The UB Video Interview: Stokley Talks ‘Sankofa’

The highly anticipated album will officially release on September 17th, via his partnership with Bluraffe Entertainment and music icons Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis’ Flyte Tyme/Perspective Records.

The first single “She” became Stokley‘s first career #1, in a record 28 weeks. Last summer Stokley released “Vibrant” featuring Snoop Dogg followed by “Cascade” featuring The Bonfyre. Both singles peaked on the Billboard Top Ten R&B Airplay charts. The albums latest single “Woman,” features Ghanian superstar KiDi.

“Sankofa” is the manifestation of Stokley’s musical journey.

Where the Ghanian term is a nod to the roots of African American ancestry, his interpretation relies on personal reflection. Stokley’s past experiences as an artist and the education he has received over his 35-year musical career.

The album features H.E.R., Snoop Dogg, Wale, Shakespeare!, The Bonfyre, KiDi with songwriting and production by Stokley, S.Dot, Carvin Haggins and Shakespeare! who’s also featured artists on the album.

“Sankofa” has a special guest appearance by Mahmoud El-Kati, world-renowned lecturer, writer, commentator on the African American experience, Professor Emeritus of History at Macalester College, as well as Stokley’s father.

Stokley plays 99% of the instruments featured on this project, including drums, percussions, keys, guitars (lead & bass), and the steel pan.

From the start of “Sankofa,” Stokley introduces the audience to the history. The translation of the word and symbol is “it is not taboo to fetch what is at risk of being left behind.”

The music continues on with the right vibe, with Snoop Dogg on the albums already certified hit “Vibrant.”

Stokley really digs deep into his divination skills, on the dark and hypnotic “Vudoo.” “When you come around babe, I’m under your spell babe,” he sings to his would be mate.

The album’s highlight is a track entitled “Lost.” For so many reasons, so we’ll list the lyrics as #1. Stokley shows off on this track and you can’t help but feel that Mint artistry with the incredible instrumentation.

“I know I gotta find my way
I know you gotta find your way
Find our way home
We’ve lost our way home”

This album doesn’t just have some very special guests, but has a power house of who’s who in urban music. Snoop Dogg, KiDi, Wale and The Bonfare. Although one feature had us itching to press play first, “RUSH” featuring the hottest artist in the game H.E.R.

These two on a joint, that Prince could of easily arranged is reason enough to check it out. H.E.R. recently celebrated her latest #1 “Damage“, with a sample from the Minneapolis sound. Herb Albert‘s “Making Love in The Rain,” featuring vocals by Lisa Keith and Janet Jackson. Written and Produced by produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. So it’s only fitting that we get a hot duet with the reigning queen and king of R&B.

The conclusion of “Sankofa” with Professor Mahmoud El-Kati, is indeed the theme song, words of inspiration and encouragement.

Stokley expresses his love for us on “Sankofa” as a real artist does, “Sankofa” is our gift. Stokley stays true to his artistry and desire to deliver quality music that will forever be in rotation.

Other UB Stand Outs include “Slip,” “Café” feat. Wale and “Recipe.“

Tishelle from UB recently spoke with the Minnesota native about his new album “Sankofa.”

Stokley shares his inspiration behind his new album and tells us what he wants listens to take away from the album.

He also shares his admiration for H.E.R. and why he is such a fan. Plus Stokley gives us some pointers, on what makes a great stage show!

Stokley also gets candid about growing up in Minnesota and how it prepared him for the industry and more.

Catch Stokley Tonight on * “Just Listen” With Jam & Lewis (9 PM ET / 6 PM PT on Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis’ FB/YT)
* “Woke with Stok” (10:30PM ET / 9:30PM CT on @StokleyOfficial FB/YT/Twitter & @SonicHealer on Twitch)
Friday on BET on the * Phoenix Awards
Saturday (1pm PST/4pm ET) * Clubhouse with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis