Ibibio Sound Machine has announced their upcoming album, Pull the rope. Follow up until 2022 electricity It is scheduled to be released on May 3 via Merge. Check out the new single “Got to Be Who U Are” below, then scroll down for the album cover art and tracklist.
“Got to Be Who U Are” is about the idea that what unites us is stronger than what divides us, the band explained in a press release. “No matter where we go, we will always carry the essence of who we are in our hearts, yet the places and things that divide us are not as important as we may think. Be happy and proud of who or what you are.”
“Musically, the track begins by stating its message over a traditional African mbira part and then drops into a similar sound except now more of an electronic dance vibe that is supposed to have an uplifting tone to carry the message that we might be in Europe or… Africa or America, but a simple sound or thought can connect us instantly.’” The places mentioned in the chorus “Surulere, Isale Eko, Ikoyi, Yaba” are all areas in Lagos, Nigeria where Eno grew up. The different parts of the music are related even though they use very different sounds, symbolizing the movement of people across the world and the essential connection between places and people no matter where they are.
Pull the rope Cover artwork:
Pull the rope Song list:
1. Pull the rope
2. You must be yourself
3. Fire
4. They say
5. Politically incorrect
6. Mama, say
7. Let Naomi be Yes
8. Touch the ceiling
9. Away
10. Dancing in the rain
