photo by Katia Sentry
AFROFUTURISTICS is a Chicago-based instrumental ensemble blending the idioms of cosmic jazz fusion and experimental hip-hop. The collective is defined by its massive, multi-layered brass and woodwind section, which serves as the melodic and harmonic engine of the project. Their sound is an explosive collision of the improvisational fire of 1970s jazz-funk and the heavy, atmospheric pocket of instrumental hip-hop—creating a sonic landscape that is as rhythmically disciplined as it is harmonically expansive.
Fresh off winning Best Hip-Hop Group in the Chicago Reader’s Best of Chicago 2025 poll, the AFROFUTURISTICS collective is currently preparing for the release of their debut EP, The Enigmatic. The Enigmatic was recorded at Maynott Studios with Eric McWhorter and mixed/mastered by Grammy-winning engineer Rollin Weary at Deluxe Studios. The record was completed with design/photography by Katia Jackson/Katia Sentry Photography, Erik Vecchione/Azure Taurus Designs, and photography by Annmarie Vecchione.
The lead single from the album arrives through a visualizer for “These Things Happen.” Erik Oldman states, “I wrote the sketch of the track on the electric fretless bass, wanting a composition that started in the fingers and ended in the lungs. Initially, it was heavily inspired by the bass lineages of Stanley Clarke and Charles Mingus, utilizing that deep, sliding fretless pocket to drive the groove. But as we began arranging the horns, I realized the underlying music needed to evolve. I wanted a sharp bebop hook that the horn section could really grab onto—something deeply informed by the angular melodies of Thelonious Monk, particularly ‘Epistrophy,’ mixed with the raucous energy of Mingus’ ‘Moanin’.’ Giving the brass that Monkish friction to fight against transformed the song from a standard fusion groove into a living, breathing conversation.”
He continues, “The title of the tune evolved with Karl and Levi Stress… these things happen is sort of a reflection on the state of world and just dealing with people. The video concept is really about the motion of the tune…. Borrowing from of the concept of Sun Ra’s notion of traveling the spaceways, but as a passenger on a galactic wormhole subway to the next destination.”
Immerse yourself in AFROFUTURISTICS’ “These Things Happen” (featuring Levi Stress), via the visualizer on YouTube HERE and the song streaming at Bandcamp HERE.
The Enigmatic will be released through Big Bonkey Records on CD and digitally on August 14th. Find preorders at Bandcamp HERE and digital presaves HERE.
The Enigmatic Track Listing:
1. These Things Happen
2. Daydream
3. The Enigmatic
4. One Whole Song
5. Lexaprocrasstination
The band will release additional videos/singles and more over the weeks ahead.
AFROFUTURISTICS plays live throughout Chicago with regularity and is currently booking new hometown shows in support of the record, including a headlining set at the free/all-ages Artists Of The Wall Festival on June 21st, and a release show for the record on August 29th. Additional upcoming performances will be announced in the weeks ahead.
AFROFUTURISTICS Live:
6/21/2026 Artists Of The Wall Festival – Chicago, IL *headlining set/free/all-ages
8/29/2026 Le Piano – Chicago, IL * The Enigmatic release show
AFROFUTURISTICS was founded in the Summer of 2024 by bassist and composer Erik Oldman (Sons Of Ra, Mare Crisium) and rapper/producer Karl “Brother Tone” Isaacs (Sands Of The Hour). Originally conceived as a vessel to interpret the works of Sun Ra, electric-era Miles Davis, and Fela Kuti through a modern beat-making lens, the project rapidly expanded into a specialized, horn-section-forward vehicle for original composition.
The group’s signature sound features tenor saxophonist Keith Wakefield (Sons of Ra), trumpet and cornet player Scott Free, and the versatile woodwinds of Luc Mosley (Graphics, Grappler Zorn, Mucca Pazza) and Eli Wilson. Together, they drive the melodies and dense harmonic soundscapes for the band’s fusion-heavy explorations. This core lineup was solidified during the 2025 recording sessions for The Enigmatic, which features the additional textures of Guinean folk artist Abdoulaye Conde on Kora
The ensemble’s compositions are often punctuated by the razor-sharp lyrical artistry of MC Brother Tone. The project’s arrangements are further enriched by collaborations with veteran underground hip-hop crew Sands Of The Hour with MC Levi Stress and rapper Artie Slaw.
AFROFUTURISTICS:
Brother Tone – beats/MC
Keith Wakefield – tenor saxophone
Erik Oldman – bass, synths
Scott Free – trumpet, cornet
Luc Mosley – soprano saxophone
Eli Wilson – baritone/tenor saxophone
photo by Annmarie Vecchione
https://afrofuturistics.bandcamp.com
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https://www.youtube.com/@afrofuturisticsofficial
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