{"title":"Ancient Astronauts","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eProduction duo Ancient Astronauts, consisting of Kabanjak (I. Möll) and Dogu (T. Strauch), hail from Cologne, Germany. With their innovative approach to music production, they have carved a unique space in the industry. Their sound blends elements of hip-hop, funk, soul, and reggae to create captivating tracks that transport listeners on a sonic journey. Known for their meticulous attention to detail and infectious beats, Ancient Astronauts have gained a loyal following worldwide.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSince their formation [in] [the] early 2000s, Ancient Astronauts have released several critically acclaimed albums and EPs that showcase their versatility as producers. Collaborating with an array of talented artists from around the globe, they consistently push boundaries and challenge genre conventions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith their passion for exploring new sounds and fusing diverse musical influences together seamlessly, Ancient Astronauts continue to captivate audiences with their electrifying live performances. Whether you're a fan of hip-hop or world music, this dynamic duo is sure to leave you craving more.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"zik-zak","title":"Zik Zak","description":"\u003cp\u003eOver three years in the making, Zik Zak is an African musical odyssey, featuring some of the freshest talent from nine countries on the mother continent. Tying this remarkable range of artists together are German production team Ancient Astronauts, weaving the vocal talents of the African singers into their distinctive“Boom Dub” sound. Drawing on Hip Hop, Dancehall, Roots Reggae, Bass Music, Soul, Electronica and Breakbeat, the production incorporates live instruments and musical influences from all over Africa and its diaspora. The concept behind all these tracks is Zik Zak (“Zig-Zag” in English), mapping out each artist’s lifeof tragedy and success, in a context of global inequality and ruthless capitalism. It's easy to forget how much harder it is for artists and musicians to survive awayfrom the relative comfort of the richer parts of the world. In their own words: “With Zik Zak, we want to give a platform to young talents from Africa that are too good to ignore – they must be heard internationally. Africa is our motherland too, in the end. Civilization comes from Africa and that ́s where rhythm comes from. After too many years of slavery and exploitation of the African countries, it is time to shine light on the great talent of Mother Africa.” In Zik Zak, particular focus is on the intense and vibrant scene in Uganda, where local, mutant forms of Afrobeats and Dancehall have evolved away from the more familiar, globalized products of Nigeria and Jamaica. Ancient Astronauts established a base and partnership with local studio East African Records, allowing them to dig deep in thewells of talent in Uganda’s capital, Kampala. Elsewhere, they established friendships and musical relationships with enlightened artists as far afield as Mozambique, Nigeria, Tanzania, Kenya, Burkina Faso, Togo, Guinea and Senegal.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Switchstance","offers":[{"title":"Black | LP | x2","offer_id":50473444311371,"sku":"1110444","price":44.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/496910d5-02a6-4d4c-8f77-b0bcbd0732a4_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1727429067"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/collections\/test_768fadd2_thumbnail_4096_fa3e24c2-4914-45b3-9d4d-c994ef26388a.jpg?v=1727429043","url":"https:\/\/shop.roughtrade.com\/collections\/ancient-astronauts.oembed","provider":"Rough Trade","version":"1.0","type":"link"}