Kokoroko Announces New Album 'Tuff Times Never Last,' Drops Lead Single "Sweetie"

It’s shaping up to be a Kokoroko summer. The London-based septet has just announced a grip of news: a July 11 release date for their second studio album Tuff Times Never Last, a drop of “Sweetie,” the project’s lead single, and dates for an extensive tour of North America and Europe.

A salute to West African disco, “Sweetie” is an upbeat, horns-led track that captures the fuzzy, bubbly feeling of being in love, while also featuring experimental synth sounds and unordinary drum patterns. It’s one of 11 tracks off of Tuff Times Never Last, a project that, per a press release from the band, “explores togetherness, community, sensuality, childhood, loss, and above all, perseverance.” Though the album will offer plenty of the band’s signature afrobeat-meets-jazz sound, it’ll also feature elements of genres like neo-soul, bossa nova, lover’s rock and funk.

“Innately, we’re jazz musicians but we’ve tried not to kind of box ourselves into one sound,” said co-bandleader Sheila Maurice-Grey. “So there is a level of freedom we’re starting to feel. We want to continue being as creative as possible without feeling any boundaries.”

To accompany the single release and album announcement, Kokoroko has also shared its latest batch of summer tour dates, which will take them all over cultural capitals in Europe and North America, including stops at the legendary Newport Jazz Festival.

Head to Kokoroko’s website to pre-save Tuff Times Never Last on streaming services now or pre-order a vinyl copy of the project. While you wait for its arrival, be sure to check out Hypebeast’s October 2024 interview with the band at the OJAS listening room in New York City.