Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
Purchasable with gift card
£5GBP or more
Compact Disc (CD) + Digital Album
Printed CD comes in an eco-friendly page cardboard case with a note from the artist and beautiful artwork. The front cover and CD face are designed by Sophie Bass Illustration with the inside and back cover from the Blackbird single designed by Jasmine Thompson Illustration.
Includes unlimited streaming of We Fly
via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
We Fly is the embodiment of Ngaio’s musical, political and spiritual influences. A versatile artist, known for her bass-heavy DJ sets to her powerhouse vocal range, she delivers an EP oozing with intricate jazz harmonies, African percussion and truth-laden spoken word. Ngaio confronts the politics of black bodies, whilst poetically unravelling her mixed-race identity, in a five-track EP housing a lifetime of lived experiences.
Ngaio is a testament to what happens when poignant lyricism meets soulful instrumentals. Green Eyed Queen receives her full jazzy blues treatment: its foot-tapping bass and piano licks delivers Afro-Cuban stabs that will inevitably make you sway. Meanwhile, full of wisdom and courage, she challenges historical notions of what it means to be a black woman in Blackbird. As the closing track released last month, it leads you on a journey through nine minutes of pure emotion and fiery passion. With strong influences from Portishead to Fela Kuti, it is an ode to the seemingly long-forgotten history of the African diaspora’s prosperity. Hail Mary has a distinct bluegrass feel, taking you from feet-stomping to hip-swinging, while Objectify is a homage to her Bristol identity with trip-hop influences from Massive Attack.
Born in London, but Bristol-based for the last twenty years, Ngaio is a groundbreaking artist whose artistry defies genres. From being the musical director of Bristol’s wildly eclectic Bass Choir, she is also the founder of DJ collective Booty Bass, which continues to make big waves in Bristol and the UK festival scene over the last 12 months. As part of her mission to educate and elevate other womxn, Ngaio has also hosted workshops in partnership with Saffron for organisations like the Prince’s Trust and Black Girl Convention.
Performances so far this year included Glastonbury, Boomtown, Strawberries and Creem, Nozstock, NASS, Love Saves The Day, Shambala and Afro Fest, as well as appearances on Rinse FM, Flex FM, 1020 Radio and Noods Radio.
We Fly is released as part of Saffron’s PRSF-supported Artist Development Programme, with Ngaio also set to release a remix EP through Bristol bass-music legends, Durkle Disco.
Ngaio is a force to be reckoned with. More than just a singer.
NGAIO draws influence from all walks of life which can be
heard through her music, words and song selections. Whether as a singer, lyricist or DJ, every outing is grounded in journey, discovery and community.
UK producer Run Bass offers a trio of lithe, jazz-influenced numbers perfect for slow dancing on a humid Saturday night. Bandcamp New & Notable Jul 15, 2022