Lunchtime Talk: NikNak’s ‘Inner Ireti’

Hear directly from NikNak about the Inner Ireti installation – delving into the motivation and creative process behind the work with Ash Doherty, Festival Manager of Leeds Jazz Festival. The first listen of Inner Ireti will commence straight afterwards!

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 installation in the Central Court of Leeds Art gallery will offer audiences the space to experience the work in a new light.

This work will run from:

Thursday 23rd May: 1 – 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.