Michelle Shiers on June 16th, 2015

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Afro-Western outfit The Very Best, comprised of London production duo Radioclit (Johan Hugo) and Malawian singer Esau Mwamwaya, have released a new music video highlighting Ethiopia Skate — a movement of young skaters from all backgrounds whose love for skating has created a community where they can connect beyond class and heritage. The video for “Makes A King,” the title track from their third studio album released April 7 on Moshi Moshi Records, features Mwamwaya’s warm melody and unshakable enthusiasm. The Very Best create an accessible blend of hip-hop and dance with a strong Afro-pop backbone. Sung partly in Chichew – Malawi’s national language, and partly in English, “Makes A King” is nothing if not an inspirational feel-good track, even with lyrics like “Only thing we eat is what you’re throwing away / We don’t choose / The ghetto makes a king.” The video, filmed by Sean Stromsoe, shows the kids skating around their every day communities and no matter how much air they get, we are reminded just how close to earth they really are. While geography and poverty may be recurring motifs in The Very Best’s music, “Makes A King” does anything but isolate as Mwamwaya’s voice soars and surrounds the sunny track for a sound that will encourage any listener.

||| Live: The Very Best perform June 24 at the Roxy.