Jordan Rakei is a rare talent. A multi-instrumentalist, singer and producer, his blend of timeless soul, jazz and hip hop has won him numerous international plaudits. Despite being raised in Brisbane, Australia, his 2014 EP, Groove Curse, won him a name in Europe and North America and he moved to London, cementing his reputation by lending vocals to Disclosure on the 2015 album Caracal.
In 2017, having signed to the dynamic label Ninja Tune, Rakei released his second LP, Wallflower, voted as the second best album of the year at the Gilles Peterson Music Awards. From there, he went on to co-write and produce “Ottolenghi” and “Loose Ends” (ft. Jorja Smith) for Loyle Carner.
2019 also saw the release of his third album, Origin, a hugely acclaimed project that featured legendary rapper Common before performing a sublime set for NPR’s Tiny Desk. This was also the year that saw him tour internationally and play some of the world’s most prestigious venues, including Ronnie Scott’s and Glastonbury.
Now known as one of the most exciting and genre-bending artists in the world, his 2021 album What We Call Life marks his most subtle, personal and impressive project to date. It merges electronic with acoustic and rugged grooves with rich, textured and ambient atmospheres.
Qwest TV is proud to announce Jordan Rakei as its latest Guest Curator. His personal playlist reflects the intricacy and soul embedded within his own sound, featuring artists like Bobby McFerrin, Herbie Hancock, Saul Williams, Louis Cole, Robert Glasper, Yasiin Bey, Roy Ayers and the one-and-only Gil Scott-Heron.
Rowan Standish Hayes
