Skunkadelic (UK)

Biography

Skunkadelic is the moniker of Cardiff based Tumi Williams, a trailblazing emcee, artist and educator making giant strides in the UK hip hop scene today. His erudite lyrics and signature rich baritone can be heard across his solo work ‘Musically Drifting’, ‘No Time’ and as a collaborator with the likes of The Allergies, Ty, Stagga, Magugu, Mazbou Q, Mr Woodnote and Band Pres Llareggub. He also fronts the nine piece Welsh afro-funk collective Afro Cluster who are currently working on their eagerly anticipated second album following 2021’s celebrated debut ‘The Reach’. Skunkadelic’s multi-genre aesthetic is always refreshing, taking inspiration from the cerebral sensibilities of jazz rap (ATCQ, The Roots, Guru, The Pharcyde, De La Soul) and blending it with the invigorating sounds of his ancestral Nigeria (Fela Kuti, Tony Allen) culminating in an authentic voice empowered by generations of diverse music.

When ‘The Reach’ arrived in 2021 it was met with rave reviews and national airplay from the likes of BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio 2, BBC 6 Music as well as a great international reaction including praise from Chuck D on his hip hop radio show. Afro Cluster have benefited from many great opportunities since and Skunkadelic continues to write and tour the UK extensively with the group, particularly on the festival circuit with Glastonbury, Womad, SXSW, National Eisteddfod, Greenman, Shambala and Boomtown remembered as stand out moments on their journey. Skunkadelic’s solo output has recently seen the beginning of a new project with Cardiff based producer Mesijo releasing ‘No Time’ in 2021, a catchy exploration of afrobeat, rap and electronica.

He has also taken a very outside-the-box approach with another exciting creative endeavour combining his love of hip hop with what might ordinarily be considered a peculiar form: opera! ‘House of Jollof’ commissioned by Music Theatre Wales and Fio is an imaginative amalgamation of opera, afrobeat, hip hop and live cooking which is presented as a mini pop-up theatre show. On its first national tour it has been very well received and harnesses the talent of multiple actors, musicians, directors, chefs and producers to bring its story to life. This prolific body of work has seen Skunkadelic be selected for the PRSF ‘Power Up’ programme;an initiative supporting black music creators and professionals in the field as they navigate the arts sector. It aims to break down barriers and foster meaningful change in an unbalanced and unfair industry that has needed it for some time!

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