Music / new releases
NGAIO releases cinematic love letter to Africa
NGAIO was first known for her killer DJ skills spanning global bass and electronica, then for founding the hugely popular Booty Bass collective of female and non-binary DJs that has got hips shaking in venues across Bristol and at festivals including Glastonbury, Boomtown and Shambala.
She then turned her attentions to songwriting and production, releasing the Four Quarters EP which she performed live with the help of Ableton Push, handing out empowerment cards at gigs to help spread her message of self-acceptance and confidence.
Now the artist has taken the project full circle, remixing the EP’s four tracks into club-ready tunes designed for the dancefloor.
is needed now More than ever
The first release from Four Quarters Remixed is accompanied by a cinematic journey caught on camera that takes in Ghana, Nigeria and Morocco via stages at Glastonbury and candid moments of NGAIO as she travels the African continent.
The video captures NGAIO’s vibrant connection to Africa, her festival roots, and the underground bass culture that has shaped her artistry.
It was edited by Charlotte Sawyer, director of the critically acclaimed Rave on for the Avon documentary which NGAIO appears on the soundtrack for.
The track is a remix of Hold You Down, a song centred round self-discovery and her own search for a more loving, compassionate way of living.
“This is more than a music video — it’s my journey,” NGAIO explains. “It’s about self-love, self-acceptance and celebrating my mixed-race heritage. A true encapsulation of the last couple of years of my personal and musical journey to find myself and my sound.
“It’s my love letter to the continent of Africa, to bass music, and to every dance floor where I’ve found my community.”
NGAIO’s music is formed from many influences including jazz, bass, club sounds, African rhythms, neo-soul vocals and “a backbone of Bristol’s underground sub spine” – photo: Charley Williams
The Four Quarters Remixed EP will be released on September 4.
Main image: Charley Williams
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