Ep. 69: Hip Hop, Jazz, Miles Davis & Loafers w/ Musician Goya Gumbani
Goya Gumbani photograph by Charles Mensah
Born in Brooklyn and raised in South London, Goya Gumbani has carved out a distinct place within London’s independent music scene. Goya has performed across Europe and the US, hosted the NTS show Chicken Foot Soup, and collaborated with artists including Pink Siifu, John Glacier, Lex Amor, and Lord Apex.
Warlord of the Weejuns album cover
Goya Gumbani photograph by Charles Mensah
New album Warlord of the Weejuns, his first release on Ghostly International, brings together the two musical lineages that shaped him: New York’s storytelling-driven hip-hop and London’s jazz-forward sound. Through layered, full-band arrangements and strong collaborations from the likes of Fatima, Yaya Bey, lojii, Joe Armon-Jones, Warlord of the Weejuns expands his sonic identity with clarity and intention.
Goya Gumbani photograph by Alex J Robson
The album title is borrowed from a magazine headline once used to describe Miles Davis, referencing his sharp style and signature Weejun loafers.
In this interview, Goya reflects on the cultural and geographical influences behind his dreamy, laid-back sound, Warlord of the Weejuns which is a meditation on self-expression, Black cultural lineage, and the quiet power of doing things your way.
Stance Logo
Referenced In This Podcast:
Driftin' Interlude feat. Pearl De Luna by Goya Gumbani.
Beautiful BLACK by Goya Gumbani.
Chase the Sunrise feat. Yaya Bey & lojii & Fatima by Goya Gumbani.
Manuva(s) feat. Joe Armon-Jones by Goya Gumbani.
FireFly feat. Fatima by Goya Gumbani.
Nothin’ to Say by Goya Gumbani.
Front Page Image: Goya Gumbani by Photographer Ivor Lawson Adamah