Floyd Lavine’s Afrikan Tales project returns for its first release of 2022 to present the label’s maiden V/A sampler. Across four-tracks, Floyd introduces emerging artists Katimi Ai, Arol $kinzie and ATMokinesis, alongside sharing an inspired new original of his own, ‘Vaseline’.
Stream Floyd Lavine’s ‘Vaseline’: https://spoti.fi/3RmloOh
Afrikan Tales was launched in 2021, with Floyd’s own ‘Storytellers’ EPs 1 & 2 dropping in March and June respectively, garnering acclaim and coverage in BBC Radio 6, The Wire and Vogue Italia.
Dubbing his sound Afrofuturistic techno funk, the EPs were released with Floyd’s clear intention of “exploring my truth, reflecting my environment and finding the unknown in the known.”
Additionally, the label was set up to not only showcase Floyd’s work, but also others from Africa or the African diaspora who have been inspired by the continent. Included in the compilation is Nigerian/Japanese Womb resident Katimi Ai and rising South African producers Arol $kinzie and ATMokinesis, the latter who is an alumni of Bridges For Music a non-profit that empowers under-served communities in South Africa through music.
This is a broad sonic project celebrating African creativity and a chance to take ownership of their own individual stories through music.
Floyd introduces the artists behind the ‘The Afrofuturists’ EP:
Katimi Ai – Take Me Back to 2019
“I met Katimi when I first visited Tokyo in 2019 and she was playing with me on the line-up. We got to hang out and she’s showed me a version of Tokyo – a touch of black Japan. I asked her to send me music she’s been making and she sent this super raw track that only she could make. I’m a fan of her sound, it reflects both her heritage and her roots. ‘Take Me Back to 2019’!”
Arol $kinzie – Ayini
“What I like about Arol $kinzie is that he’s a super determined producer who doesn’t take no for an answer. He first got in touch with me about 4-5 year ago and send me a demo. I liked his sound, but at the time the music he sent wasn’t what I needed, but I told him to keep sending me more. Each year he would send me a demo and it finally clicked with ‘Ayini’. I love the hypnotic, groovy yet futuristic sounding vibe on it. I had to sign it.”
ATMokinesis – Had a Dream About This
“ATMokinesis is a talented young producer from Cape Town. I met him roughly three years ago and ever since he has been sending me music. He finally sent me this sophisticated track and I knew it was right for this project. AtMokinesis is eloquent young producer and I’m excited about his future projects on African Tales.”
Floyd Lavine – Vaseline
“The message of this track is about accepting all aspects of yourself – both the good and the bad – in a non-judgemental life. The imperfect perfection is something that guides me and is a philosophy I want to share with others. I want to come to the world with authenticity at all costs. This creates life, love and beauty.”
Tracklist:
1. Floyd Lavine – Vaseline
2. Arol $kinzie – Ayini
3. ATMokinesis – Had a Dream About This
4. Katimi Ai – Take Me Back to 2019