MIF Sounds affiliate Obeka unites global artists for collaborative LP ‘Drums of Utopia’

Music

Manchester-based producer Obeka has announced a collaborative LP, Drums of Utopia, which brings together artists from across the world.

Made possible by Manchester International Festival and its creative grant programmed MIF Sounds, the release is a celebration of how lives, environments and music cultures can connect across the world.

Recorded during Obeka’s MIF Sounds residency, the mini-album translates his own musical journey and that of his collaborators, which include Mexico’s Ultima Esuna, South African producer Mxshi Mo, Sweden-based artist Bobo, and Brazilian-Amazon native Kid From Amazon.

In Obeka’s own words, “Over the past decade my migration and discovery of global sound-system culture has shown me how important understanding and connectivity of our lives are. Music, alongside present-past sounds from our surroundings and experiences can be channeled so much more and is one of our most vital tools for unity in today’s world. Drums of Utopia aims to use this action to its fullest degree.”

Obeka is the alias of Bermuda-born, Manchester-based producer and visual designer Jahday Ford. His output is a the by-product of these two home bases, a mix of traditional sounds and rhythms with a UK club approach. As co-founder of the Me Gusta Collective he helps to facilitate sessions exploring the cultural diaspora in music and art from places like Lisbon, Angola and Uganda.

<a href="https://djobeka-music.bandcamp.com/album/drums-of-utopia">Drums of Utopia by Obeka</a>

Drums of Utopia will be released on 27th April.