Shabaka Hutchings has shared details of a new album, Of The Earth.
The UK multi-instrumentalist’s third solo record is entirely written, produced, performed and recorded by Hutchings himself, and is described in a press release as “deeply personal”. The LP also sees him rap for the first time, and also sees him return to playing saxophone after an 18-month hiatus from using the instrument for live performance and recordings.
In a statement, Hutchings said: “I’ve never rapped before but was actually inspired by André 3000’s courage in exploring new dimensions with fearlessness and sincerity; I decided to find my voice on this album.”
He continued: “D’Angelo’s Brown Sugar was the first CD I bought and it sparked a lasting curiosity about the emotional possibilities allowed by the self-produced and performed album. This record is my celebration of freedom in creative self expression. Before the pandemic I could only play the clarinet and saxophone, and knew nothing about music production (or how to play the flute), so this has been a journey of learning and a reflection on the music that’s been created as a result.”
Listen to lead tracks ‘A Future Untold’ and ‘Marwa The Mountain’ below.
Shabaka Records will release Of The Earth on 6 March 2026.
