Singer-songwriter and poet Mustafa releases his highly anticipated debut album, “When Smoke Rises”, out now through his own label, Regent Park Songs. The eight-track project is undoubtedly one of the most significant records to come out this year.
The release features production from Frank Dukes, Jamie xx and James Blake, along with a guest feature from Sampha, and contributions from longtime friends and Regent Park natives Rax, Puffy L’z, cityboymoe, and both the late Ali Rizeig and Smoke Dawg.
“When Smoke Rises” is a collection of songs exploring the grief, anger and love he’s grappled with in mourning his friends.
Speaking about the album Mustafa reveals: “When Smoke Rises” is about losing someone you love and retracing what of they left you with, it’s reimagining & beautifying the violence of ones departure. The burial can be beautiful too, if you listen closely”. He adds: “A debut album should examine my life. The joy and the pitfalls and love. But I think loss was perhaps preventing me from exploring any other experiences. I wanted to honor my friends’ passing and examine their transition with beauty. There’s peace in that.”
