Photo: Joseph Ouechen

2026 is shaping up very nicely with wonderful releases around the corner, all the more so with today’s new album announcement from celebrated and prodigious multi-reed player Shabaka (Hutchings). He is returning with Of The Earth, a collection of twelve tracks entirely written, produced, performed and mixed by himself. Of The Earth marks Shabaka’s return to the saxophone, following a year and a half long hiatus, which saw him turn to numerous flutes instead. It also marks his first foray into electronics and production, and he raps on the album. “I’ve never rapped before but was actually inspired by André 3000’s courage in exploring new dimensions with fearlessness and sincerity”, Shabaka says. “I decided to find my voice on this album”.

Speaking about what ignited his desire to create the album, he comments:

“D’angelo’s Brown Sugar was the first CD I bought and it sparked a lasting curiosity about the emotional possibilities allowed by the self produced and performed album. This record is my celebration of freedom in creative self expression. Before the pandemic I could only play the clarinet and saxophone and knew nothing about music production (or how to play the flute), so this has been a journey of learning and a reflection on the music that’s been created as a result.”

Of The Earth is set for release on March 6th through his new imprint Shabaka Records and ahead of it Shabaka has let loose two magnificent singles, ‘A Future Untold’ and ‘Marwa The Mountain’. Listen to both below.