Earthwise / Out of the Dark

Kotoa are a five-piece band from Loughborough Junction, South East London, made up of drummer Laurie Campling, bassist Frank Black, keyboard player Sam Hillier, guitarist and vocalist Memphis Koloi, and saxophonist and vocalist Maia Avery.

Signed to Wah Wah 45s, Kotoa bring a refreshing sound, blending political rhetoric, soulful melodies and heavy bass lines. Deeply influenced by dub, trip-hop and the recent rise of African-inspired jazz, they are a rising force in Brixton’s historic music scene.

Earthwise / Out of the Dark brings together their two EPs, produced by esteemed producer, musician and engineer Benedic Lamdin (Nostalgia 77). The releases received support from Gilles Peterson, Colleen Cosmo Murphy, Haseeb Iqbal and Robbie Vincent, alongside airplay on Jazz FM, BBC 6 Music, Worldwide FM and Apple Music. Their energetic and enchanting live shows culminated in opening the main stage at We Out Here Festival.