Blue Lab Beats, the dynamic London-based duo of NK-OK and Mr DM, masterfully blends indie jazz, hip-hop, Afrobeat, and electronica, earning acclaim for their innovative sound and Grammy-winning productions. With a rich cultural heritage and a commitment to social change, they continue to reshape the UK music scene with their eclectic rhythms and engaging collaborations.
Blue Lab Beats is an English, London-based music duo composed of NK-OK (Namali Kwaten) and Mr DM (David Mrakpor). Known for their groundbreaking fusion of genres, they have swiftly risen to become notable figures in the UK jazz and electronic music landscape. With an impressive track record and a Grammy to their name, Blue Lab Beats continue to innovate and elevate their craft.
The dynamic duo first crossed paths at the Weekend Arts College in London during their teenage years. It was around a decade ago that they discovered their mutual musical interests, eventually deciding to officially form Blue Lab Beats. The spark that ignited their collaboration came when David overheard Namali's music and was compelled to join forces, resulting in what we now regard as one of the most promising musical collaborations of recent times.
Blue Lab Beats’ music is an eclectic blend of indie jazz, hip-hop, Afrobeat, and electronica. Their sound is heavily influenced by musical greats such as Fela Kuti, J Dilla, Sampa The Great, and Robert Glasper, which is evident in their laid-back grooves and bass-dominated beats. Their innovative approach resonates through their intricate arrangements and the unique integration of live instrumentation with modern production techniques.
Their journey is marked by a series of impressive achievements. Notably, Blue Lab Beats won a Grammy Award in 2022 for their production on Angelique Kidjo's "Mother Nature" in the Best Global Music Album category. They have also garnered nominations for Best Jazz Act at the MOBO Awards 2021 and three categories at the Jazz FM Awards 2022, including Album of the Year and UK Jazz Act of the Year. With over 84 million streams on Spotify, they have performed at prestigious festivals like Glastonbury and opened for icons such as Roy Ayers and Thundercat.
In their creative pursuits, Blue Lab Beats have collaborated with numerous artists across the music spectrum. Their partnerships include working with Kojey Radical, Nubya Garcia, Poppy Ajudha, Tiana Major9, and Sampa the Great, among others. Beyond collaborations, they have produced tracks for renowned musicians like Angelique Kidjo, Rag'N'Bone Man, and Dua Lipa.
The year 2024 marked a significant milestone for the duo with the release of their latest album "Blue Eclipse" under Blue Note Records. Continuing their journey of musical exploration, they have taken steps towards independence by founding their own label, Blue Adventure Records.
Drawing from their rich Nigerian, Ghanaian, and South African heritage, both members of Blue Lab Beats grew up surrounded by the influences of African musical legends such as Miriam Makeba and Abdullah Ibrahim. Their background deeply informs their music, allowing them to create a sound that celebrates and elevates various African musical styles.
Blue Lab Beats are not just musicians but also advocates for social change. They leverage their platform to foster social activism, with works like "Motherland Journey" serving both as an homage to their African roots and a commentary on contemporary social issues.
Blue Lab Beats' ascension from bedroom producers to Grammy winners underscores their passion, versatility, and the powerful potential of their music to transcend and transform genres.
