Ata Kak

Brighten The Corners Presents: Ata Kak, the mysterious Ghanaian electronic/rap/highlife icon who kick-started the whole Awesome Tapes From Africa phenomenon.

Ata Kak, the artist behind the cult classic Obaa Sima, crafted a singular blend of highlife, hip-hop and funk in the early ’90s that went largely unnoticed until decades later. Initially released as a DIY cassette in 1994, Obaa Sima fused Twi rap with lo-fi beats and Afro-futuristic flair.

It vanished into obscurity until 2002, when musicologist Brian Shimkovitz found a copy at a roadside stall in Cape Coast, Ghana. This cassette became the inspiration for the Awesome Tapes From Africa blog and was later reissued on the ATFA record label.

“He spits serious rhymes, waxes romantic, and issues lo-fi digital quick-shrieks. It sounds so home-made funky yet spooky, like a warped Prince protege from Africa by way of 1986 Chicago.” - Awesome Tapes From Africa blog

“Its positive shine, relentless energy, and alien earworm choruses feel like a portal to an alternate reality, where the sounds of South Africa’s Shangaan electro, Mali’s Balani Show, Syria’s dabke, British grime, and Portuguese kuduro all sweat together” - FACT

Support comes from Janini.fx and DJ Tom Greig.

Accessibility

Ticket holders are eligible for a free companion ticket. After purchasing your accessibility ticket type, please contact DICE in the help centre to request your free companion ticket. Proof of need will be requested.

Presented by Brighten The Corners.

This is an 14+ event. 14-17s must be accompanied by an adult.