Babo Moreno’s self-titled debut is a striking exploration of heritage, identity, and belonging. Rather than simply presenting Afro-Brazilian rhythms, Moreno fuses them with the pulse of London’s jazz and soul scene, creating music that feels rooted in tradition yet alive with contemporary energy. The album is shaped by the perspective of a second-generation artist, carrying the cultural memory of Brazil while filtering it through the lived experience of London.

Themes of resilience, pride, and connection run throughout, reflecting Moreno’s journey from sideman to solo artist. Each composition embodies a different facet of this narrative, some intimate and reflective, while others are expansive and celebratory; yet, they are always tied together by rhythm as a form of storytelling. The interplay of ijexá, maracatu, and forró, featuring horns, percussion, and layered ensemble textures, makes the album both a personal autobiography and a collective statement about community and representation.

Moreno says: “This record is me finding my voice not just musically, but culturally. Growing up in London as the son of Brazilian immigrants, I’ve always lived between two worlds. This album is a love letter to both. It’s rooted in the rhythms and spirit of Brazil but shaped by the energy of London and the global music scene I’ve grown up in.

In its entirety, ‘Babo Moreno’ is less about individual tracks and more about the continuity between them, a sonic bridge that celebrates cultural hybridity and asserts identity with both vulnerability and strength.

Dive into the album below.