Wah Wah 45s welcome back one of the most popular and enduring acts on the label – Afro-dub masters, Soothsayers. With a history that goes back three decades, having released two classic LPs (Tradition and We Are Many) and numerous EPs and remixes on the imprint, the band finally unleash the first taste of what’s to come from their third LP on the label (and eleventh album overall!) entitled Fly Higher – due for release in September this year.
The first single is the title track itself – a vibrant Afrobeat jam packed with infectious, growling horns, a deep, bouncy groove, and flashes of jazz improvisation. The band’s signature call-and-response choruses are lifted higher by soaring vocal contributions from British-Nigerian singer Lizzy Dosunmu and Dele Sosimi, the London based, former keyboardist for Fela Kuti and a long-time collaborator and friend of the band.
Lyrically, Fly Higher sends out a powerful message: a reminder to hold on to our personal integrity in a world where prominent public figures have lost theirs. Empathy and understanding can feel like they are being drowned out by words of selfishness and greed, and the track challenges us to rise above it – to stay grounded in real human values that nurture growth and progress. A soulful chant for positivity, to remain mindful, and soar above the noise. Fly Higher, beyond the rhetoric of division, higher than the haters and into a space where the optimism we need to flourish can be real.
Reactions & Radio Play
Radio play from Zakia (BBC 6 Music), Yolanda Brown (Jazz FM), Robbie Vincent (Jazz FM), DJ Ritu (Resonance FM)
“I’ve been absolutely loving this one… What a tune. Summoning the sunshine!” Zakia (BBC 6 Music)
“A unique blend of dub, Afrobeat, funk and jazz.” (On My Playlist selection) Yolanda Brown (Jazz FM)
“Brilliant Afrobeat track.” Laurent Garnier (PBB / Worldwide FM, France)
“Ah, the Soothsayers back in full effect…Love this track!” Robbie Vincent (Jazz FM, UK)
“Fab!” DJ Ritu (Resonance FM, UK)
“Top banana! Will support.” Chris Philips (Jazz FM / One Jazz ,UK)
“Dope!” Delfonic (GAMM, Germany)
“Yes!! Feeling This Afro Beat mood!” DJ Soulist (Souleance, France)
“Very cool track!” DJ Angola (Wonderwheel, USA)
“Comme vous les dites si bien ce premier extrait est un bel avant gout du nouvel album a venir.” Diggers Radio (Albi, France)
“Thanks for the opportunity to listen. It’s my favorite Afro soul style.” Kei Dazzle Drums (Block Party, Japan)
“Still on top.” Mans Stromberg (Radio Helsinki, Finland)
“Soothsayers can do no wrong..” Debbie Golt (Resonance FM, UK)
“Great afrobeat , essential message ! Radio support for sure.” Tiago Santos (Radio Oxigenio, Portugal)
“Nice one!!!” DJ Makala (Global Funkers, Spain)
“Nice!” Mark GV Taylor (Totally Wired Radio, UK)
“Super cuivré groovy afrobeat biggggg !!!! énorme.” Jean Marc Baehler (Couleur 3, Switzerland)
“Really delighted to hear this gem from Soothsayers.. Great vocals and arrangement. Really look forward to hearing more Afrobeat treats like this!” John Warr (Afrobase, Totally Radio, UK)
“FULL support here.” Michael Stukes (WHCR 90.3FM, USA)
“Welcome back to Soothsayers.” Veronique Prebolin (Radio Krimi, France)
“Sooooo NICE!!! WOOOW!” Sven Thomschke (Radio Z, 95.8FM, Germany)
“Will be playing on my next show.” Tamar Osborn (Soho Radio, UK)
“Excellent vocal and afrobeat atrrangement from the Soothsayers and Lizzy Dosunmu and Dele Sosimi specifically. Fela’s afrobeat is reborn. A treat indeed.” John Warr (Afrobase, Totally Radio, UK)
“Happy to hear new sound from soothsayers!” Olivier cavaller (De La Bonne Musique, France)
“Lovely tune.” Jason Palma (Footprints, Canada)
“Great tune! Perfect punchy Afrobeat and full consciousness! Thanx! This one’s also gonna be put on rotation on pour web radios.” Laurent Guillaume (Radio Brousaille, France)
“Nice track, and Dele Sosimi as well, great.” Phil Gray (KPSU Radio, USA)
“Wonderful Afrobeat tune!” DJ Keyser (Tilos Radio, Hungary)
“Wicked Afrobeat.” Amar Kabouche (Fauve Radio, Hong Kong)
“Superb.” Robert Lochmann (Radio X, Germany)
“Nice uplifting afro dance floor business!” Raj Selli (Solar Radio, UK)
“Great track! Happy and uplifting afro-dub vibes with powerful lyrics!! Looking forward to hearing the full album!” Enrique Domenech (CKUT, Canada)
“We got what we did expect: pure & classic Afrobeat.” Oliver Korthals (Mojo Club, Germany)
“Super new Afrobeat from the Soothsayers!” Steve Johns (Solar Radio, UK)
“Always a nice reception!” Ivan Mera (Higher Club, Spain)
“Awesome.” DJ Rado Tomek (Nuspirit, Slovakia)
“Joyous.” Steve KIW (1BTN, UK)
“Oh that’s right on cue for the occasional clouds & cool breeze of British summertime, it’s gives a powerful lift, drifting higher with every riff … and still rising. 4 and a half minutes of bliss!” DJ Scruffi (Reggae Turns, UK)
“Killer – love this.” John Brent (Dusk Dubs, UK)
“As always Soothsayers deliver the goods!” DJ Expression (What’s Hot Radio, UK)
“L O V E Soothsayers sound.” Sista Selecta (2Bob Radio, Australia)
“Nice!” Cal Gibson (Various, UK)
“Coool.” Tjerk (Armada Music, Netherlands)
“Fela’s dancin’ to this… and those vocals!!! Flyin’ high baby.” Gerry Hectic (You And The Music, UK)
“Great!” Jim Wood (8 Track Music, UK)
“Love it!!” Danny Pressure Drop (Montreal, Canada)
“Seriousy uplifting beats!” Aja Allsop (Ketch-a-vibe, UK)
“Great as always.” DJ Lamp (Coalition, UK)
“Good to see Soothsayers dropping back on a more African-influenced tune because they handle things like Afrobeat so well, as is exemplified here. A powerful, chugging rhythm section pushing along potent horns and cut-through vocal. Welcome back!” Drummie Dave (Various, UK)
Radio play from the Pressure Drop Radio Show
