News - Shabaka introduces his solo album with the debut of a new record label.

Shabaka Hutchings, known for his work with Sons of Kemet and The Comet Is Coming, is set to release his much-anticipated solo album 'Of the Earth' on March 6, marking the debut of his own record label, Shabaka Records. The album draws inspiration from D'Angelo's iconic 'Brown Sugar', reflecting a newfound artistic freedom in self-produced and performed music. Two tracks, 'A Future Untold' and 'Marwa the Mountain', have already been released as a teaser for the upcoming album. In the wake of his artistic evolution, Shabaka has shifted from playing clarinet and saxophone to mastering the flute, a journey he embarked on during the pandemic. This instrumental transition first appeared on his 2024 album 'Perceive Its Beauty, Acknowledge Its Grace'. 'Brown Sugar was the first CD I bought; it sparked a lasting curiosity about the emotional possibilities of a self-produced album,' Shabaka reflected. 'This new record celebrates my creative freedom and the music journey I've embraced.' Shabaka's solo career follows his previous release, the EP 'Possession' in late 2024. As he announces his latest project, anticipation builds for his upcoming U.S. performances. He is set to perform across several venues, starting at Solar Myth Philadelphia on March 25, moving to New York’s Knockdown Center on March 26, and finally, at the Big Ears festival in Tennessee. At the festival, he will not only perform solo but also in collaboration with Thurston Moore. Tracklist for 'Of the Earth' includes: 01 A Future Untold 02 Those of the Sky 03 Go Astray 04 Step Lightly 05 Call the Power 06 Dance in Praise 07 Ol' Time African Gods 08 Marwa the Mountain 09 Light the Way 10 Stand Firm 11 Space Time 12 Eyes Lowered Shabaka's venture into Shabaka Records and the musical transformation he has undertaken promises to leave a lasting impact on the jazz and broader music scene, embodying a journey of learning, freedom, and creative self-expression.