Ships of the Pharaohs - Part 1 (feat. Last Nubian) (2026) [Hi-Res]

London-based four-piece Ships of the Pharaohs, formed by producer Tre Wright (known as Last Nubian), vocalist Achanté, keyboardist Goldbar, and bassist Dougan, delivers their debut seven-track EP via First Word Records. Originally assembled in 2023 for the We Out Here festival to perform Last Nubian's solo catalog live, the group's natural chemistry quickly transformed the project into a permanent collective. Initial writing sessions took place in a Brixton apartment studio before the final recording and production were completed at North London's renowned Total Refreshment Centre.

The record presents a vibrant fusion that bridges organic live improvisation with contemporary club rhythms. The tracklist incorporates elements of bossa nova, soulful house, broken beat (bruk), acid jazz, soul, and drum and bass. Guests on the project include Berlin vocalist Red Bird, spoken word artist AKEEM, and Norwegian saxophonist Bror Havnes. Echoing the legacy of acts like Incognito, Nuyorican Soul, and 4Hero, the EP synthesizes UK dancefloor heritage with refined jazz-funk instrumentation.

Tracklist:
1. Ships of the Pharaohs - Sun Is Rising (feat. Last Nubian & Red Bird)
2. Ships of the Pharaohs - Can't Quit (feat. Last Nubian & AKEEM)
3. Ships of the Pharaohs - Seasons (feat. Last Nubian & Red Bird)
4. Ships of the Pharaohs - Joys (feat. Last Nubian)
5. Ships of the Pharaohs - Interlude (feat. Last Nubian & Bror Havnes)
6. Ships of the Pharaohs - For You (feat. Last Nubian & Red Bird)
7. Ships of the Pharaohs - One (feat. Last Nubian & Bror Havnes)