New York, NY (Top40 Charts) Grab your passports; it's time to rack up those miles with a one-of-a-kind musical manifestation starring multi-Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter-producer Stokley, all through the lens of his highly anticipated sophomore album. SANKOFA is out now via his partnership with Bluraffe Entertainment and music icons Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis' Flyte Tyme/Perspective Records. The Ghanaian term, Sankofa, is a nod to the roots of African American ancestry, and his interpretation relies on personal reflection. Stokley's past experiences as an artist and the education he has received over his 35-year musical career.
"An ear-opening feast of textures, colors, and soulfulness, it embraces jazz, R&B, hip-hop, rock, pop, Pan-African sounds — you name it — all with a modern, electronic veneer and Williams' supple, Stevie Wonder-evoking voice."- Jon Bream (Star Tribune)
"The biggest part of his greatness is his ability to make everyone around him better. And that's why he's your favorite musician's favorite musician" - Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis
"I love the voice, the talent, the consistency. When you hear musicians play who can really play and sing, it's unforgettable. You won't ever forget it!" - Stevie Wonder
"Brother Stokley is a god amongst GAWDS. A rarity in this life: a singer's singer, a drummer's drummer, a musician's musician. Simply put, a pure artist." - Questlove
The album features H.E.R., Snoop Dogg, Wale, The Bonfyre, KiDi with songwriting and production by Stokley, S.Dot (MJB, Lauryn Hill, Diddy), Carvin Haggins (Jazmine Sullivan, Jill Scott, and Shakespeare! (Justin Bieber, The Internet) who are also featured artists on the album. Sankofa also features a special guest appearance by
Mahmoud El-Kati, a world-renowned lecturer, writer, commentator on the African American experience, Professor Emeritus of History at Macalester College, as well as Stokley's father. Stokley plays 99% of the instruments featured on this project, including drums, percussion, keys, guitars (lead & bass), and the steel pan.
The lead single "She" garnered Stokley his first career #1, with the single playing in cities across the country including New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Houston, and Cleveland. Other releases on the album include the funk-laden tracks "Vibrant" featuring
Snoop Dogg and "Cascade" featuring The Bonfyre that both peaked on the Billboard Top Ten Adult R&B Airplay charts.
Recently, Stokley celebrated the beauty and essence of Nubian queens worldwide with "WOMAN," featuring Ghanaian superstar KiDi. "WOMAN" is a love letter to the gender he affectionately refers to as the "greatest producers of life who help shape the world." The accompanying visual, directed by REX, sets the scene with vibrant colors against the beautiful Ghana landscape. Stokley taps into the deep-rooted love and appreciation for the beauty, tenderness, warmth, perseverance, dedication, and strength that all black women exude.
Stokley performed a rousing rendition of the title track "Sankofa" at the 2021
Phoenix Awards ceremony that aired on BET and BET Her. This is the signature and culminating event of the 50th Annual Legislative Conference (ALC), the leading policy conference which focuses on issues impacting African Americans and the global
Black community. This year's theme is
Black Excellence Unparalleled: Pressing Onward in Power. The
Phoenix Awards honors individuals who made significant contributions to and also included performances from En Vogue,
Leela James, Wayne Brady, Ledisi,
Mali Music and Jonathan McReynolds, Rapsody, and Chaka Khan.
Over his career, Stokley has played more than just the front-man of the iconic R&B band Mint Condition. He has had his hand in some of the industries' most iconic songs/albums and has played, written, and produced for artists like
Janet &
Michael Jackson (Scream),
Usher (8701),
Alicia Keys (Diary),
New Edition (Home Again),
Luther Vandross (One Night with You: Vol 2),
Elton John (Aida) and so many more. Stokley was a protege of fellow Minneapolis native Prince, who he also played with and encouraged Stokley to embark on a solo career. After his passing, Stokley toured the country with the legendary band The Revolution, consoling fans.
SANKOFA TRACKLISTING:
Sankofa - Past
Vibrant (ft. Snoop Dogg)
Cafe (ft. Wale)
She
Vudoo
Clouds (ft. Shakespeare!)
Homecoming (Lude)
Cascade (ft. The Bonfyre)
RUSH (ft. H.E.R.)
Sankofa - Present
Recipe
Woman (ft. KiDi)
Cascade (LVRS Quarrel Mix)
Trinkutsi (Lude)
Verbalize (ft. Snoop Dogg)
Slip
Lost
Sankofa - The Present (ft.
Mahmoud El-Kati).
