I don’t think anyone expected a new Mumford and Sons album and especially a collaboration between Mumford & Sons, but after traveling to South Africa earlier in 2016 and a collaboration with Senegalese musician Baaba Maal, Swedish-Malawian electronic band The Very Best and South African afro-beat masters Beatenberg is just pure joy. All afro-beat goodness and nu-folk bombast, you can’t help but smile when listening to “Wona”, it’s such a breath of fresh air. I know that liking Mumford & Sons is definitely no longer “cool” but when they’re collaborating and producing music like this then you sholud be listening to such joy.The combination of Mumford & Sons’ big nu-folk sound with afro-beats and electronic music makes this one of the most joyful releases of the year.
The EP Johannesburg was born. This record brings together the best of each band – epic choruses, groovy afro-beats and passionate vocals. The project is reminiscent of Mumford and Sons 2010 collaboration with Laura Marling and India’s Dharohar Project, but this time around with a focus on creating new music rather than recording new versions of existing songs. I think what I love most about Johannesburg is just how joyous it is – the EP has become a go to should I need a pick me up when the darker nights and cold spells are here .
‘Johannesburg’, a new collection of songs recorded in South Africa with Baaba Maal, Beatenberg and The Very Best, is out now
Video of Mumford & Sons with Baaba Maal and The Very Best performing “There Will Be Time”.
Johannesburg is available for pre-order now,
The Fat Angel Sings 