Sons of Kemet is a British jazz ensemble that has carved a niche for itself with an electrifying blend of jazz, Afrobeat, and Caribbean music. Formed in 2011 by Barbados-born saxophonist and composer Shabaka Hutchings, the group also includes Theon Cross on tuba, and a rotating cast of percussionists that typically features two drummers, often drawing from talents such as Tom Skinner and Eddie Hick. The band's name, a nod to ancient Egyptian mythology, hints at the depth and intellect behind their music, blending cultural themes and vibrant rhythms into a sound that transcends geographical and musical boundaries.

With a discography that not only challenges the status quo but also pays homage to revolutionary figures and ideas, Sons of Kemet's albums are both a celebration and a call to action. Their critically acclaimed 2018 release, "Your Queen Is A Reptile," was nominated for the Mercury Prize and is a clear indication of their revolutionary sentiment, with each track named after influential women of color, defying the colonial narrative. The quartet continued this potent mix of music and message with their 2021 release, "Black To The Future," which serves as a culturally poignant chronicle of Black empowerment and resilience. Renowned for their dynamic live performances, the Sons of Kemet continue to cement their role as trailblazers in the contemporary jazz scene.

Genres

Afrofuturism

British Jazz

Contemporary Jazz

Progressive Jazz Fusion

Related Artists

Ezra Collective

Kokoroko

Nubya Garcia

Kamasi Washington

Moses Boyd

Yussef Dayes

Makaya McCraven

Thundercat

Shabaka and the Ancestors

BADBADNOTGOOD

Shabaka Hutchings

Robert Glasper

Latest Release

Black To The Future

Sons Of Kemet

Album - 11 Tracks - Released May 14, 2021