Nan Kolé - Malumz

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  • Nan Kolè is best known as the digital digger who found gqom via an internet wormhole and founded a label, Gqom Oh!, devoted to its dissemination. As a producer, he has collaborated on a track with Wallwork on a Black Acre EP, but Malumz is his solo debut. It features two originals with remixes from Citizen Boy and Formation Boyz. It's no surprise gqom is Malumz's biggest influence. And, as might be expected with an EP from a new artist, the remixes are the strongest tracks. They both capture the single-minded, mantric energy we've come to expect from gqom. On his remix of the title track, Citizen Boy lays hypno-bass drones high in the mix, while Formation Boyz use every element as percussion. "Malumz"—apparently the Zulu word for "uncle," an affectionate nickname Kolé earned in Durban—starts with a gqom formula of militaristic drums and samples that echo with dark resonance. But instead of allowing funk to emerge, the Italian producer builds up the layers, which are both intriguing and arbitrary in their juxtapositions. "Bayefal" feels less specific to gqom, but it still aims for South African house. Bouncier and more cohesive, Kolé does a better job of keeping it from wandering away.
  • Tracklist
      A1 Bayefal A2 Malumz (Tribute To Gqom Oh!) B1 Malumz (Citizen Boy Remix) B2 Malumz (Formation Boyz Remix)
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