Don't Blame the Youth

Wah Wah 45s are very proud and excited to announce the debut album fromYouthsayers- an ongoing and enduring South London community project, founded byRobin HopcraftandIdris Rahmanof our very own, legendary Afro-reggae outfitSoothsayers.

Youthsayers was established in 2016 and ever since has consistently provided free of charge opportunities for young people to come together, learn an instrument and perform music under the tutelage of Robin and Idris. This has been made possible, in part, through donations from local businesses and private benefactors, but also live fundraisers and now through commercially released music!

Don't Blame The Youth, due for release on June 28th, is a snapshot of the current Youthsayers band, and recent alumni, who've gone on to form other bands in the world of jazz, reggae and beyond, including recent signings to Gilles Peterson's Brownswood imprint,Oreglo.

Over the course of eight tracks the band deliver their own unique takes on classic and contemporary pieces of music from the world of dub and Afro-jazz, including covers ofTheon Cross,Fela Kuti,Cedric IM Brooks,The Fontanellesand of course, Soothsayers themselves.

The album also showcases the Youthsayers students' own writing abilities, not only on their original composition,Citizens Not Subjects, written alongsideLevitation Orchestra's director and trumpeterAxel Kaner-Lindstrom, but also via a re-working of theTommy McCookinstrumentalTenor On The Callwith lyrics re-written by Youthsayers' clarinet playerGiacomo Del Reiand re-namedWe Keep Playing, the debut single to be taken from the album.

Every single penny of profit from this LP will go directly to the Youthsayers project. If you would like to take part in the programme, or donate to the cause, please go towww.youthsayers.net.

Youthsayers will be launching their LP atPortico Galleryin South London on Saturday June 22nd with a full live show featuringDele Sosimiand support fromBig Massive, DJDom ServiniandSoothsayers featuring Youthsayers alumni.