British-Ghanaian singer/songwriter Jeff Darko releases brand new EP, “Merry Go Round”.

The new EP, released on 29th November, sees Darko develop his style, as his return to London, influences his sound with more hip-hop & jazz references. Collabs with London based Caesar on “Smile Away”, “Overrated” & “Don’t Worry About A Thing” signal this new musical direction with hints of J DIlla, UK Jazz and bossa nova. While the focus track, “Merry Go Round” is a playful, sonically balearic look at the thought we are going round in circles, but we do not realise because we are in it, with Korean singer Tellkika.

Already supported by Spotify with playlists Fresh Finds (UK & IE), Sugar, & Groovin R&B, for “Smile Away” and “Overrated” the first singles from the EP.

Don’t Worry About a Thing, a collaboration with Caesar, is about dealing with breakups, and how tough they can be. It’s a song of encouragement - it is naturally what happens in life, whether it's your family member who will be there for you or whosoever to uplift you from your stress or depression from a terrible situation.

The show at 93 Feet East (6th of November) saw Darko performing with a full live band, while Mercury prize nominated corto.alto performed as a special guest with Jeff. Known for his unique blend of Soul, R&B, Electronica, African Jazz, and Alternative-Pop, Jeff’s ‘Psychedelic Gospel’ has earned him praise from BBC 6 Music Breakfast Show, Craig Charles Funk & Soul, Radio 1 Future Soul, BBC Introducing, CLASH, The Independent, Jamz Supernova, Gigwise and more.

It is the ‘Psychedelic Gospel Experience’ that Darko brought to 93 Feet East, with support from CROOKS INC. an independent London-based band making waves on the UK Jazz scene with a unique blend of 90s R&B and modern jazz.

This six-piece collective, featuring Bass, Drums, Guitar, Keys, Sax, and Vocals, delivers smooth, sultry tones that create the perfect atmosphere for relaxation.

Formed in late 2021, CROOKS INC. have already headlined at iconic venues like Ronnie Scott's, Brixton Jamm, and XOYO, showcasing their evolving sound. With three singles under their belt, the band is carving out a distinct identity, drawing inspiration from artists such as Erykah Badu, Yazmin Lacey, and Oscar Jerome.

Jeff Darko sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:

1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?

It started at the age of 6-7, I discovered my love for it through Gospel music. My grandparents heavily ushered me into it by taking me to church. It all developed from there.

I sang in church choirs and led choirs. My parents were heavily into soul music, so I started to develop my ear and voice through the experience of hearing a lot of soul music. The the link with my grandparents & gospel  music made it all feel very natural and familiar to me. I was and still am very obsessed with it because it provides so much healing within my own body.

2.⁠ ⁠Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?

The first two that come to my mind are Thom Yorke and Kendrick Lamar. I love how they both paint music and love how  they express deep emotions viscerally through their voice.

3.⁠ ⁠What projects do you have coming up and can you give us any info on them?

I have an EP out this week titled Merry Go Round.  It’s a blend of genres mainly soul and jazz. I was inspired to create this through an experience I saw happen to a friend. She kept going through the same experience over and over and couldn’t get out of it. She was addicted even though the experience was hurting her. I feel the need to express things I see in life.

4.⁠ ⁠How would you describe your sound?

Psychedelic Gospel is my sound. It’s primarily rooted in Afro-Jazz, Soul, hip hop and RnB - I’m gradually revealing the sound / story into its full effect.

5.⁠ ⁠What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?

I’d say my recent headline show at 93 Feet East in Brick Lane in London. Having Mercury Prize nominee Corto Alto join the stage, and playing tracks on my debut EP which features Johnny Woodham (who plays for Alfa Mist), Andrew Baker and many more talented acts on stage just felt magical.

6.⁠ ⁠Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?

Find your identify and stick to it. Don’t be distracted by what you see but focus on what you feel!

7.⁠ ⁠Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?

Def check out Corto Alto, saw him headline at Village underground and what he is building is beautiful for the Jazz scene,  Also Bikoko whom I saw perform in Barcelona few years back and what she is building is equally interesting, rooted in African music which I love!

8.⁠ ⁠What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?

I currently have a few on rotation but one I can share is called Gilberto Gil 1968.

9.⁠ ⁠What do you like to do when you're not making music?

I’m always in the mood for discovering things to inspire me when I create, so if I’m not creating i’m researching, either travelling to places, discovering and studying other forms of art/artists etc.

10.⁠ ⁠Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?

Water, Apple voice recording app (on my phone), and a piano.