A new cross continental collaboration is bringing together the sounds of West and Southern Africa, as Senegalese singer-songwriter Alassane Badboy and Mozambican electronic producer Double Drop unveil “Jinn”, a six track project that blends traditional African storytelling with contemporary electronic music.
Created between Dakar, Maputo and Italy, the independently released project reflects a growing movement of African artists collaborating across borders to create music that is rooted in the continent’s diverse cultural traditions while embracing modern production techniques.
The collaboration began through remote exchanges before the two artists eventually met in Genoa, where weeks of intensive studio sessions shaped the final record. Facilitated by NoOx Worldwide, the project demonstrates how technology and creative partnerships are enabling African musicians to work beyond geographical boundaries.
Entirely performed in Wolof, Jinn draws inspiration from the concept of the Jambaar, a resilient warrior who symbolises perseverance, courage and spiritual strength. Through the use of one of Senegal’s most widely spoken indigenous languages, the project places African identity and cultural preservation at the centre of its artistic vision.
The album explores themes of spirituality, ancestral wisdom, mythology, self discovery and Pan African unity, presenting music as both entertainment and a vehicle for cultural reflection.
Across its six tracks, listeners are taken on a journey that moves from the meditative atmosphere of Niaay to the mythical storytelling of Mame Coumba, the energetic rhythms of Kutlhu and the reflective mood of Jamm Ay. Traditional melodies are woven into Afro House, Afro Tech and contemporary electronic production to create a sound that is equally suited to the dance floor and personal reflection.
Beyond its musical ambitions, Jinn also reflects a broader shift within Africa’s creative industries towards greater artistic independence. Released through Xibalo Records, the album highlights the growing number of African artists choosing to build their own creative ecosystems rather than relying on traditional industry structures.
The project presents collaboration itself as a creative philosophy, demonstrating how artists from different parts of the continent can combine their cultural influences to produce work that speaks to a shared African experience while retaining distinct local identities.
For Double Drop and Alassane Badboy, Jinn is more than an album. It is a statement about the future of African electronic music, where tradition and innovation coexist, indigenous languages remain central to artistic expression and cross border partnerships continue to redefine the continent’s global musical identity.
