Having released nine albums over the course of twenty years, Afro-dub specialists Soothsayers are something of a South London musical institution. Their most recent opus, entitledWe Are Many, was released in late 2020 and was recorded in both London and Sao Paulo. The result was a fascinating blend of the band’s trademark dub and Afrobeat flavours mixed with some distinctly Brazilian inflections. Not only that, it represented a positive and uplifting statement in challenging times - the overriding power of the music leading the band to continue forward, ever pushing their musical boundaries and concepts. The album received much support from a host of DJs onBBC 6Music, as well as reggae legendDavid Rodigan,Jazz FMandWorldwide FM.
As we set forth in 2022, and with clubs reopening and dance floors refilling across the globe, we thought it was time to revisit the album and let a selection of our favourite producers interpret it in their own way. We’ve also taken the opportunity to unleash a number of previously unreleased dubs from the LP. The remixes and dubs will come together in the form ofWe Are Many Versions, and here’s the first offering from that album - a sublime re-working ofLight The Waycourtesy of Irish producer and erstwhile Soothsayers band member, Patrick Hatchett AKAk3:lu(pronounced Curlew).

Light The Wayfeatures amazing Senegalese singer Modou Toure who performs the song in the Wolof language. Modou’s lead vocals combined with Soothsayers harmonies, layered trumpets and a flute improvisation create a rich and evocative tapestry of sound. It’s a lament on the suffering in the world, and a call for love and light to show us the way out of the darkness.

K3:lu’s remix manages to subtly and respectfully take the original to the dance floor. A process best explained by Hatchett himself:

“Light The Way gave me the opportunity to reunite with my oldest musical family, Soothsayers. In fact, at the time (Soothsayers band leader) Idris was involved in my recent K3:lu album so he gave me an early listen toWe Are Many and this track stood out for me, with the incredible vocals of Modou Toure and those beautifully expansive Soothsayer horns. So, whilst in the depths of a strict and isolating West Cork lockdown, I escaped my 2km restrictions, crossed borders, met with old friends and transported myself to a place of positive, connected and uplifting vibes, adding my own little nod to disco, 70’s Afro-funk, free parties of the 90s and dancing at dawn in this remix.” Patrick Hatchett
An established guitarist, remixer and producer, Patrick Hatchett divides his time between composing for screen, producing, and live performance. As a musician he has performed extensively around Europe and the UK including London Jazz Festival, Bestival, Alexandra Palace, O2 Arena, Sunsplash, Womad, Ronnie Scotts, main stages at Glastonbury Festival, Latitude and many more.
We Are Many Versionswill be released on April 1st featuring remixes and dubs from General Roots, Prince Fatty, Dutchie, Samuel Sharp, Lawn, Wu-Lu, Victor Rice, Jamtone and many more.