- The many sounds of London—and the African diaspora—from the Rhythm Goddess.
- "All my life, I've gone back and forth between North and East London," Karen Nyame KG said in a new mini-doc about her studio process. "These areas are multicultural [...] you just become a sponge for that type of energy." More than two decades into her career, these parts of the UK capital remain a defining influence on The Rhythm Goddess, whose music weaves together ideas from across London and the diaspora, blending R&B and soul with global dance music forms.
A leading face of London's hybrid club sound, KG's style is seductive and luxurious. Her excellent productions, which span UK funky, amapiano and East Coast club, have a velvety touch, as if cut from high-end fabric. Her ear for smoky, sultry grooves, showcased on her Rhythm In The City party-turned-label, is impeccable, and her tracks have become more song-oriented, ranging from sultry to braggadocious. Her classy DJ mixes are a study in bounce and mood, incorporating highlife, Afrotech and dubby rollers.
Since re-entering the club circuit in 2018 after a six-year hiatus, KG has become a role model for women talents in the electronic music world. Her stance on racial and gender disparities within the industry has helped orchestrate safer spaces in music, helping aspiring Black creatives in the process. KG's RA Podcast is nothing short of sexy, loaded with swung rhythms and lithe drums across gqom, Afrohouse and jazzy deep house. It radiates a level of confidence and intimacy that can only come from years of vision—and a constant passion for sensual, rhythmic music.
What have you been up to recently?
Session hopping non-stop! I have been a complete studio nerd for the past couple of months, focusing on music production work for myself and other amazing artists. Loads of new music in the inventory. I am loading up for the summer. ☺
How and where was the mix recorded? And can you tell us the idea behind it?
Recorded this mix at The Halley in Haggerston, they have incense, mood lighting and plants. (Vibe activated!) The aura of that studio is always set right. This mix is ancestral, rhythmic. I go quite deep in the pockets with this. If you need an energy lift, please press play.
What's one club or party that had a major impact on you as an artist?
Past and present, I have felt completely nourished after playing with and for these collectives; Touching Bass, BBZ London, Nightslugs, Deviation and Eglo Records.
You've always spoken out on misogyny and racism in the music industry—have you observed any progress in recent years?
I believe progress is being made to address misogyny and racism in the industry, but it is slow and incremental. I do believe us as marginalised folks are now able to mobilise in ways that were not possible before, which is great. However, access brings resistance. I am reminded of this resistance every now and then. We still have a long way to go before we can achieve any sort of systemic reform.
Your production seems to embrace more melody and mood these days rather than heavy percussion of earlier years. Are you trying to push a softer, emotional sound?
I am currently in love with the era of emotional song-making and production that I am experiencing. It seems to be the season for me. I have plans to release some darker, more powerful and percussion-heavy tracks this year, one of which is titled "Ritual" and is featured in this mix. I enjoy toggling between the dualities of light and dark. My artistic expression is dictated by life so I operate within seasons. I love switching between dirty dub tracks and the saddest love songs. My music is always provocative in one way or another, and that excites me!
What's one social or political cause you want the world to pay more attention to?
The world is in flames so listing one simply isn’t enough [screams]. Poverty, health care availability and resource, trans rights, child labour, asylum and migration, (again) the decline in human rights protections—I could really go on.
What are you looking forward to in the near future?
Expanding my catalogue by collaborating with artists and producers. am excited to continue creating culturally impactful, timeless music. Additionally, I aim to grow my label, Rhythm In The City. I also have plans to produce, curate more KG live experiences and perform longer, dynamic DJ sets.
トラックリストDJ Kent feat. Malehloka Hlalele - Falling - (Karen Nyame KG Remix) [Unreleased]
Apple - The African Man Said GO!
Stimming - People Do
Funky Qla & Dlala Thukzin - Dark or Durban
DJ Supa D - Roller
Karen Nyame KG - The Remedy (Dub Instrumental)
Eltonnick - Hunting KS
DJ Lag & Mr Nation Thingz - Hade Boss (feat. K.C Driller)
Karen Nyame KG - Ritual [Unreleased]
Da Capo - DANCING IN THE VILLA
Bok Bok - Duetto Part 2 v19 BBL
KK - Fosu - Obaa Paa (Hagan Remix)
Mxshi Mo x Hagan - African Technology [WIP]
Culoe De Song - Rambo (Dub)
Da Capo - KELAYA
Manoo - The Dub
ElementSouls - Control
Brazo Wa Afrika - Soul Faya (feat. Mac Z)
Caiiro - Tiki
Kings of Tomorrow - Take Me Back (feat. April) [Atjazz Afrotech Remix]
Dennis Ferrer - Transitions
DJ Polo - Doldrums (Deeper Dub)
El Prevost - Choose You (Wbeeza Remix)