I was first aware of Falle Nioke back in 2021 when he collaborated with Sir Was on the single ‘Wonama Yo Ema’ and Ghost Culture on the tracks ‘Leywole’ and ‘Badiare’. Since then, the singer/percussionist from Guinea Conakry in West Africa has settled in Margate and formed the band Pigeon who released the incredible album Outtanational earlier this year.
But Nioke is never a man to stand still he has now collaborated with French ‘synth dub explorers’ Froid Dub, the duo of Parisian producers F.M. and Fa_Fane. The track ‘Happiness’ is the first release from their sonic union and the first track from their forthcoming Yam Soup EP.
As a lover of dub, ‘Happiness’ hits the sweet spot. As laidback and assured as Sly & Robbie with a languid beat that inspires a gentle sway. It’s full of elements that slide in and out such as the ‘Mission: Impossible’ vibe of the keyboard’s melody line and Falle Nioke’s voice in, what he says is the “Lee “Scratch” Perry moment”, where he can be heard talking to himself while warning against all the mistakes to avoid when recording vocals in the studio. No mistakes on show here though, and when Nioke starts singing at the halfway point the gentle cadence of his voice adds even more bounce to the mix.
This is a great herald for the EP which is being released digitally and on limited edition green vinyl on 22 January through PRAH Recordings. With Outtanational getting great reviews and a Pigeon tour coming up in December and January 2027 (dates below) this is a great time for Falle Nioke; and rightfully so.
Falle Nioke: Instagram | Bandcamp | Youtube
Froid Dub: Instagram | Bandcamp | Threads | Facebook
02 December – The Dome, London, UK (SOLD OUT)
03 December – Strange Brew, Bristol, UK (SOLD OUT)
2027
07 January – The Drill Shed, Margate, UK
21 January – The Lantern, Bristol, UK
22 January – Brudenell Social Club, Leeds, UK
23 January – YES Pink Room, Manchester, UK
28 January – Village Underground, London, UK
29 January – Bodega, Nottingham, UK
30 January – Arts Centre, Norwich, UK
Review by Paul F Cook
Keep up to date with all new content on Joyzine via our
Facebook | Bluesky | Instagram | Mailing List