Nok Cultural Ensemble

Nok Cultural Ensemble is a collective lead by Mobo award winning Nigerian-British musician/producer Natcyet Wakili -fka Edward Wakili-Hick -(Chronixx, Angelique Kidjo, Protoje, Cleo Sol, Nduduzo Makhathini, Sons of Kemet, Nala Sinephro, Steam Down, Kokoroko).

A fluid and evolving collective, they have captivated audiences and built a loyal following in sold out venues and festivals throughout the UK and Europe including The Barbican Centre, Village Underground (Brick Lane Jazz Festival), We Out Here Festival Main Stage, Outfest (Portugal), Le Guess Who Festival (Netherlands), and Kings Place Concert Hall (London Jazz Festival).

Njhyi, the critically acclaimed debut album, was awarded Guardian Contemporary Album of the Year. It features an impressive line up of Natcyet’s longtime collaborators including Theon Cross, Angel Bat Dawid, Joseph Deenmamode (Mo Kolours), Nubya Garcia, Watusi 87, Zarak, Dwayne Kilvington (Wonky Logic) and Onome Edgeworth (Kokoroko). 

The live ensemble has since grown and evolved, with 2 new records on the way for 2025, including Ras Asheber (Misty in Roots), Richard Olatunde-Baker (Mulatu Astatke), Marcus Joseph, Richie Seivwright (Kokoroko) and Shanise Hall (Tomorrow’s Warriors).

Their sound is based on a forward thinking array of Afro-diasporic percussive traditions and traditional horn/flute arrangements. Glitching beats unfold on African timelines, expressed through free jazz sensibilities which extend the futuristic pulse of dub technologies.