Listen: Theophilus London – Rio (ft. The Menahan Street Band)

Theophilus London is back with his new single, ‘Rio’, featuring fellow Brooklynites Menahan Street Band, who add their characteristic jazz-funk groove to the ultra-smooth track. “I went to Rio in 2010,” says Theophilus. “The trip gave me so much energy, and I met so many amazing people that it inspired me to make a song in Rio’s honour”.

A Pina Colada for the ears, the track encapsulates the sultry, tropical rhythms of Brazil, and is “an introduction to the vibe (he’s) taking for (his) next still untitled full-length”. It is released via iTunes on 16 April and will probably stand a better chance at doing well after the impending one-day heatwave we’re hoping for here on Sunday (aka summer).

We can expect an equally sexy video, knowing Theophilus, especially after he tweeted while filming the video in Rio that he would like some local Brazilian ladies to join him on the shoot.