Fly Higher by Soothsayers

Wah Wah 45s welcome back one of the most popular and enduring acts on the label - Afro-dub masters, Soothsayers. With a history that goes back three decades, having released two classic LPs (Tradition and We Are Many) and numerous EPs and remixes on the imprint, the band finally unleash the first taste of what’s to come from their third LP on the label (and eleventh album overall!) entitled Fly Higher - due for release in September this year.

The first single is the title track itself - a vibrant Afrobeat jam packed with infectious, growling horns, a deep, bouncy groove, and flashes of jazz improvisation. The band's signature call-and-response choruses are lifted higher by soaring vocal contributions from British-Nigerian singer Lizzy Dosunmu and Dele Sosimi, the London based, former keyboardist for Fela Kuti and a long-time collaborator and friend of the band.

Lyrically, Fly Higher sends out a powerful message: a reminder to hold on to our personal integrity in a world where prominent public figures have lost theirs. Empathy and understanding can feel like they are being drowned out by words of selfishness and greed, and the track challenges us to rise above it - to stay grounded in real human values that nurture growth and progress. A soulful chant for positivity, to remain mindful, and soar above the noise. Fly Higher, beyond the rhetoric of division, higher than the haters and into a space where the optimism we need to flourish can be real.

Soothsayers have been in their SW2 studio producing their wide reaching sonic reflection of the locality which draws together the local raw materials of 24 carat dub, afro-beat, and deep-funk in compelling style.

Influences are wide ranging and numerous but The Wailers, Fela, Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, Skatalites, The Specials, Masakela ,Roots Manuva, Massive Attack, King Tubby should not be ignored.