South-London drummer Yussef Dayes has already had quite a career, and he’s only in his mid-20s. A member of United Vibrations and the duo Yussef Kamaal, Dayes recently began a fruitful association with playMYmusic.FM Jazz Cafe featured artist Alfa Mist.
Dayes formed United Vibrations with his two brothers, Ahmad and Kareem, along with Wayne Francis II. An early foray into Dayes’ merging of afrobeat, jazz, and funk, the foursome declared themselves “messengers from Inner Space. They travel the globe seeking those who are ready to rediscover the Golden Ratio.”
Dayes teamed up with keyboardist Kamaal Williams, and in 2016 the duo released Black Focus on Gilles Peterson’s Brownswood label. Yussef’s latest musical partner, keyboardist Alfa Mist, is another rising star in the London jazz scene. The two met in 2017 and within a year collaborated on two singles, “Blacked Out,” and “Love Is the Message,” recorded live at with guitarist Mansur Brown and bassist and Rocco Palladino at Abbey Road studios in one take. We’re excited to hear what he comes up with next.
Love Is the Message