Sly Johnson Returns with Soul: “Mister Johnson” Marks a New Chapter in Jazz, Funk, and Heritage

By: Kimberly Porter| French Soul Artist Sly Johnson | Image:

French Soul Artist Sly Johnson Channels Roots and Rhythm in His Forthcoming Album Mister Johnson

After years of acclaimed collaborations and musical exploration, Sly Johnson returns with Mister Johnson, a deeply personal body of work that fuses his jazz influences with the warmth of Afro-soul and the sensibility of hip-hop. Known for his rich voice and rhythmic finesse, Johnson pays homage to both his heritage and artistic evolution.

His first single, “Na Lingi Yo” (released January 23rd, 2026) sets the emotional tone of the record. The title means “I love you” in Lingala, a nod to his Congolese roots and to his father, whose love for music shaped Sly’s own journey. The track’s lush Afro-soul rhythm, carried by heartfelt vocals and smooth R&B tones, creates a bridge between generations. A visual counterpart, the official music video, premiered February 6th, extending its cinematic warmth to audiences worldwide.🎧 Preview: Na Lingi Yo

Funk, Soul, and 80s Nostalgia

Following that, Johnson will release “Thinkaboutit” on March 6th, which is a funk-inspired track overflowing with groove and attitude. Drawing inspiration from Prince’s flamboyant sensuality and Detroit’s neo-soul innovators like Slum Village, this single invites listeners to dance and reminisce. Preview: Thinkaboutit

“Mister Johnson”: The Artist Refined

The album’s title track, “Mr. Johnson,” distills Sly’s artistic identity — a confident, introspective take on jazz and R&B that highlights his musical depth. It represents a return to authenticity, where stripped-down arrangements let his vocals and storytelling shine. Here, Johnson is every bit the artist he was meant to be: grounded, expressive, and in full command of his craft.

From Saïan Supa Crew to Solo Artistry

Before embracing his solo path, Sly Johnson rose to prominence with Saïan Supa Crew, the trailblazing French hip-hop collective that shaped the early 2000s with their vocal innovation, beatboxing, and lyrical flow. His solo career built upon that foundation, exploring neo-soul, funk, and jazz through albums that revealed his versatility both as a vocalist and a producer. Over the years, he has collaborated with an array of artists across genres from French jazz ensembles to global hip-hop pioneers, all while refining a sound that feels timeless yet distinctly his own.

Live in Paris

Sly Johnson will celebrate Mister Johnson with a special concert at La Maroquinerie in Paris on April 30th, where audiences can experience the full spectrum of his sound that's raw, vibrant, and deeply soulful.

With Mister Johnson, Sly Johnson reaffirms his place as one of the most expressive voices in contemporary soul. The project bridges past and present, uniting his Saïan Supa Crew roots with the maturity of a seasoned performer who has lived, learned, and now leads with authenticity. Each track feels like a conversation between generations, genres, and the heart itself. As the world prepares for the groove and grace of Mister Johnson, one thing is clear: Sly Johnson’s music doesn’t just return; it evolves. And this time, it speaks with wisdom, warmth, and the unmistakable pulse of life. For more, follow Sly Johnson's music here and on Instagram.