Dele Sosimi

Dele Sosimi delivers a masterclass in rhythmic architecture. His music is a living, breathing organism of sound where every instrument serves the collective groove. It feels like a crowded, vibrant marketplace in Lagos transported to a London club, full of heat, movement, and a sense of urgent purpose. The foundation is always the percussion, a complex web of polyrhythms that makes stillness impossible.

What sets Sosimi apart is his deep history as the musical director for both Fela and Femi Kuti. He understands the 'logic' of Afrobeat better than almost anyone alive. His keyboard work provides a gritty, soulful glue, while the horn sections provide punctuation that feels both celebratory and defiant. It is music that demands your physical presence but also rewards intellectual engagement with its intricate arrangements.

Start with 'You No Fit Touch Am' to hear the peak of his modern ensemble sound. It perfectly captures the balance of traditional Afrobeat structures with a contemporary, crisp production. If you want something more experimental, his 'Retouched' remix projects show how his grooves can seamlessly inhabit the worlds of house and electronic music without losing their organic soul.