Blankson drops debut EP, ‘Fela’s Groove’ on 51-53: Listen

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London based imprint 51-53 will drop its second release on Friday 11th December – a two track EP entitled ‘Fela’s Groove’ from the label’s founder, Blankson.

Under the moniker Blankson, Fab Goualin channels the late Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti in his debut 12” pressing. 

Speaking about the EP, Blankson said:  “2020 has been an important year for Black progression, black heritage and the Black struggle, so this EP was made in the same spirit of protest and perseverance that Fela made his music, which is now more important than ever.“

As a homage to his musical hero and an ode to his own Nigerian heritage, the nine minute title track nods to elements of Kuti’s 1975 classic, ‘Everything Scatter.’ In a stripped down contrast, the B-side, ‘Black, No Sugar’ is a darker sounding four-to-the-floor format. 

The EP’s artwork was designed by visual artist Rafi Spangenthal, featuring an emergent Nasturtium African Queen – a flower symbolising optimism to represent the label’s vision. 

Aimed at increasing visibility of queer artists and diversity in electronic music,  51-53 was launched earlier this year with the ‘Excess EP’ from East London duo, Super Drama. 

Blankson’s ‘Fela’s Groove’ EP will be available to buy here from Friday 11th December. Listen below.