KOTOA - Earthwise EP (2025) [Hi-Res]

Kotoa is a five-piece band from South East London, recently signed to Wah Wah 45s, known for a refreshing sound that blends political rhetoric, soulful melodies, and heavy bass lines, heavily influenced by dub, trip-hop, and African-inspired jazz. The lineup includes drummer Laurie Campling, bassist Frank Black, keyboard player Sam Hillier, guitarist/vocalist Memphis Koloi, and saxophonist/vocalist Maia Avery. Following the success of singles Higher Being and I Am, and a cover of Fela Kuti’s Zombie which received support from Gilles Peterson, Kotoa released their full debut EP, Earthwise, produced by Benedic Lamdin (Nostalgia 77). The EP seamlessly shifts between Afrobeat, dub, jazz, and deep soul. Tracks include the trancey Higher Being featuring Maia Avery's vocals, an invitation for unity and self-discovery; the socially thought-provoking and roots reggae-inspired Thieves & Scammers with Memphis Koloi taking the lead; the Fela Kuti-inspired Afrobeat protest song Charge It; the soul-jazz track I Am about self-acceptance; and the title track Earthwise, born from a jam and conveying the need to be "earthwise" (grounded and open-minded).

Tracklist:
1-1 KOTOA - Higher Being [4:31]
1-2 KOTOA - Thieves and Scammers [4:01]
1-3 KOTOA - Charge It [4:39]
1-4 KOTOA - I Am [4:27]
1-5 KOTOA - Earthwise [4:43]