Kokoroko by Liz Johnson Artur
SHARES NEW SONG “SWEETIE”
ANNOUNCES HEADLINE NORTH AMERICAN TOUR
What the press is saying about Kokoroko:
“a beauty that draws in a casual listener with a catchy, heartfelt harmony or memorable riff, but also provides a rich melange of inspirations for a trained ear, from afrobeat to jazz, soul, funk, and beyond.” – HYPEBEAST
“an entrancing, groove-rooted concoction informed equally by jazz, Fela Kuti’s Afrobeat and the larger Black music diaspora.” – SPIN MAGAZINE
“a vital example of not only jazz’s new for m but the shape of things to come for British music.” –THE GUARDIAN
“Kokoroko are harnessing the transformative nature of Afrobeat for a new generation.” – CRACK MAGAZINE
Kokoroko, the London-based contemporary jazz collective, announces the release of their forthcoming second studio album Tuff Times Never Last. The announcement is accompanied by their lead single “Sweetie,” a first taste of the new record that bridges the gap between where the band has been and where they’re going. A tribute to the playful bond between lovers, “Sweetie” is a horn-led and wonky-sounding tune saluting West African disco. It expands upon the band exploring more electronic sounds and toying with obscure drum notes and synth sounds.
Set for release on July 11th via Brownswood Recordings, Tuff Times Never Last is a spirited and vibrant collection of songs serving as an optimistic reminder to tightly hold and embrace the many dualities that occur in life. Over the course of the 11 songs, the album explores togetherness, community, sensuality, childhood, loss, and above all, perseverance.
Initially drawing inspiration from a viral social media meme, co-bandleader Onome Edgeworth said of the title’s origins and meaning: “It’s true! Although we’re reflecting on joy and celebration, you realize that a lot of that beauty comes out of challenges and difficulties. It felt like a natural truth that we discovered whilst writing.”
The accompanying artwork was painted by Luci Pina, the acclaimed illustrator whose work has been sought and commissioned by the likes of The Cut, Soho House, DICE, Apple Music and It’s Nice That. Embedded within the image is Kokoroko’s ode to London in the summer. Speaking on its design, co-bandleader Sheila Maurice-Grey said: “The remit was summer in London, family and sense of everyone being in a congregation-like audience, and us being the musicians”.
The artwork’s imagery and color was inspired by feelings of innocence and nostalgia – coming of age in London and those rare summer nights where everything felt full of hope. The cityscape also pays homage to Spike Lee’s 1994 film Crooklyn and films like Rick Famuyiwa’s 1999 opus The Wood. The band saw these movies as heartwarming representations of black family, community and resilience that served as a balm for them as Londoners. Speaking further on this, co-bandleader Onome Edgeworth said: “‘Crooklyn’ is very emotional, but also very uplifting. It felt like how I grew up. This album is us sharing our own feelings, hopes and dreams. We didn’t always have those stories in the UK”
Three years on from their debut album Could We Be More which peaked at No.30 on the UK Albums Chart and received acclaim from The Guardian, The Telegraph, Financial Times, Jazzwise, CRACK Magazine, and Downbeat Magazine, Tuff Times Never Last sees the London band with careless abandon expand their wide-ranging palette and influences.
While the afrobeat jazz of their previous work is still a core part of the record’s sonic design, the new album largely pulls from British R&B from the 80s, neo-soul, West African disco, bossa nova, lovers rock and funk. Sonically taking cues from the likes of Loose Ends, Don Blackman, Common, Sly & Robbie, William Onyeabor, Patrice Rushen, Ofori Amponsah and Cymande. Throughout this instinctive evolution, the septet’s seasoned musicianship preserves the essence of who Kokoroko are as masterful jazz artisans.
Speaking on the band’s progression in sound, co-bandleader Sheila Maurice-Grey said: “Innately, we’re jazz musicians but we’ve tried not to kind of box ourselves into one sound. So there is a level of freedom we’re starting to feel. We want to continue being as creative as possible without feeling any boundaries”.
“Sweetie” marks Kokoroko’s first dose of new music since their EP Get The Message. Released last November, the project spawned “Three Piece Suit” featuring Azekel – their honouring of Nigerian elders contemplating home, lineage and ancestry in 1960s London. The band delivered a unique performance of songs from Get The Message live on KEXP as well as acclaim from HYPEBEAST, SPIN Magazine, Brooklyn Vegan and more.
To coincide with the release of Tuff Times Never Last, Kokoroko will be heading on a full North American tour beginning in July. The tour starts in Philadelphia before heading to Brooklyn, D.C., Chicago, Los Angeles and more. See full tour routing below and purchase tickets at www.kokorokomusic.co.uk.
Upcoming Live Dates
7/30 – Philadelphia, PA @ Union Transfer
8/01 – Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Steel
8/02 – Newport, RI @ Newport Jazz Festival
8/03 – Washington, DC @ 930 Club
8/05 – Chicago, IL @ Thalia Hall
8/08 – Englewood, CO @ Gothic Theater
8/10 – Telluride, CO @ Telluride Jazz Festival
8/12 – La Jolla, CA @ UCSD Ampitheatre
8/13 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Regent
8/14 – San Francisco, CA @ The Regency Ballroom
9/25 – London, UK @ O2 Academy Brixton
Kokoroko
Tuff Times Never Last
July 11, 2025
Brownswood Recordings
1. Never Lost
2. Sweetie
3. Closer To Me
4. My Father in Heaven
5. Idea 5 (Call My Name) (feat. LULU)
6. Three Piece Suit (feat. Azekel)
7. Time and Time (feat. Demae)
8. Da Du Dah
9. Together We Are
10. Just Can’t Wait
11. Over / Reprise
Kokoroko Full Band Personnel:
Sheila Maurice-Grey (co-bandleader, trumpet, flugelhorn, vocals)
Onome Edgeworth (co-bandleader, percussion)
Anoushka Nanguy (trombone, vocals)
Tobi Adenaike (guitar, vocals)
Yohan Kebede (keyboards, synthesizers, vocals)
Duane Atherley (bass, vocals)
Ayo Salawu (drums, vocals)
Additional Personnel:
Chelsea Carmichael (tenor saxophone, bass clarinet, flute)
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