Incognito founder Jean-Paul “Bluey” Maunick announces the arrival of Music. Magic. Ironic., the band’s 20th studio album—another expansive double release featuring 17 tracks. Issued on Bluey’s own label, Splash Blue, in partnership with Splash Music Productions, the album lands 24 December in Japan and 25 December worldwide, perfectly timed for the holiday season.
Bluey explains that the heart of Music. Magic. Ironic. reaches back to his childhood in Mauritius. He recalls watching sugar cane workers collapse onto the beach after long, punishing days in the sun—only to be transformed by the arrival of local musicians. With nothing more than a bottle, a fork, a spoon, hand drums, and clapping hands, the players conjured something powerful enough to lift exhausted bodies into joyful dancing. As a child, Bluey mistook “magic” for “music”—a misunderstanding that, in hindsight, was no misunderstanding at all.
From the age of five, inspired most of all by a desire to heal his grandmother, he felt a clear calling: to ease people’s burdens through music. Music. Magic. Ironic. is the latest chapter in that lifelong mission. Joined by a brilliant lineup of Incognito collaborators—Joy Rose, Tony Momrelle, Natalie Duncan, Cleo Reign Stewart, Maysa, Megan Khan, Imaani, Zebulon Ellis, Richard Bull, Charlie Allen, Chicco Allotta, Trevor Mires, Alistair White, Sid Gauld, Ryan Quigley, Paul Booth, Andy Ross, Graham Harvey, Francis Hylton, Francesco Mendolia, João Caetano, Mo Hausler, Drew Wynen, Max Beesley, Kevin Robinson, Ski Oakenfull, Simon Grey, Simon Hale, Richard Spaven, Everton Nelson, Ian Humphries, Natalia Bonner, Warren Zielinski, Marianne Haynes, Richard George, Charlie Brown, Louisa Fuller, Bruce White, Reiad Chibah, Chris Worsey, Ian Burdge, Phillipa Mo, Dave Larkin, Gillon Cameron, Dave Williams, Penny Ainscow, Ivana Cetkovic, Virginia Slater, Fiona Leggett, Nathanael Horton, and Bluey himself—the album radiates collective joy and creative energy. Graphic design comes from Mitchybwoy, accompanied by photography from Amanda Searle.
At 68, Bluey continues to practice what he calls “the magic of music,” even while facing Parkinson’s and Osteoporosis. These challenges have only strengthened his drive to create and to help others navigating similar diagnoses. Though he began his journey wanting to heal the world, he now finds himself healed by the very force he has dedicated his life to. “Isn’t that ironic?” he reflects.
Bluey invites listeners everywhere to let music elevate their spirits, restore balance, and carry them through difficult moments. On behalf of the entire Incognito family, he shares warm wishes for the year’s end—and hopes that Music. Magic. Ironic. finds a joyful home in the hearts of listeners around the world.
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