Falle Nioke & Ghost Culture - Youkounkoun EP - PRAH Recordings

Falle Nioke & Ghost Culture have announced Youkounkoun, their debut collaborative EP, released 10th July via PRAH Recordings. Opening track “Barké” – which, in English, means “blessing” – is included here with a remix from Abel Ray of Marrakech's Medina Records. “Where I grew up, we say you have two get blessings from you parents,” explains Falle Nioke. “It is not something money can buy. One of my friends told me he couldn't understand why he was struggling, why he couldn’t succeed in business and why no opportunities were coming his way.“There was an old man listening to us talking who asked, ‘do you have parents?' My friend said that he did. The man said to go and visit them and when you see them working you must help them. Give them a hand and once you do that you will get a blessing. That is a secret of this life.” FALLE NIOKE is a singer and percussionist from Guinea Conakry, West Africa. Youkounkoun is the name of his village, where the Coniagui live. Their language is also called Coniagui. Additionally, he sings in French, English, Susu, Fulani and Malinke, and plays a range of cultural African instruments to accompany his voice (gongoma, Bolon, Cassi).Since arriving in the UK two years ago, after a period travelling around West Africa, singing with a troupe of musicians and learning different cultural rhythms, the 33 year old has been making music with a number of producers, including Johan Hugo, Congo Natty, Sir Was and Ghost Culture.His live solo show is a soulful performance of his own creation in a traditional African style, although often performs with Alabaster De Plume, Congo Natty and the band Soma World. Falle Nioke now looks set to build on his significant fan base in Guinea by signing to London label PRAH Recordings. Collaborator GHOST CULTURE (James Greenwood)’s masterful use of electronics portray a beguiling musical landscape, one inspired equally by Arthur Russell and Elliot Smith as much as LFO or Aphex Twin. Nearly five years since its release via Erol Alkan’s Phantasy Sound label, his debut LP still proves to be a hugely satisfying and charismatic trip. Celebrated as Critic’s Choice in The Guardian Guide, it earned similar plaudits from outlets including The Observer, The Times, Mixmag and The Quietus, who hailed it as “one of the best and most confident debuts in years.” He continues to have a wide impact on the culture of UK electronic music, owing to his ongoing production work with artists such as Daniel Avery and Kelly Lee Owens.