The Autonomous Africa 12″ series, founded by Optimo co-founder JD Twitch back in 2012, aims to raise funds in support of development initiatives in African countries. For this forthcoming edition, due out midway through the summer, the Glaswegian joins forces with series stalwart Auntie Flo, General Ludd, and Midland. All proceeds from the sale of the EP go to Mtandika Mission in Tanzania, a charity operated by Midland’s parents in the country of his birth. (Last year’s sophomore volume, coupled with the proceeds generated from events held in Glasgow and London, raised several thousand pounds for the same cause.)

According to JD Twitch: “Many of the problems Africa faces are a result of outside interference by other countries, and as the 21st century progresses we will see the continued pillage of African resources to feed the global capitalist machine on an unprecedented scale. Corrupt and greedy regimes gladly sell their land and mineral wealth to finance their own extravagant lifestyles while the vast majority of ordinary people see little or no improvement in their own lives. An autonomous Africa run by the people for the people, where African land is predominantly used to feed African people and Africa’s vast wealth of resources is used to benefit the people of Africa seems the only logical way forward. Autonomous Africa’s goal is to highlight this message and here presents to you four tracks of African-inspired grooves.”

Autonomous Africa III (available to preview along with a tracklist below) is due out in late July/August on 12″ vinyl with digital to follow, and a compilation album of music from throughout Africa is also reportedly in the works for release later in the year.

A1) Midland – Safi
A2) General Ludd – Burning Mack
AA1) Auntie Flo – Daabi
AA2) JD Twitch – Maya