Ibibio Sound Machine

London-based DJ/live music octet Ibibio Sound Machine combine sounds inspired in equal measure by the golden era of West African funk and disco, post-punk, and modern electro. The band was started by producers Max Grunhard, Leon Brichard, and Benji Bouton, all enthusiasts of African grooves from the 1970s and '80s. The group, fronted by English-Nigerian vocalist Eno Williams, took club culture by storm with their self-titled debut for Soundway in 2014. Supported by a host of influential DJs including Gilles Peterson, the album opened the door to international touring. ISM signed to Merge for 2017's Uyai, adding elements of post-punk to their genre collision. They followed with 2019's raucous Doko Mien, and 2022's Electricity. Produced by Hot Chip, it juxtaposed Afrobeat, electro, new wave, and disco, in a collection of ecstatic, sunny sounds. 2024's Pull the Rope altered the focus, pointing toward a darker, driving, mutant club music.