After 11 years of performing together, South-London based jazz fusion group Sons Of Kemet have announced that the remaining shows on their touring schedule will end up being their last. With only 8 shows remaining for the year, the band took to their socials to say, “This year will be the last chance to see us in the form to which you’ve grown accustomed,” elaborating, “After 10 years we have decided that from the end of our scheduled 2022 shows we will be closing this chapter of the band’s life for the foreseeable future. We’re excited to play our remaining gigs for you and to make this summer a fitting send off.”
After 10 years we have decided that from the end of our scheduled 2022 shows we will be closing this chapter of the band’s life for the foreseeable future. We’re excited to play our remaining gigs for you and to make this summer a fitting send off pic.twitter.com/3OceZqj1jz
— Sons Of Kemet (@SonsOfKemet) June 1, 2022
While this may come as a disappointment to fans, the wording of the statement may not actually imply the abrupt ending that we’re all worried about. If we take the group for what it is they are – a jazz quartet – then we can find some solace in a certain amount of transformation. Because (and I don’t mean to get all existential on this) isn’t this what jazz is actually about? Yes, it’s about a shared ambition and direction, but what’s jazz without change? Or surprises? While Shabaka Hutchings could probably be taken as the leader of the band – if we even need to throw around labels like this – the dub and hip-hop influences cover such a broad range of influences that a lot of willing musicians are probably on the horizon. Again, just speculation, but when was the last time you saw a jazz band without a special guest for the evening?
But that being said these are confirmed to be the final shows for a while. There are a handful of European festival dates, a brief trip to the states, and a night in Peckham on June 2nd at GALA 2022. You can try and bag any remaining tickets to any of the dates here.
If all you’re actually after is a bit of Tom Skinner’s drumming chops, then you’re in luck! As you’re probably aware he joined forces with Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood from Radiohead and created The Smile. The group are currently on tour and has just completed their sold-out stint of UK shows (except for one tonight, but it’s a bit late to make any plans really), debuting tons of new music on the way, so check here for any remaining tickets to any other European festival dates and you can get your fix of one of the best Radiohead side-projects to date (yeah).
