Gaika shares first single from new audio-visual project ‘War Island’

Music

London-based artist Gaika has shared the first single ‘Zatoichi’ from his new audio-visual project War Island.

The soundtrack and visual art installation launched at its home, London’s ICA, and will run until the full project is released in January.

With Gaika in the role of narrator, War Island tells the story of a picture not yet made, offering a glimpse into his journey through the business of rap, art and never compromising.

Made in collaboration with his regular partners AArt and Endless Felix Lee, the project draws parallels to the storylines of films like John Woos 1986 thriller ‘A Better Tomorrow’ or the eponymous ‘Zatoichi 2003 revival’.

The production is cinematic and gritty, filled with strings and analog synths, all driven by Gaika’s powerful commentary that’s ‘dripped in loss and in glory, braggadocio and labyrinthine imagery and above all truth’.

Hailing from Brixton, Gaika’s fresh take on elements of grime, dancehall, garage and hip hop, and his unflinching approach to exploring political and societal subjects, has solidified his position as a singular artist.

Zatoichi is out now. War Island will be released via TSE in January 2022.