NikNak’s ‘Inner Ireti’ - Including Installation Launch
Image by Em Obeng
Thursday 23rd May
1pm - 2pm : Launch
2pm - 5pm: open to experience
Leeds Art Gallery - Central Court
Free Entry
NikNak presents an exclusive audio installation at Leeds Art Gallery that merges jazz with electronic & experimental music. The installation will be launched with a talk and DJ set from 1pm - 2pm on Thursday 23rd May, with the first listen of the work commencing after the launch.
Join us for the launch at 1pm, where NikNak will perform a DJ set featuring some of the inspirations behind the work and collaborators that feature on the tracks. You’ll also hear more about the process behind the music creation and NikNak’s journey as an artist!
This installation in the Central Court of Leeds Art gallery will offer audiences the space to experience NikNak’s album ‘Ireti’ in a new light, complete with visuals and the music videos 'for ‘More Life’ and ‘Pandora’s Box’.
NikNak, an innovative artist with a diverse repertoire, captivates audiences through her music and performances. As the first Black Turntablist to win the 2020 Oram Award, she excels in composition, sound design, DJing, and electronic artistry. Hailed as an artist to watch, NikNak delivers unique sonic experiences through turntablism and spatial electronic music production.
Embracing her identity as a self-proclaimed nerd and advocate for diversity, NikNak's forthcoming album Ireti - released on May 21st via Accidental Records, delves into Afrofuturism and explores the intersection of humanity and technology. Inspired by iconic films and video games like 'Blade Runner' and 'Cyberpunk 2077,' the album follows a dystopian narrative, centred around the journey of reclaiming humanity from the grasp of machines.
The album features collaborations with esteemed artists Agaama, Cassie Kinoshi, Chisara Agor, Grifton Forbes-Amos and SlowPitchSound, enhancing its rich and diverse sonic landscape. Through a fusion of turntablism, experimental synthesis, haunting vocals, and dynamic electronic elements, NikNak crafts a cinematic experience that traverses genres like jazz, jungle, experimental and trip-hop.
The album takes the listener through a bleak cyberpunk dystopia to a hopeful resolution where humanity finds harmony with technology. Ireti is a bold statement of artistic vision Through her innovative approach to storytelling and genre-blending soundscapes, NikNak continues to push the boundaries of electronic music while championing diversity and authenticity in the industry.
This work will run from:
Thursday 23rd May: 10am - 5pm
Friday 24th May: 10am - 5pm
Saturday 25th May: 10am - 4pm
Sunday 26th May: 11am - 3pm
Monday 27th May: CLOSED
Tuesday 28th May: 10am - 5pm
This project is made possible with public funding from the National Lottery through Arts Council England.