Kenya’s urban music wizard, the revolution is real. Regarded by many as one of the most refreshing names in avant-garde electronica, Slikback is synonymous with pure energy. Often linked to the Nyege Nyege collective, the notions of footwork, grime or dubstep are distilled here into a kind of magic potion that turbocharges anyone on the dance floor. He condenses several of these genres, without ever taking them completely, transforming them instead into a mashup of unique interpretations. Known for the fire of his performances, he has also played alongside the likes of MC Yella, Tzusing or Hyph11E – and participated in renowned festivals such as Le Guess Who or Unsound.
Reportedly with hundreds of home recordings completed, the Tomo and Lasakaneku EPs have defined Slikback’s profile and, in turn, his present and future. There we find a cultural heritage of his region, made of polyrhythms and evocative voices. The way he processes this heritage is an art he has mastered, for he knows how to avoid commonplaces and avoid creative dead ends. On the other hand, the sense of disorientation provoked by music is here, above all, an act of liberation – one’s own and with one’s neighbor. A feeling that only in the collective reaches its splendor. And in these times, there could hardly be a better premise for an evening. NA
