NikNak is an award-winning turntablist, producer and presenter based in Leeds, who is just at home mixing funk and hip-hop as she is dubstep and d&b, and as comfortable putting together experimental ambient works as she is interviewing icons for her The Narrative podcast. She was named as one of DJ Mag’s Artists to Watch in 2022.
Her new album, ‘Sankofa’, is out now, and tells the story of a young Black woman’s self-realisation and discovery of superpowers. The concept is a result of her research into Afrofuturism, Black spirituality, comic book characters and faith. These themes were then combined with the artist’s Oram Award-winning turntablism and production skills, incorporating deep melodic synth work, orchestral elements and field recordings into an experimental mix.
Speaking about the album’s title, NikNak: “Often symbolised by a bird looking back over its shoulder, Sankofa is a spiritual principle derived from the Akan people of Ghana; that one should remember the past to make positive progress in the future”. The release was first created during her time on 2021’s Sound Generator R&D programme in 2021.
“Sankofa serves as a way for all Black womanhood within the diaspora and beyond to further accept and grow within themselves without apology, to not forget the power, mysticism and beauty that resides within and from their ancestors, whilst uniquely taking up as much space as possible,” she continued. “Sankofa sends a message that Blackness and femininity are so much more than stereotypes often alluded to.”
NikNak’s Selections encompass a similarly rich palette, from ambient sound designs and jazz-infused hip-hop into high-def club experiments. Dig in below.
