Sabatta is a groovy asf rock magic carpet ride powered by an Afro comb guitar and a South London accent. Fronted by quirky South-East London singer/guitarist Yinka Oyewole, Sabatta combines rock, punk, urban and all vibes!
Yinka considers himself an ‘Anomaly’, but for him, this isn’t about being different from everyone else. It’s about recognising that everyone is different in their own way. This idea sits at the heart of Sabatta’s forthcoming ‘Anomaly Part 1’, the first of two EPs celebrating individuality, idiosyncrasy and inclusiveness. At a time when sameness can feel increasingly prevalent, the project is a reminder that difference is something worth celebrating, a tradition reflected in the UK’s long history of creating singular artists and art that can resonate far beyond its borders.
‘Anomaly Part 1’ showcases the diverse web of influences behind Sabatta’s sound. While foundational icons like Queens of the Stone Age, Bad Brains, and Jimi Hendrix loom large, fans of Kid Kapichi, Fontaines D.C., and Primal Scream will find plenty to sink their teeth into. Underpinning it all is Yinka’s sharp wit and irreverence, landing his storytelling squarely in the canon of great British lyricism alongside Idles, Sleaford Mods, and Giggs.
Throughout the six tracks on the EP, a shared thread of heavy beats, untamed riffs and Yinka’s distinctive voice is evident as tracks twist and turn in different directions. From the fat bass loaded, four on the floor, opener ‘Rick James’, to more spacious and scrappy jams ‘Not Your Friend’ and ‘Vibe’, the EP is an awesome voyage that takes listeners through a restless landscape of rhythm, grit and unapologetic expression. It’s a wild ride that covers politics, relationships and life from the big questions to the everyday and refuses to play it safe.
The first single to come from the EP, ‘Foreign Muck’ is on one hand, Sabatta’s irreverent, quirky and quintessentially British musical take on the current conversation around immigration and race in the UK. On the other hand, it’s just a fun track with a sick groove and a dirty great guitar riff all over it!
On the track, Yinka explains, “I’m a son of Nigerian immigrants born in Essex/East London, brought up in the north of Scotland, who became an adult in southeast London, so the subject is close to my heart. As an artist, I write about things that inspire, interest and concern me. So, I knew I was going to address this subject at some point. But being the type of person that I am, of course I approached it in a more abstract, absurdist and humorous manner”, he continues.
The inspiration for the track struck Yinka during a walk down a bustling London High Street. Observing his surroundings, he noticed how seamlessly international influences have shaped the British everyday experience, particularly through the ubiquitous food outlets many now consider homegrown staples, from major fast-food chains to local kebab and pizza shops.
“The reality is that Britain’s favourite meal has been curry for a long time,” Yinka explains. “So, rather than delivering an angry, heavy-handed commentary, I wanted to create a track that feels more like a wink and a nod, a lighthearted chuckle at the cultural mix we all live in.”
‘Foreign Muck’ is released on 9th October and Sabatta’s ‘Anomaly EP 1’ is set for release on 13th November via Blackfriars Entertainment.