Keziah Jones

Keziah Jones sounds like the physical collision of a delta bluesman and a funk bassist. His music is defined by a violent, percussive approach to the acoustic guitar, where the strings are slapped and popped with a rhythmic intensity that feels more like a drum kit than a melodic instrument. It is music that carries the grit of the London Underground where he started, mixed with the high-octane polyrhythms of Lagos.

What makes him truly distinctive is his self-titled 'Blufunk' philosophy. It is not just a genre blend; it is a specific technical execution where the right hand provides a constant, driving engine of syncopated noise. While his vocals are often smooth and soulful, they sit atop a musical foundation that is jagged, edgy, and unapologetically raw. He manages to make a single guitar sound like an entire percussion ensemble.

Start with 'Blufunk Is a Fact!' to hear the blueprint of his sound in its most concentrated form. It captures the transition from street performer to studio artist without losing any of the kinetic energy. From there, move to 'Black Orpheus' for a more polished, sophisticated take on his Afro-urban vision.