Ibibio Sound Machine have announced their next album, Pull the Rope. The follow-up to 2022’s Electricity is due for release on May 3 via Merge. Check out the new single ‘Got to Be Who U Are’ below, and scroll down for the album’s cover art and tracklist.
‘Got to Be Who U Are’ is “about the idea that what brings us together is stronger than what separates us,” the band explained in a press release. “No matter where we may go, we will always carry the essence of who we are in our hearts, and yet the places and things that separate us are not as important as we may be led to believe. Be happy and proud of who or what you are.”
“Musically, the track begins by stating its message over a traditional African mbira part and then drops into a similar vocal except now over more of an electronic dance vibe which is meant to have an uplifting tone to it to carry along the message that we may be in Europe, Africa or America, but a simple sound or thought can instantly connect us,” they added. “The places mentioned in the chorus ‘Surulere, Isale Eko, Ikoyi, Yaba’ are all areas in Lagos, Nigeria where Eno grew up. The different parts of the music are connected even though they are using totally different sounds, symbolising movement of people across the world and the fundamental connection between places and people no matter where one may be.”
Pull the Rope Cover Artwork:
Pull the Rope Tracklist:
1. Pull The Rope
2. Got To Be Who U Are
3. Fire
4. Them Say
5. Political Incorrect
6. Mama Say
7. Let My Yes Be Yes
8. Touch The Ceiling
9. Far Away
10. Dance in the Rain
