First Word Records is delighted to bring you the second single from Ships of the Pharaohs.

Ships of the Pharaohs are a London-based collective led by producer Last Nubian, who’s had releases in his own right on labels like CoOp Presents, Eglo Records & Touching Bass. Blending jazz, soul, bossa nova, d&b and house-influenced grooves, the band also consists of vocalist Achanté, keys player Goldbar & bassist, Dougan.

Originally conceived to perform Last Nubian material live for a Touching Bass showcase at We Out Here festival in 2023, the project soon took on a life of its own, as the group effort unleashed a unique chemistry & sound of its own merit. Thereafter followed numerous sessions in a studio-converted bedroom of a Brixton flat, developing this new sound. The finishing touches were taken care of at the infamous Total Refreshment Centre, resulting in the formation of captivating new original material - this single being the first taste of those sessions.

Ships of the Pharaohs have additionally performed live across London at Brick Lane Jazz Festival, House of KOKO, Jazz on Wick Festival, Peckham Levels, 91 Living Room & GROW in Hackney. Developing their powerful stage presence has gone hand in hand with the creation of their own material - a hybrid sound of their various influences, ranging from the spontaneity of jazz, the warmth of bossa nova, the pulse of house and the chaos of drum & bass.

‘Joys’ is an uplifting uptempo piece of Summer-ready fusion, leaning heavily into the bossa side of the quartet’s influences. Achanté’s soulful harmonies gracefully float across a warm bed of jazz piano & Rhodes, skippy percussion, delicate guitar picks & light synth strings, with a little bass-weight to bundle it altogether.

Tre Wright (aka Last Nubian) explains “this song is about past relationships that weren't always easy, yet still evoke a sense of nostalgia for the good moments they held. It's about finding joy in those memories despite the challenges. The music behind the lyrics captures how I felt during those times…”

This one follows on from the recent debut release, ’Sun is Rising’ which received praise & support from the likes of Shy One (NTS), Tony Minvielle (Jazz FM), Rohan Rakhit (Worldwide FM), Somewhere Soul & Clash Magazine, to name just a few.

With sonics somewhat reminiscent of Acid Jazz legends Incognito, merged with the class of Nuyorican Soul, and the dynamic fluidity of 4Hero, the 4-piece have cooked up a set of style & flavours uniquely their own, fresh for modern dances, incorporating organic improvisation with more-centered club sounds.

The Ships of the Pharaohs are about to set sail for what is sure to be an exciting journey ahead.

‘Joys’ will be released on all digital platforms on July 30th, with a full EP to land late Summer 2026.