Kokoroko formed in 2014 when Sheila Maurice-Grey and Onome Edgeworth met on an arts trip to Kenya, bonding over a shared passion for Afrobeat, Highlife and connecting young people in the African diaspora with these genres. After emerging from the early “London jazz scene,” their breakout moment came with the viral success of ‘Abusey Junction’ on Gilles Peterson’s We Out Here compilation. They went on to release their self-titled EP, followed by their acclaimed debut album Could We Be More in 2022, earning praise from major publications and a Top 40 UK chart position. Touring extensively across the UK, Europe, Australia and Canada, the band—now including Anoushka Nanguy, Ayo Salawu, Duane Atherley, Tobi Adenaike-Johnson and Yohan Kebede—continued expanding their sound through the Could We Be More Remixes project, exploring afro-house, amapiano, Detroit house and more as they evolved beyond the “London jazz band” label.

Their recent second album Tuff Times Never Last reflects themes of resilience, joy, nostalgia and coming-of-age in London’s Black diaspora, paired with artwork inspired by films like Crooklyn, The Wood, Love and Basketball and Poetic Justice. Musically, the record embraces upbeat, dance-minded explorations of Brit-funk, neo-soul, West African disco, bossa nova, lovers rock and funk, influenced by artists such as William Onyeabor, Loose Ends, Don Blackman and Cymande. With standout singles like ‘Sweetie’ and ‘Closer To Me’, and a renewed focus on songwriting, hooks and structure, the album represents the band at their most confident and creatively free. Now recording in their own studio and entering a new chapter, Kokoroko stand at a pivotal moment—rooted in legacy, expanding their horizons, and sharing music entirely on their own terms.