African Alien (RSD 25)

Following an incredible return to new music, Gambia-via-Coventry superstar Pa Salieu releases brand new mixtape Afrikan Alien. Featuring previously released tracks Belly, Allergy and Dece (Heavy) – which Pa recently performed on Colors – Afrikan Alien is Pa’s first project since 2021’s Afrikan Rebel EP & 2020’s full length mixtape Send Them To Coventry, Afrikan Alien.

An astonishing 14-track collection, Afrikan Alien (including 3-tracks from Pa Salieu’s ‘Afrikan Rebel’) represents everything that has marked Pa Salieu as one of the most pivotal and important artists of our time. The sounds are classic Pa – marrying the experimental with innately catchy, vivid tones that touch on Afrobeats, UK rap and R&B. Meanwhile Pa’s lyricism is as striking as ever, inspired by reflections during his 2 1⁄2 year long imprisonment that showcase not just the deep sense of vulnerability and emotional intelligence that saw him quickly ascend through the music industry, but the deep conviction and empathy to be a figurehead for future generations across the diaspora.