released: march 6th, 2026

genre: jazz

from: london, uk

label: shabaka records

a few thoughts: a pioneer of the burgeoning london jazz scene over the last decade or so, shabaka has been an integral voice in that, leading multiple bands including sons of kemet and the comet is coming. as a solo artist, he has explored different styles and collaborated with some of the most talented artists working today. of the earth, his new project, is an intimate body of work recorded while on the road. utilising the saxophone again, as well as utilising the flute to compose incredibly immersive and polyrhythmic compositions, the album feels like a warm hug. “a future untold” opens the album out with a stunning, ethereal composition. “those of the sky” has a quirky, upbeat rhythm, with drum loops and an earthly tone that makes it a beautifully reflective moment on the album. on “go astray”, he raps for the first time, something he attributes to andré 3000’s foray into jazz and how he had the courage to explore new mediums. the soca beat halfway through “step lightly” is infectious, a nod to his carribean roots. the polyrhythms of “call the power” are incredible, with stunning percussion throughout. the dynamic groove of “dance in praise” is just hypnotic and brings this communal, dance-heavy energy that is just utterly infectious. “ol’ time african gods” is an incredibly immersive and earthly track, while the infectious and frantic “marwa the mountain”, with its incredible saxophone melodies, makes it such an incredible moment on the album, and one of my highlights. the moving and beautiful “light the way” is atmospheric and cinematic, while “stand firm” has an urgency to it that is captivating from start to finish. “space time” is an ode to j dilla, with a sluggish yet punchy beat with the swing and groove we’ve all come to love and admire about the late producer. “eyes lowered” closes on another introspective verse, and a moody and cotemplative beat. it’s a great way to close out an incredibly dense and beautiful body of work. of the earth is a powerful meditation on shabaka’s state of mind at time of recording. it’s a playful, dense and immersive body of work that is joyful and beautiful throughout.

the album: