Benjamin Clementine’s latest track turns the National Anthem into a song about ‘The Jungle’ in Calais
He's also announced a name and release date for his second album
Benjamin Clementine makes his position clear on the announcement of his forthcoming second album, ‘I Tell A Fly’.
“I have written my second piece called ‘I Tell A Fly’. In little words – it’s a story about two wandering flies finding fleet. I am neither a politician nor prophet but an artist who creates to only entertain is no better than a con. I hope this album fulfils its purpose as the continuation from ‘At Least For Now’.
So just in case his Mercury Prize winning debut album and, more recently, his collaboration with Gorillaz ‘Hallelujah Money’ wasn’t clear enough: he’s not not just here to entertain, here’s here to say something.
From this new album, he’s already shared ‘Phantom of Aleppoville’ – a song that ditches any kind of conventional song structure but still somehow rewards repeat listens.
‘God Save The Jungle’ is his latest track – is a song about the refugee camp in northern France disassembled last autumn…
‘I Tell A Fly’ will be released on 15 September. He plays London’s Brixton Academy on 5 December.