Acclaimed Malian rock band Songhoy Blues release their timely new song “Worry” worldwide today. The celebrated group felt a deep need to share the inspiring song of optimism, hope, strength and vigilance, during these troubled and uncertain times. “Worry” marks the first time Songhoy Blues has recorded an original song in English, so the significance of their universal message could be spread far and wide (See full lyrics below). “The harshness of life still weighs on our societies and sinks many young people into a dead end,” says the band in a unified statement. “’Worry’ is a positive energy that Songhoy Blues want to be a ray of hope for humanity. ‘Worry’ is about not stopping fighting because at the very end you will find the light.” The new video was filmed in the capital of Bamako, by Malian director Fansé Sanogo. VIEW HERE.
Songhoy Blues has created a distinctive sound by blending Malian cross-rhythms with Western influences such as rock and punk alongside a uniquely virtuosic guitar style. These all come together on ‘Worry” with concept Don’t worry / You’re gonna be happy / Keep fighting today / That smile will come one day, sung as an empowering mantra. This feeling permeates the music of Songhoy Blues and is a glimpse of what’s to come as the band’s sound continues to evolve. They are finishing up their anticipated third album with producer/guitarist Matt Sweeney (Stephen Malkmus, Run the Jewels, Chavez, Bonnie Prince Billy) to be released later this year on Fat Possum (US)/Transgressive (UK).
Songhoy Blues understands first-hand what it means to stand up in the face of adversity and remain steadfast and positive in the fight. The group formed 10 years ago as refugees from the north of their homeland forced to head south during a series of events that included an al-Qaeda infiltration, imposed sharia law, civil war and a ban on music. The group has come a long way in their long, unremitting struggle, but their unwavering will shall not be deterred.
Songhoy Blues gained the attention of Damon Albarn (Blur/Gorillaz), who included them in his “Africa Express” project, as well as Nick Zinner of Yeah Yeah Yeahs who came on to produce their 2015 debut, Music In Exile. During successful tours in the US and Europe (UK and France in particular) the quartet performed in front of huge audiences that included Bonnaroo, Pilgrimage Music Festival, Glastonbury Festival and The Royal Albert Hall. Their second album (2017’s Résistance), produced by Neil Comber (MIA, Gengahr), expanded on the musical foundation of their debut and featured Iggy Pop and Elf Kid. Résistance garnered high critical praise that included Rolling Stone (“Best Albums of 2017”) Mojo (★★★★), Uncut (★★★★), The Observer (★★★★), The Guardian (★★★★), Clash (★★★★), Drowned In Sound (★★★★) and their second appearance on Later With Jools Holland.
The award-winning documentary film They Will Have To Kill Us First centered around the situation in Mali and extensively featured Songhoy Blues and their plight. As activists, they are strong spokespersons for WaterAID, have performed at the UN Climate Action Summit and formed a key part of The Imperial War Museums “Culture Under Attack” summit.
