JUST IN: Blankson - Fela's Groove

Entitled ‘Fela’s Groove’, the title track is an ode to the producer’s Nigerian heritage and a homage to his musical hero, Fela Anikulapo Kuti. Often referred to simply as ‘Fela’, he rose to prominence in the 1970s and is still regarded as Africa’s most famous musician. The track features elements from the Afrobeat pioneer’s 1975 classic, ‘Everything Scatter’ and is a meditative 9 minute roller. The B side, ‘Black, No Sugar’ is a more pared down affair for those with a penchant for the moodier sounds of electronic music in four-to-the-floor format. 51-53’s sophomore EP was originally set to be released on vinyl and digital on what would have been Kuti’s 82nd birthday in October, but due to sample clearance delays, it will now be released on Friday 11th December. Designed by visual artist Rafi Spangenthal, the EP’s artwork features an emergent Nasturtium African Queen, a flower considered a symbol of optimism, emblematic of the label’s purpose. 51-53 is an independent queer-focused record label aiming to increase visibility of queer artists and diversity in electronic music. Named after the Stonewall Inn’s original address in New York City, the London based imprint takes on the rebellious spirit of that day in 1969 that marks the start of the Gay rights movement. 51-53 sets out to pay tribute to the musical legacy of queerness and will be a beacon for LGBTQ+ people who identify with bold dance-floor centric electronic music. Blankson is the DJ and producer pseudonym of Fab Goualin, a vinyl enthusiast who’s been spinning records for ten years. An avid electronic music fan above all, his wide ranging taste and interest in different genres bubble through his productions in a distinct way which he attributes to his diverse upbringing. Born and raised to a French-Nigerian household in West London, Goualin went to university in Nottingham cutting his electronic music teeth running a night at The Bodega before working for Resident Advisor in Berlin where he really honed his ears and music knowledge.