Afrobeat artist Femi Kuti comes from a tradition of speaking out against inequality and socio-political issues as did his father, the late great Fela Anikulapo Kuti. “Pà Pá Pà” grabs our ears on humanitarian issues that are felt worldwide.

Femi Kuti: ‘Pà Pá Pà’

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Music

Let’s check out the jazz-leaning, organic sound structures and beautiful arrangements of Apifera.. The quartet’s new work, “Theodor Marmalade,” takes a new approach to delve into and meld psychedelic rock with alternative jazz, and is their first attempt at incorporating lyrics into their sound.

Apifera: ‘Theodor Marmalade’

The Past Is Still Alive, is the next phase in Hurray for the Riff Raff ’s progression as a raconteur. 
 Born in the Bronx and of Puerto Rican descent, Alynda Segarra molds their lyrics into snapshots that hold memories, process their trauma, and makes sense of loss. The country-tinged “Alibi” comes in the form of a plea, one last effort to get through to someone you know you’re going to lose.

Hurray For the Riff Raff: ‘Alibi’

Always centered at night is the next pillar anchoring Moby ’s extensive body of work. A constant collaborator, Moby’s next page includes some of his favorite vocalists, including the late Benjamin Zephaniah, serpentwithfeet, Gaidaa, and on “dark days,” the soul-infused, jazz-inflected vocals of Lady Blackbird.

Moby: ‘dark days’ (Feat. Lady Blackbird)

Dublin-based multi-instrumentalist Conor J O’Brien, best known for heading up Villagers , recently announced their sixth studio album, That Golden Time, dropping May 10. It’s an apt title for a warm and romantic recording that extends to his work style. After sketching out and composing the work, Conor invites his band of hand-picked musicians to sprinkle their magic dust. “You Lucky One” delves into the masks we wear.

Villagers: ‘You Lucky One’

Today we celebrate the release of LA-based R&B singer (and KCRW’s Breakthrough Artist of 2023 ) Baby Rose’s new project Slow Burn, produced by the stellar outfit BADBADNOTGOOD. With a wide sonic realm rooted in psych-rock and alternative styles, we turn to a stand-out, “One Last Dance,” a vulnerable country ballad harkening back to the ‘70s.

Femi Kuti: ‘Pà Pá Pà’

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