Ibibio Sound Machine return with their first new material since their widely acclaimed second album Uyai arrived in March 2017. Fronted by London-born Nigerian singer Eno Williams, the UK-based group is a clash of African and electronic elements inspired in equal measure by the golden era of West African funk, disco, modern post-punk, and electro. Their new single—the groovesome, strutting “Basquiat”—was written as part of the Barbican’s Video Jam, an event inspired by the work of artist Jean-Michel Basquiat, which took place earlier this year in the UK.

However, to single this out as a return for Ibibio Sound Machine could be something of a misnomer. In truth, the relentless activity of the band in the 18 months since Uyai’s release has meant they’ve never really left the public eye: They went on a wildly successful debut US tour, played some of their biggest UK shows to date, and toured as far and wide as Russia and Hong Kong; brought their fevered dance party to festivals including Latitude, Benicassim, Flow, and Rock en Seine; released Eyio, a digital EP containing outtakes from Uyai as well as a stirring take on The Cure’s “A Forest”; and made a lauded return to Later… With Jools Holland.

That’s not to say new music isn’t a welcome gift from the ensemble, especially when it finds them in such striking form, and with much more to come. Williams notes, “It’s been a great year for us, getting to travel around to play in new places like Hong Kong and Russia, returning to do more shows in the USA, performing at events like the closing of the Basquiat exhibition at London’s Barbican Centre, and getting back into the studio to work on some new music, which we can’t wait to share with you all.”

Listen to and share “Basquiat” and keep your eyes peeled for more news from Ibibio Sound Machine in the coming months.

Ibibio Sound Machine on tour:
Mar 05 Brighton, UK – Concorde 2
Mar 09 Bristol, UK – Trinity
Mar 13 London, UK – 100 Club
Mar 15-16 Manchester, UK – YES
May 24 London, UK – All Points East Festival