Radia #1027 - Lo Gëm, Mu Nekk by Bocar Niang

Members of Radia, the international group of independent cultural radio stations, explore new and forgotten ways of making radio.

Duuu Radio presents a compilation of tracks from the vinyl Lo Gëm, Mu Nekk by the artist Bocar Niang, edited and pressed by Duuu in 2023.

The vinyl is a rap album consisting of 10 tracks. The album explores its musical influences through the variety of languages that resonate within it, including Wolof, English, and French. This musical project is the result of six years of research into writing, composition, and the dissemination of music. The phrase Lo Gëm, Mu Nekk could be translated from Wolof into French as "Advient ce en quoi tu crois" ("Let what you believe in come to pass"). Bocar envisions Lo gëm, mu nekk as a slogan for young Senegalese people, offering hope and courage to Senegalese society, Africa, and its diaspora, who endure the oppressive weight of perpetuated African dictatorships.

Lo Gëm, Mu Nekk calls for dialogue, open-mindedness, and a shift in mentalities. It advocates for friendship, solidarity, and mutual respect among the inhabitants of Earth. Sound art serves as a powerful means to connect and share "good vibes."

Bocar Niang was born a griot in a family of griots in Tambacounda, Senegal. A performer, poet, visual artist, and musician, Bocar Niang is a graduate of Cheikh Anta Diop University (Dakar) and the École Nationale Supérieure d'Arts de Paris-Cergy. He is pursuing a research and artistic creation doctorate within the Radian doctoral program and was a resident at the French Academy in Rome - Villa Medici in 2022–2023. In 2013, he initiated the creation of the music label Free Label in Tambacounda. The Free Label collective works to promote and develop young creative talent from Tambacounda in all its forms.

Credits: Texts and Voice: Bocar Niang aka Bocar Freeman. Beat: Khalil Diougue, Adama Diagne, Florian della Gortiglia. Production: Studio Duuu / La Villette. Sound Recording and Mixing: Mathis Ouidir / Duuu. Mastering: Paul Castillon / *Duuu. Producers: Loraine Baud and Simon Nicaise / Duuu. Co-production: The Bureau of Invisible Hours. Drawing: Pierre Grandclaude. Graphic Design: Alice Bourdelon. Radia Show Compilation: Ariel Nisand & Arthur Bécart.

Special thanks to my friends and loved ones, my parents and griot family, to the actors of urban cultures in Africa and worldwide, to Constance, nekkalante, and LGMN.