So an Afro-funk ensemble and a synth-pop band walk into a studio…
Ibibio Sound Machine and Hot Chip—fixtures of the London music scene, bound by a love for electronic dance music—recently recorded a new Ibibio Sound Machine single called “Electricity” at Hot Chip’s studio. The track debuted earlier today on Lauren Laverne’s BBC 6Music show and comes alongside news of a run of UK shows in 2022, their first tour since 2019.
Watch & share the lyric video for “Electricity” by Ibibio Sound Machine now
Ibibio Sound Machine’s Eno Williams on “Electricity”:
Even in trying times, “without love, there’s no electricity.” This one started out as an idea to mix Afrobeat with Giorgio Moroder–style synth vibes. The end section with Alfred’s korego (Ghanaian 2-stringed folk guitar) solo was already there when we got into the studio, but then we added the big kick drum that happens underneath and Owen from Hot Chip’s crazy drum machine percussion at the end, which gave it a futuristic Afro feel when mixed with the more talking drum parts.
Ibibio Sound Machine was founded by Williams and Max Grunhard in 2013 with the idea of combining the unique sound of the Ibibio language that Eno spoke growing up in Nigeria with both traditional West African and more modern electronic musical elements. They linked up with Merge Records in 2017 for Uyai and returned with Doko Mien in 2019.
Tickets for Ibibio Sound Machine’s UK shows go on sale Friday at 10am GMT!
“a groove-driven melange of styles which also takes in gospel, funk, post- and electro-punk and contemporary R&B, alongside African polyrhythms, horns and guitar” —Guardian
“Led by singer Eno Williams, Uyai becomes a wildly diverse mix of global sounds whose focus this time has turned to themes of liberation, power, and beauty—specifically that of women.” —Pitchfork
