&friends is the musical concept and brainchild of New York based Sean Thomas. Drawing the breadth of his inspiration for these musical works from the African Diaspora, Thomas had a vision to create a project embodying tradition, culture and community culminating in the coining of &Friends.


Through a journey fueled by passion, determination and drive, Sean Thomas set out to foster meaningful connections first with his best friend and music producer, Michael Scheinker, as well as with creators all over the continent of Africa.

Chosen family is a finite cornerstone of the &friends project.


The stories that can be told through the beat of the drum. This concept is at the heart of the musical path of &friends, through a meaningfully curated assortment of African collaborators, the mission of each song is to empower and amplify the voices, and tell the story of impassioned creators. The growing bank of productions slated for release tell the stories of creators and songwriters such as Phina Asa, Oluwadamvic, Tolulope Sodunke, and many more.


Sean Thomas from an early age took an interest in the systemic flaws surrounding African-American culture in the United States - inspiring one of the primary prerogatives of &friends to tell the stories of global voices. His introduction to dance music was inspired by the Latin and world house sounds, deeply moved by the way beats and rhythm drive movement.


Through a thoughtfully produced, and artfully composed compilation of works, &friends is set to make an impact on the music community through a holistic, multifaceted approach; and further the mission that sound unites us all from every corner of the globe.