Ametek de Kemet: The Afro-Futurist Pioneer of Spiritual Jazz
Ametek de Kemet is a visionary composer and multi-instrumentalist from London, England, who has reshaped the landscape of modern spiritual jazz. His 2022 album, Ancestral Recall, debuted at number 12 on the UK Jazz & Blues Chart and achieved gold certification in France for over 50,000 units sold.
Early career
Born in 1988, Ametek de Kemet began his musical journey in South London, immersed in the city's vibrant Caribbean sound system culture. He formally studied at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, releasing his first independent EP, Kemet's Dream, in 2015 through the small imprint Nubian Ark Records.
Breakthrough
The artist's major breakthrough arrived in 2019 with his sophomore album, Cosmic Nile, released on the respected jazz label Brownswood Recordings. The lead single, Sun Ra's Chariot, received extensive airplay on BBC Radio 6 Music, propelling the album into the top 20 of the UK Independent Album Breakers Chart.
Key tracks
Sun Ra's Chariot — This 2019 single became his signature track, introducing his dense, polyrhythmic sound to a wider audience.
Lament for the Black Ark — A key collaboration with dub producer Mad Professor, bridging spiritual jazz with deep reggae aesthetics.
Ankh, Udjat, Sa — The sprawling opener from Ancestral Recall that showcases his mastery of the tenor saxophone and complex composition.
Beneath the Sphinx — This 2021 track features a notable guest appearance from trumpeter Theo Croker, highlighting his network within the contemporary jazz scene.
Return to Thebes — A later career single that charted on the US Billboard Adult Alternative Songs chart for two weeks in 2023.
Following the success of Ancestral Recall, Ametek de Kemet embarked on a sold-out European tour and collaborated with electronic producer Floating Points on the 2023 single Ouroboros. His work continues to explore themes of African diaspora, ancient history, and futurism, solidifying his unique position in the genre.
Listeners who appreciate the innovative spiritual jazz of Shabaka Hutchings will find common ground in the rhythmic intensity and historical exploration. The expansive compositions of Kamasi Washington share a similar grand, narrative ambition. For the UK jazz fusion angle, explore the work of Nubya Garcia, another key figure in the London scene.
The music of Ametek de Kemet is a staple on specialty radio programming, featured regularly on independent music radio stations and online jazz radio streams dedicated to avant-garde and world-influenced sounds. His albums receive consistent spins on classic jazz FM stations and digital platforms focusing on the new wave of spiritual jazz.
You can hear the pioneering spiritual jazz of Ametek de Kemet on radio stations featured right here on onairium.com. Discover his genre-defying catalog and latest releases by tuning into the curated radio stations available on our platform.
