Kokoroko is a London-based eight-piece collective blending Afrobeat, highlife, jazz and soul. Formed in 2014 by Sheila Maurice-Grey and Onome Edgeworth, the band quickly became central to London’s jazz renaissance, gaining international acclaim with their breakout track Abusey Junction in 2018, which has since surpassed 75 million streams.

Their 2022 debut album Could We Be More earned critical praise and a Top 40 UK chart position, showcasing their rich fusion of genres and musical heritage. Now, with their forthcoming second album Tuff Times Never Last (out July 11 via Brownswood), Kokoroko expands their sound into new terrain — embracing Brit-funk, bossa nova, amapiano and neo-soul, with a greater focus on songcraft, groove and joy.

Produced with Miles James (Little Simz, Yussef Dayes), the new record is a vibrant reflection of the Black British experience — drawing inspiration from West African disco, UK soul, and the classic sounds of Sade, Cymande and Common. With recent global tours and a new studio space, Kokoroko stands at a pivotal moment: grounded in community and tradition, yet boldly stepping into uncharted sonic territory.