Sinkane - He’S Gone Sinkane

Written after the death of his father, He’s Gone is Ahmed Gallab’s record about what comes after. It goes beyond grief to the big themes of family, identity, faith and Sudan, and becomes an album about reconciling with yourself, making peace and holding on to what matters. As one chapter closes, another opens, and Sinkane has never sounded more direct or more warm. The songs are built on big choruses and effortless grooves that recall Sade’s elegant economy and D’Angelo’s Voodoo, with traces of Erykah Badu, SAULT and contemporary Afrobeats. Sudanese pop, East and West African music, dub, Brazilian and Caribbean influences, 808s and live percussion all blend into one seamless sound.

Legendary cellist Yo-Yo Ma plays on the title track, alongside horns from New Orleans institution Preservation Hall Jazz Band. Tuareg guitar hero Mdou Moctar features on lead single “So It Goes”, and Mississippi family gospel group Annie & The Caldwells appear on “After, Forever”.

The cover features Reborn Sounds of Childhood Dreams I by celebrated Sudanese artist Ibrahim El-Salahi, a friend of Gallab’s father, used with permission of Tate and the artist’s family.