London-based ensemble Kokoroko have returned with a radiant new single, ‘Just Can’t Wait’, the latest glimpse into their much-anticipated sophomore album Tuff Times Never Last, due for release on 11th July.
Brimming with optimism and soulful celebration, ‘Just Can’t Wait’ is a musical meditation on renewal, memory, and reconciliation. The track embodies a sense of triumph after emotional turbulence, capturing the moment when yearning transforms into fulfillment. Opening with the line, “I told you once, that I was waiting for the night that we could step again,” evoking a sense of nostalgia and desire for reconnection.
Kokoroko, known for their rich fusion of genres and global sonic influences, continue to showcase their musical dexterity on this track. Over six vibrant minutes, ‘Just Can’t Wait’ weaves together the slick grooves of Brit-funk (think Loose Ends), the lush textures of 1980s jazz-funk à la Don Blackman, and vibrant rhythms drawn from Ghanaian highlife and Congolese soukous. Guitarist Tobi Adenaike brings these elements into sharp focus, anchoring the track with expressive, melodic riffs.
Vocalist and co-bandleader Sheila Maurice-Grey leads the song with a warm and confident alto. Speaking on the track’s intention, she describes it as “a song with a congregational feeling for the steppers. One that people can listen to on a Saturday or Sunday morning and feel uplifted.” She also cited Tom Browne’s ‘Funkin’ for Jamaica (N.Y.)’ as a key influence, particularly in the celebratory horn arrangements that punctuate the track.
‘Just Can’t Wait’ sets the tone for the wider themes of Tuff Times Never Last — an 11-track project that promises to be both introspective and joyous. The album navigates life’s dualities with spirit and grace, touching on community, sensuality, childhood, grief, and endurance. It’s a body of work that reflects the emotional complexity of the times, while offering a powerful message of perseverance and hope.
With ‘Just Can’t Wait’, Kokoroko have crafted a groove-laden anthem of renewal — a song that not only lifts the spirit but also invites listeners to reflect, reconnect, and keep dancing forward.
