Album Review: Keziah Jones -- Captain Rugged

Something of a concept album for fictional superhero Captain Rugged, here Keziah Jones gives the genre an intentional African slant.

The Nigerian artist is two decades into his career and the album reflects that clarity, opener Afronewave sounding fresh yet familiar. Nollywoodoo starts with a seemingly inspired jazz slow burn, while mid-album slower step Laughter falls almost into a trippy later career Beck vibe. The highlight is Praise, drawn on a simple repeat and rolling drum, developing to a chilled singalong. Soundtrack to the superhero’s victory yet to be fully realised.