A.J. Holmes & The Hackney Empire

A.J. Holmes & The Hackney Empire


AJ Holmes & The Hackney Empire are a 6-piece out of London playing a blend Afropop and soukous coupled with British sensibilities. The good people at Ghetto Bassquake released their Radioclit-produced "Fraudian Slip" late last year. Now, The Hackney Empire's back with their sunshine fueled 8-track LP which features collaborations with Sierra Leone's Papa Milo & Folo Graff, Nigerian/London grimester Afrikan Boy and congolese MC Kastro. Stream it below!

Thandiwe Newton in a grey sleeveless dress, wearing red lipstick and crystal earrings, poses against a pink background
Arts + Culture

What's in A Name: How African Names Get Lost in Translation

From NBA stars to Grammy nominees, prominent Africans have often had their names misspelled or mispronounced. While some have pushed back and reclaimed it, others embrace it.

A man stands on a stage, wearing a denim jacket and pants while holding up a hand fan.
News

With “Sade,” Adekunle Gold Challenged The Nigerian Music Industry

As “Sade” turns 10, we take a look at how Adekunle Gold provided an alternative template to being a Nigerian superstar by making music with soul and commercial merits.