Sinkane's Ahmed Gallab is well-traveled, to say the least. Born in London to Sudanese political exiles, Gallab has called home places as disparate as Boston, Provo, and Columbus, Ohio in the United States. These days, his home base is Brooklyn, and on his third album as a solo artist, Mean Love, Gallab continues to explore musical influences that are just as far-flung -- East-African rhythms, funk rock, soul, country slide guitar, and jazz.
Gallab has worked as a session musician with Of Montreal, Caribou, and Yeasayer before breaking out on his own. Pitchfork magazine calls his latest, "His most direct and concise collection of songs yet," praising his smooth vocals and "sense of adventurousness." It's a good musical bet for this week if you're looking for something fresh. Check out the music on SoundCloud. You can also see the official video for "How We Be" below, which is beautifully shot and features some great dancers.
Helado Negro opens for Sinkane at Zanzabar this Saturday, October 11 at 8:00. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door.
[Photo Credit: Martine Carlson / City Slang Records]
