Afro Caribbean multi-genre trio Nite Bjuti has just released their debut album via Whirlwind Recordings. The self-titled eleven track LP centers around narratives of Black women across time and place.
With their album Nite Bjuti, the trio composed of singer/songwriter Candice Hoyes, bassist Mimi Jones and Grammy Award-winning soundchemist Val Jeanty, have crafted a journey of sonic discovery. Featuring elements of Jazz, spoken word, electronic, experimental, and Haitian / Afro-Caribbean music, the genre-defying album is as captivating as it is original. Thematically, Nite Bjuti discusses a vast range of subjects including Black women expression, sexual maturity, vodoun, freedom, magic as well as trailblazers Zora Neale Hurston and Carrie Mae Weems.
Leading single "Mood (Liberation Walk)" discusses Black girl maturation and the ebbs and flows of the different emotions and feelings that coincide with puberty and growing up. Lyrics including, "I jumped into this body / I jumped into these curve / land on my feet – absorbing the shock," paint the picture of a girl jumping into maturity with the transformation occurring not only physically, but also mentally. Hypnotizing and deeply expressive vocals overlay vibrant sporadic beats and warm basslines for a cathartic musical expression.
The heart wrenching but deeply imperative second single "Stolen Voice", discusses the many ways women of the past, present and future have experienced or will experience displacement and pillaging. The song features contemporary Jazz soundscapes complete with penetratingly rich upright bass, eclectic drums and soul-drenched vocals for a captivating listen. Hoyes vocals are equally enthralling as they are haunting as she sings, "my love / my touch / my joy / stolen voice / my elders / stolen / stolen."
Focus track "Witchez" is a dark sonic palette telling the story of "medicine women, healers, and radical Black women across time who are accused and dismissed, their legacies “buried whole”, proclaims Candice Hoyes. Otherworldly yet organic sonic elements are deeply immersive giving the listener a glimpse into these important women's lives and the calamities that occured to them. Lyrics include, "And from under the ground, people, people, heard them a’saying / take my worldly possessions / take my worldly possessions because you buried me whole."
The album Nite Bjuti is filled with intense and powerful stories of persecution and perseverance. Unexplored and unknown sonics and improvisational musical moments captivate throughout, leaving listeners fulfilled, intrigued and invested.
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