Fresh Sounds: J.P. Bimeni & The Black Belts - Give Me Hope

Burundian-born soul singer JP Bimeni & The Black Belts released a new single Give Me Hope, from the band's same-titled new album, out 4th February 2022 on Lovemonk Discos Buenos.

A descendant of the Burundian royal family whose parents held opposing political views, Bimeni escaped his country aged 15 during the 1993 civil war and genocide. Following multiple attempts on his life, including being poisoned by doctors in hospital, he was given refugee status and fled to Wales. Soon after Bimeni's arrival at Trinity College in Wales -- a school for children who have escaped conflict, where he received a United Nations organised scholarship -- Bimeni was taken record shopping for his birthday. He immediately gravitated toward the music of Ray Charles, Bob Marley, Marvin Gaye and his idol, Otis Redding.

Give Me Hope grooves between classic ‘60s Motown and Stax-inspired soul, psychedelia and Afro-funk. Inspired by leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr. and James Stern (the namesake of an empoweringly funky track) and propelled by the wisdom of prolific creators like Lee Scratch Perry, Bimeni’s deep consciousness and vulnerability is on full display without losing pop sensibility.

Listen to J.P. Bimeni & The Black Belts new single Give Me Hope, from the band's same-titled new album:

Much like JP Bimeni’s belief in the need for global cohesion, Give Me Hope is the result of a collaborative effort. His six-piece band, The Black Belts – Rodrigo Diaz "Niño" (drum & percussion), Pablo "Bassman" Cano, Fernando Vasco "Two Guns" (guitar), Ricardo Martínez (trumpet), Rafael Díaz (sax) and Alex Larraga (Keyboards) – contribute their diverse musical backgrounds to the breadth of soul stylings on Give Me Hope.

Watch below J.P. Bimeni & The Black Belts new single Give Me Hope, from the band's same-titled new album: