nubiyan twist: chasing shadows
Francisco Espregueira
Nubiyan Twist return in full force with Chasing Shadows on Strut Records, reaffirming their place as one of the UK’s most fluid and globally minded collectives. Led by Tom Excell, the London-based group flows within jazz, afrobeat, hip-hop and electronic textures into something that feels both communal and alive. Their journey, from early underground shows to internationally celebrated releases like Find Your Flames (Strut Records, 2024) has always centred on collaboration. This new chapter leans even further into that shared energy. It’s a record shaped by people in rooms together, not presets or shortcuts.
Across Chasing Shadows, that human pulse comes through in every layer. New vocalist Eniola brings a fresh warmth, while a wide cast of collaborators—ranging from Fatoumata Diawara to Joe Armon-Jones and Patrice Rushen—add depth and infinite possibilities. The grooves move easily between afrobeat bounce, dub explorations and hip-hop-rooted rhythms, always grounded in supremely tight musicianship. Released via Strut Records, a label known for championing forward-thinking global sounds, the album feels expansive but never distant. It celebrates connection, rhythm and imperfection, the kind of details that can’t be programmed, only lived. Available on vinyl.