For over a quarter of a century, Moshi Moshi Records have been championing artists and acts that "don't fit the agenda" of other labels and it so happens, Nadeem Din-Gabisi's debut album is 'OFFSHORE' in more ways than one.
The single, 'B Happy' is no Bobby McFerrin sideways tribute but the lyrical rap is a reflection on today's [un]happy times with a warped bruk shuffle/trad Chinese/jazz-funk backing. So, what is this and why is he drapped in the England flag?
We're told "The album follows the journey of the character Jack Surname George in the Land of Hope and Glory. Jack is an immigrant, a Black African man who is attempting to understand if he and how immigrants can own the land in which they live on, what it means to assimilate into a culture and still be true to your own. Through wearing all white Jack symbolises purity, clearing his mind to figure out if England can be his. ‘OFFSHORE’ is an album of skillful wordplay, powerful narratives and exuberant energy - Nadeem’s words hit hard across a sonic backdrop of diverse instrumentation. Moments of furious intensity give way to reflective, introspective moments- providing a thrilling soundtrack as Nadeem navigates complex scenarios of the diaspora, and the dichotomy between warring emotions".
Like the late TY (Big Dada / BBE) or Gil Scott-Heron/Brian Jackson there's some cheeky wordplay about with the street-level jazz politics - see live dates below - which maybe due to recently joining a New Poets Collective, a year long poetry workshop at London's Southbank Centre.
One of the hightlights is 'Pub Lunch', that also features Coby Sey, as a wry look at a Euston Tavern with a São Paulo/bruk/Rio soundtrack. And most of the music here is as cool as the vocal performances and includes Tamar Osborn; an instrumental/dub album version like Roots Manuva's label would do, would be cool.
Support already from BBC 6 Music's Jamz Supernova, Don Letts and NTS Radio and Nadeem is going to be the big post-Glasto next big thing.
LIVE DATES:
6th July - London, Marxism Festival
26th July - Thirsk, Deer Shed Festival
2nd/3rd August - Oxfordshire, Supernormal Festival
5th August - London, The Forge
Artist: Nadeem Din-Gabisi
Title: OFFSHORE
Release date: 1st August, 2025
Label : Moshi Moshi Records
Catalog Number : TBX
Format: Digital / Bandcamp
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