new music: nubiyan twist mixes afrobeat hip-hop and r&b on “straight lines” #soundcheck

Over the past year or so, a critical consensus of appreciation for Fela’s legacy has grown to the point where Afrobeat seems to be everywhere. UK R&B act Nubiyan Twist interjects Afrobeat rhythms and horns with hip-hop, funk, dub, and bits of free jazz for a meticulously crafted sound that combines rhythms and melodies from across the African Diaspora into something fresh and exciting.

By Nathan Leigh, AFROPUNK Contributor

Between the dueling vocalists Nubiya Brandon and Luiz Adami and a horn section to kill for, the twelve piece packs a wide range. Singles like “Figure Numatic” sound like something between a Native Tounges release or an early 90’s Blue Note track; soul keys, breakbeats, and an understated horn line, deft scratching and Nubiya Brandon’s easy flow. Oh, and that string break down. Unreal.

On their latest single, “Straight Lines,” the band makes a more direct reference to Fela (Nubiya gives him a shout out over the intro in their live video, “This one goes out to Fela Kuti. Fela Kuti, I salute you.”) The band expands Afrobeat rhythms with dub sound effects and echoes, while Nubiya’s soulful alto drifts effortlessly over the song. The band’s full length comes out March 30th, but the band will be distributing it at their shows starting next month. You can pre-order it on iTunes here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/nubiyan-twist/id949541983

* https://www.facebook.com/NubiyanTwist