Research activities

Nicole Raymond

NikNak is an award-winning artist from London and based in Leeds, UK.

As a dynamic music creative with experimental albums and tracks/remixes on Come Play With Me, Kynant Records, OTONO, Reel Long Overdub under her belt, NikNak regularly redefines and expands upon her role as a ground-breaking multidisciplinary artist. Previously mentored by Shiva Feshareki, Anna Meredith and Supriya Nagaranjan, NikNak became the first Black Turntablist in history to win the illustrious Oram Award in 2020, been featured in publications such as Mixmag, Resident Advisor, Yorkshire Evening Post, Electronic Sound Mag, and DJ Mag, and received support from Arts Council, Brighter Sound, Launchpad, Sound UK, Sound and Music, and PRS.

Listed as one of DJ-Mag’s “Ones To Watch in 2022”, NikNak continues to build upon her vast DJ-ing experience having blown audiences away with her eclectic DJ sets at festivals like Wilderness, We Out Here, Leeds International Festival, Bestival and more…

NikNak has also played with/supported iconic artists/DJs such as Mr Scruff, Madlib, Awesome Tapes From Africa, Akala, Grandmaster Flash, Bradley Zero, Princess Nokia and more…

Within the realm of radio, NikNak is well-versed as both a presenter and producer with her monthly show Melanin on Worldwide FM. Previously, she's also cut her teeth on popular stations such as BBC Radio Leeds, Refuge Worldwide, Subtle FM, Swu.FM, Threads Radio, Narr Radio, Jazz FM and Demon FM.

NikNak has also ventured into the world of podcasting via The Narrative podcast that opens a safe space for Black non-male creatives to express openly about their worlds. NikNak also has been rapidly increasing her experience in theater music production, composition and sound design, and has worked on productions such as Dracula and Princess and the Pea at Leeds Playhouse.

As the resident Turntablist of the group, NikNak is also a member of TC And The Groove Family, a bold UK-based 10-piece collective that explores grooves and genres from around the world in their music together.

Image credit:  Sophie Jouvenaar