakplus (Mythstery Records, Switzerland)
“This fusion of afro,soul and jazz is totally epic!” Aja Allsop (Ketch-A-Vibe, UK)
“Mo Se Bola Tan ! Great !” Léonard Michelin (Plum FM, France)
“Cool ones.” Tjerk Coers (Armada Music, The Netherlands)
“Really liked this. Lots of radio playable tracks.” Paul Knight (Reform Radio, UK)
“SUPER DOPE DELE.” Mr Shiver (Various, UK)
“Magical!” Jon Freer (Freer Sounds, UK)
“Absolutely love this. One of my favourite unlikely collabs of recent times.” Jamie Renton (Chilli Fried, UK)
“Dele goes deep on this album, E Si Medo is a standout although the slower jams are super tight!!” Herma Puma (First Word, UK)
“Lovely stuff ! deep and delicious….” Cal Gibson (Various, UK)
“Great – will play.” DJ Lamp (Coalition, UK)
“An impressive variety of styles encapsulated in this expanded version. Those tracks I’m unfamiliar with bring even more light & shade to the collection and the more laid-back tunes such as Open Up are lovely. There’s a lesson here – put a great bunch of musicians around Dele Sosimi and you can’t go wrong.
More plays-out, for sure.” Drummie Dave (Various, UK)
“This confluence is the meeting of the musical minds of the Thames Estuary and the “Afrobeat Ambassador” from The Shrine, Fela Kuti’s Egypt 80 and cofounder with Femi Kuti of the Positive Force. That’s a pretty big body of water (no get enemy) as once aain, Dele Sosimi (formerly keyboardist and other musical duties with aforementioned Afrobeat legends) who is now based in the UK joins Sam Duckworth (formerly known as Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly). “Hang on”, you may be thinking to yourself, “Didn’t this come out this time last year and still sounds brilliant?” We’ll you’d be right on both counts except that this is the new LP verson and it’s bigger and therefore even more brilliant!
As this album is firmly rooted in Afrobeat, the obvious tracks that will engage are the previous singles, ‘Ride Out The Storm’ / ‘Mo Ṣe B’ọ́lá Tán’ and ‘You Don’t Have To’ and, again, ‘Ori Mi’ and ‘Òtító Ti Jáde’ along with ‘Open Up’ which also features UK jazz legend and Essex resident, Snowboy (aka Mark Cotgrove).
Other top musicans featured include Alfa Sackey (percussion), Callum Green (drums), Philip Van Den Brandeler (bass), Pete Fraser (sax), Sam Eagle (voice/guitar) and Lizzy Dosunmu (vocals) along with multi-instrumentalist Duckworth.
‘Stories’ is at the carib-pop-end of this meeting of minds but the new ‘BIG’ tracks are ‘Alagbara Ma Me Ro’ that’s a time-after-time winner plus the Essex Go-Go of ‘For The Love Of It’ and at 60s jazz club towpath shuffle of ‘The Rumblings’.
This is no Sosimi-lite (or Mr Get Cape etc ‘heavy’ for that matter) as this is all giving it their all and finding something special. Who’d have thought that chance radio interview Dom Servini (now Jazz FM DJ you know) did with Dele did all those years ago would find us at ‘The Confluence’ (LP version). Who indeed.
P.S, get lively as the vinyl is likely to sell out quick.” Gerry Hectic (You And The Music, UK)
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