Our 25th birthday!

Soothsayers are set to celebrate their 25th anniversary in 2025. Known for their unique blend of Afrobeat, dub, reggae, and jazz, the band has been a vital force in the UK’s global music scene since their formation in 2000. Over the last two decades, Soothsayers have been known for delivering vibrant, socially conscious music with a groove-driven sound that resonates across cultures and generations.

Formed by saxophonist Idris Rahman and trumpeter Robin Hopcraft, Soothsayers has created a sound that is both timeless and forward-thinking. Their live performances are an immersive experience, drawing crowds into a powerful musical journey through African rhythms, dub textures, and jazz improvisations. Soothsayers have graced stages at major festivals such as Glastonbury, North Sea Jazz, Shambala and WOMAD, captivating audiences with their infectious energy, dynamic horn sections, and deep grooves.

The Soothsayers movement has made them a vital part of community culture in Brixton, South London where their monthly jams feature a multi generational musical collective including young musicians from Youthsayers – Soothsayers’ nationally known project that develops young people through music. 

With standout albums such as “Lost City” (2006), “Human Nature” (2012), and “We Are Many” (2020), Soothsayers continues to release music that is both relevant and influential. Their lyrics often address social justice, environmental concerns, and unity, making them a voice for conscious music in the modern era.

In 2025, Soothsayers will mark their 25th anniversary with the release of new music, showcasing that they are still at the forefront of the global music scene. Their ability to remain creatively relevant, while evolving their sound, ensures that their message and music continue to influence new generations.

Booking Soothsayers for live shows during this milestone year promises an electrifying and immersive experience, with the added anticipation of fresh material from a band that has consistently pushed musical boundaries. Soothsayers remains as impactful as ever, offering an unmissable performance for festivals, venues, and music lovers worldwide.

REVIEWS

“A deep reggae rhythm section is always a pleasure; so too is an Afro-jazz horn section – put the two together and add some seriously cool singers and some speaker squeezing sonic manipulation and you have a party hit on your hands.’

Jazz FM

**** “One of the finest slices of a Anglo-Caribbean fusion since The Specials in their prime... artfully mixing in funk and afrobeat to their deep dub.”

The Guardian

“precise, melodic vocals with intricate horn led arrangements... the mood is defiant and joyous... delightful."

Uncut Magazine

“Soothsayers offer politically-engaged, cliché-free lyrical sentiment delivered in spine-tingling three part harmony. Human Nature is timeless, offering a fresh, contemporary approach to vintage 70s roots-reggae and afrobeat which will please purists at the same time as engaging new audiences.”

Soundblab.com

“Few artists can deliver such an uplifting and joyous fusion of jazz and dub as Soothsayers. Despite logistical challenges, they have succeeded in recording a worthy successor to 2020’s We Are Many” (Review of Soothsayers meets Victor Rice and Friends)

Louder Than War