From ​Turbulent Times, art emerges as a silver lining, and MoBlack Records’ 400th release couldn’t have arrived at a better time. A proponent of Afro House, MoBlack has been at the forefront of the dynamic genre since 2013, consistently touting its innovation and expanding its breadth while constantly nurturing a home for a symphony of passionate talents - whether acclaimed artists from within the broad spectrums of Afro House, African and electronic music or rising stars hoping to break through. This year, as humanity embraced new norms, defined by curbed human interactions and altered ​Mind Frequencies in what feel like ​Different Worlds, music remains the constant, speaking the universal language of love and healing. Culling ​6 original productions by Elfenberg, Nyaruach, Mr Raoul K, Xtetiqsoul, Moon Rocket, Mattei & Omich, Sebjak & Fahlberg, Moo & Jo, DJ Spen & Dave Anthony, and Gumz and 14 remixes from forward-thinking (re)visionaries such as Enoo Napa, Toto Chiavetta, Blondish, Musumeci, Armonica, Nandu, Andhim, Rocco Rodamaal, Abicah Soul, Sobek, and Manoo - the pioneering label curates a virtual dancefloor brought to life by friends who happen to be some of the most fluent in the Afro House vernacular.

Cruising through ​Alkebulan from coast to coast, A Trip to Durban ​to ​Tanzania, the essence of the mother continent gleams in this 20-track ​Journey, ​reverberated in stratas of tribal rhythms, lush percussion, Afro-infused groove, unique synthetic modulations and organic techno. Ushered by the strength of Africa’s guiding lights ​- King, Baakoya and ​Black Woman, t​ his timely musical encyclopedia teems with wisdom - ​We Baba Ocamne, resilience - ​Ngeke, ​optimism - Lora, ​the courage to withstand dearth -​Amahloni and ultimately, weather change -​ ​Kuar. Effusive lyrics from the scene’s most effervescent vocalists ebb through various tracks, flowing life through verses; deep from the vocal prowesses of Dele Sosimi ​(Turbulent Times), Toshi (Amahloni, Ngeke),​ Emmanuel Jal ​(Kuar), Mbuso Khoza ​(Ilanga),​ Bel Ami (​Find Your Way)​, Busi Mhlongo ​(We Baba Omncane) and Nyaruach ​(Gatluak) strike riveting croons that breathe soul into the entire compilation.
Interfusing organic elements and electronic techniques, these 20 hand-picked paragons from MoBlack’s invaluable arsenal, choreograph an immersive somatic experience, basking in hope as it comes to light ​- Ilanga, and finding solace in the duality of darkness - ​40 Nights. ​Stymied by the current streams of unknown, the human in each of us pursue escape, seeking rapture in the magic of dance, spellbound by the momentum of emotion and infatuated with the grace of earth. We may get lost through the boundaries of dis/placement, the flaws in translations, or the constraints/restraints of time. But in music, we always ​Find (Y)our Way.​ As ever, ​We Can Rise.

PRESS BY MARIE J FLORO