This bold new album from the visionary young Ghanaian goes head to head with life and death. Inspired by the profound loss of Mr. Poetivist’s brother figure to suicide, kumbaya steps forward as both art and advocacy, reflecting the vulnerability of time, and navigating the many forms of loss.

Conceived in Ghana and developed during a creative residency at The Rose Hill (UK), kumbaya is a theatrical poetry album tracing personal legacy through the lens of grief and remembrance. The first full length project from writer, curator and poet James Kofi Lemaire aka Mr. Poetivist, kumbaya goes deep, with hard-hitting stanzas and a compelling reading. Blending symbolic lyricism with a cinematic soundscape, the project was shaped in close collaboration with British producer Abraham Moughrabi, whose credits include Latin-Grammy winning artist Buika. It’s an album like no other—exhumed from an archive of those whose love, fears, and names may have slipped through the tongues of our lives into the unknown. Kumbaya spans 13 tracks across 32 minutes and is set for release via Jinn Records on the 7th November 2025.

“This album is a letter to those we’ve lost and those still searching,” says Poetivist. “It’s grief transformed into art.” Mr. Poetivist

Kumbaya is a raw and transformative journey toward understanding, resilience, and shared humanity. The soundtrack carries this narrative through stark a capellas to luscious orchestral synths and cinematic folk, punctuated by field recordings and sound-design that invoke visions of this collection as a movie. Poetivist’s voice holds a certain gravitas, deep, tender, confident and compelling, inviting the listener into the inner workings of his past (dear brother), present (interlude to grief) and future (circa 98).
Mr. Poetivist, born in Ghana, has a voice that echoes with the heart of his homeland. Notable previous works include a commissioned series of poems for Isshaq Ismail’s exhibition, ‘Beyond the Fence, Begins the Sky,’ at Efie Gallery, Dubai. Additionally, he debuted his radio playwright “The Village We Are” on Berlin-based radio-Refuge Worldwide, and his poem “Ode To Afrika” was featured as the lead poem for TEDxAccra 2021. His most recent production of  Dear Ife – Live at the British Council, Accra has further solidified his place as a prominent voice in contemporary poetry.

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“Sawa Sawa” meaning “All Together” in Sudanese Arabic, is an extraordinary concept album that represents a historic collaboration and fusion of Sudanese and pan-African sounds. This ambitious project brings together a diverse collective of writers, artists, composers, musicians, and singers, creating a harmonious tapestry that transcends boundaries and celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Sudan. 8 tracks, 8 artworks and 8 short stories, one message.

Amidst the challenges and conflicts currently affecting Sudan and its people, “Sawa Sawa” emerges as a beacon of hope and unity. The album’s title track, also named “Sawa Sawa,” resounds with a resolute message of peace, rejecting war, separation, and revenge, while
embracing harmony and togetherness. The lyrics urge listeners to unite as neighbours, shed violence, and embrace the shared humanity that binds us all.

Conceived by renowned percussionists Salma Omar and Ahmed Homaida, notable for their work with Drum Circle Sudan, “Sawa Sawa” showcases the remarkable diversity of Sudan’s musical landscape, incorporating influences from West African drumming to Amazigh Tuareg,
Ethiopian modes, Sudanese reggae, and jazz. The result is a mesmerising sonic journey that embraces the continent’s vibrant rhythms and melodies.

“We believe in the power of music to transcend boundaries and heal divisions,” says Salma Omar. “Through ‘Sawa Sawa,’ we aim to convey a message of unity, urging our fellow Sudanese and the world to come together and embrace peace. This album is a celebration of our shared
heritage and a call for harmony.”

Artistic Directors Ahmed Homaida, Salma Omar
Main Composer/Lyricist Tarig Gaidou
Producer & Recording Engineer Ahmed Homaida
Additional Recording Mohamed Bilal, Salma F. Omar
Executive Producer, Mix & Master Abraham Moughrabi
Vocals Emylyn Marimoto, Sarra Solo, Sara Yousif, Chebeen, Fatima El Misbah,
Amer Ibrahim and Jackie Saleh
Percussion Salma Omar, Ahmed Homaida and Ehab Magdy
Bass Khatir Mustafa
Guitars Tarig Gaidou, Nasir Zack, Linos Wengara Magaya
Keyboards Mohamed Bilal and Abraham Moughrabi
Mbira Linos Wengara Magaya and Tim Lloyd
Trumpet Waheeba Kuku
Saxophone Salaheldin Sax

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From opening Fela Kuti’s weekend shows with his solo performances at the Afrika Shrine as a kid in the 1970’s to playing with Osibisa and the Pan African Orchestra, recording collaborations with Okyeame Kwame, Wiyaala, Yaa Yaa, King Ayisoba and countless world tours, Atongo Zimba has had a prolific career to say the least. This project see’s him team up with a band of Accra’s finest musicians and Jinn Records’ producer Abraham Moughrabi who’s credits include working with Latin-Grammy Award winner Buika (Warner) and acclaimed UK-reggae group Resonators (Wah Wah 45s).

Atongo Zimba is a griot and master musician from Bolgatanga in northern Ghana. He was very young when his grandfather taught him to play and build the kologo, a two stringed calabash lute which has its variations throughout the savannahs and deserts of West Africa.

Director & Editor: Kpogeh Selase Director of Photography: Kpogeh Selase & Abraham Moughrabi

This single sees Cate Ferris deliver a powerful and uplifting mid-summer treat in anticipation of her debut solo album. An accomplished multi-instrumentalist in her own right, Rise is a collaboration with Abraham Moughrabi bringing slick beats and dubwise production.

A sumptuous bite of alt-pop, “Rise” transports us to a world swimming in atmospheric synths and melodic bliss. Captivated by the opening lines, it’s Cate Ferris’ sophisticated lyrics and conviction that drive her monumental voice – bursting with an inspiring surge of positivity. Paired with the visual creation of Jacob and Emily Boswall, a dance video set in a derelict pool turned skate park, the piece channels that positivity and reflects the power to overcome adversity through self-expression.

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Jinn Records’ label and artist debut, Eyes of a Gemini. An effortlessly intense EP, these four tracks illuminate the inner-workings of the daring Khartoum rapper/singer Mahdi Norie aka MaMan. Progressive hip-hop/R&B beats soundtrack the richly poetic narrative with a spacious and gritty electronic sound. MaMan’s dynamic vocals switch between laid-back rap to melodic hooks and fiery skits.

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