Kordofani Pushes West Sudanese Sonics to the Fore on 'Jedayet El Rela'

On his latest single, 'Jedayet El Rela', Cairo-based Sudanese artist Kordofani looks deeper into the musical heritage of Western Sudan, a region whose sound rarely gets the attention it deserves.

Released on RAAD RECORDS, the track is centred around a reggae-inflected groove, where Kordofani's uplifting melodies tell the story of falling in love and courting a young woman in the time-honoured tradition of West Sudan. Owing to a laid-back drum performance, a busy but locked bass pattern, and a smooth lead synth that trails Kordofani's delivery like a responding echo, the track takes on a slow and steady pace while still carrying enough rhythmic detail to get you moving.

While the track wears its influences on its sleeve, Kordofani still comes through with a fresh take on the tradition: lush, pad-like vocal stacks and a densely-layered arrangement give the track a modern edge without losing sight of its roots.