Eno Williams, frontwoman of Ibibio Sound Machine, uses both English and the Nigerian language from which her band’s name is derived for the dazzling new album
Doko Mien. Long lauded for jubilant, explosive live shows, Ibibio Sound Machine fully capture that energy on
Doko Mien, the followup to their Merge debut
Uyai.
While they haven’t suddenly left their African roots behind, Doko Mien does find increased representation of English lyrics in the ratio. By sharing more directly with more universal lyrics, the record feels more anthemic, reaching for grander heights. “We wanted to give people a reason to sing along, to find their soundtrack every day,” Williams says. “We wanted everyone to feel as if they’re part of the music as well.”
Doko Mien: Tell me everything. On their new album, Ibibio Sound Machine provide the perfect companion, ready to digest as much as possible and then further unfurl beauty and hope. They remember and honor the past and charge forward toward the future, all while intensely expanding the present.
Released: March 2019
Cat: MRG665
Label: Merge
