Gorillaz have unleashed a bold new single, "The Manifesto," marking an exciting chapter in their musical journey. But here's where it gets controversial: this sprawling seven-minute track blends diverse influences and posthumous verses, challenging listeners to rethink the boundaries of genre and collaboration. Dive into the details of this captivating release below.
"The Manifesto" is the second advance from Gorillaz's eagerly anticipated ninth studio album, The Mountain, which is scheduled to drop on March 20th, 2026. Fans can already pre-order the album, building anticipation after the initial announcement in early September was accompanied by the release of the first single, "The Happy Dictator." This new track continues to explore central themes of life’s cyclical nature and what lies beyond — subjects that the band has threaded throughout the album.
Argentine rap sensation Trueno lends his dynamic voice to "The Manifesto," delivering poignant Spanish lyrics that translate to an introspective reflection on uncertainty and embracing the unknown: “I don’t know what tomorrow holds / When I heed the light that’s calling me / Baby, my future is demanding me / I walk toward the light / I have nothing to lose.” These lines evoke a sense of surrender and courage in facing the future, enriching the track's emotional depth.
Adding to the depth is a haunting posthumous verse from Detroit’s late rapper Proof, known for his close ties with Eminem. His freestyle, captured moments before a recording session, brings raw energy and a poignant weight with lines like, “You aren’t ready for death / Until I showed up, hold breath / Until you blow the on one set.” The inclusion of Proof invites listeners to consider the fragility of life and the immediacy of each moment.
Musically, "The Manifesto" is a rich tapestry. It features the sarod mastery of brothers Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash, who uphold a seventh-generation tradition from the famed Gwalior musical school. The song also shines with the vibrant brass sounds of the Jea Band Jaipur, an ensemble renowned for enlivening Indian weddings since 1936. Completing the aural palette are bansuri player Ajay Prasanna and The Mountain Choir, led by Vijayaa Shanker, whose voices soar throughout the track. This mix of traditional Indian instruments and contemporary hip-hop elements invites listeners into a powerful cultural fusion.
To celebrate "The Manifesto" and their upcoming album, Gorillaz are embarking on a UK and Ireland arena tour starting on March 21st, 2026, in Manchester. The tour will hit major cities including Birmingham, Glasgow, Leeds, Cardiff, Nottingham, Liverpool, Belfast, and Dublin. The band will culminate their run with a standout headline performance at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on June 20th, 2026, featuring support from Sparks and Trueno. It’s a not-to-be-missed opportunity for fans to experience the new material live. Tickets are already available.
Additionally, Gorillaz will appear at the renowned Primavera Sound festival in 2026, sharing the stage with legends like The Cure, Massive Attack, and My Bloody Valentine, as well as contemporary stars such as Doja Cat and Father John Misty. This diverse lineup promises a festival filled with boundary-pushing acts.
Here is the full list of Gorillaz’s 2026 tour dates:
- 03/21 – Manchester, UK @ Co-op Live*
- 03/22 – Birmingham, UK @ bp pulse LIVE*
- 03/24 – Glasgow, UK @ OVO Hydro*
- 03/25 – Leeds, UK @ First Direct Arena*
- 03/27 – Cardiff, UK @ Utilita Arena*
- 03/28 – Nottingham, UK @ Motorpoint Arena*
- 03/29 – Liverpool, UK @ M&S Bank Arena*
- 03/31 – Belfast, UK @ SSE Arena*
- 04/01 – Dublin, IE @ 3Arena*
- 06/20 – London, UK @ Tottenham Hotspur Stadium^
- = with Trueno
^ = with Sparks and Trueno
So, what do you think about this blend of traditional Indian classical music with urban rap and posthumous verses? Is Gorillaz redefining collaboration, or are they risking the coherence of their sound? Share your take in the comments below — is "The Manifesto" a manifesto for music’s future or just a bold experiment that might divide fans?
