A Swedish-Malawian duo who formed in a Hackney junk shop, the Very Best’s geographical origins underpin their global pop. Their 2009 debut, Warm Heart of Africa, featured MIA and Vampire Weekend. This third album was recorded in a remote Malawian village where the population is half-Christian and half-Muslim, and it hurls together tribal African cries, synths, trip-hop, EDM grooves, an appearance by Senegalese star Baaba Maal (on Umasiye) and the sound of local musicians and chirping crickets. It all hinges around Esau Mwamwaya’s haunting but uplifting voice, but the band certainly know their way around a verse and chorus, too. While their lyrics tackle poverty and corruption, tracks such as Mwana Wanga and Mariana are simple, sublime pop songs, and Sweka’s funky guitar and euphoric house groove would rock any dancefloor.
