Jordan Mackampa has left me sifting through my vocabulary desperately scraping up every possible way that I can express, “I love his music.” I am astounded as to how and why he hasn’t completely blown up yet simply because he is just so good.
Mackampa was born in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, grew up in London, and became an artist in Coventry. It is no surprise that he has a story to tell. And what a story his latest single, “Battlecry” tells.
“I won’t stay silent even without air in my lungs… Can you hear the people marching louder than the drums? Can you hear the people coming louder than the drums?” wails Jordan Mackampa
Speaking on the release of the new single, Jordan explained: “Battlecry is a reflection of the times, it’s about standing up for what you believe in, refusing to be silenced and coming together. It was written to make people feel powerful in the face of adversity, comforted in times of isolation and brave in the face of change.”
His music can be likened to that of Beirut simply because they both have a haunting quality with a sound that you are left aching to listen to again. His sound both gorgeously transitions between and layers the influences of gospel, jazz, and folk. It sometimes comes across as light and airy. It sometimes comes across as smoky and dark. It always comes across as catchy, and his undoubtedly raw talent is clear and present throughout everything he creates. “What Could Have Been” provides another welcome treat for the senses.
I rarely become a brand ambassador, but when I do, I am the ultimate brand ambassador. This is because I truly believe I am basing my fervor not only on my genuine opinion but the truth. I can construct entire analytical arguments as to why Haagen-Dazs ice cream is the best ice cream, why the Band-Aid is the best bandage, and why my Danish-German friend, Maike, is the best out of all Danish-Germans. Jordan Mackampa has now found a brand ambassador in me.
Thankfully, Mackampa has a busy few months of touring ahead; the ticket details can be found here. In the meantime, I recommend listening to his “Battlecry” on repeat.
