Powerhouse LA-based DJ/producer Sam Blacky partners with Grammy-nominated African singer-songwriter hailing from Nigeria, Niniola, for their new single “Ronaldinho,” which celebrates the former’s love for afro house and the latter’s Nigerian history in a dynamic, soulful sonic journey. Sam has long loved pushing the boundaries of dance music and breaking music genres’ molds, and over the past few years, it’s become apparent that her true passion lies in creating globally-inspired, dance-worthy records. “Ronaldinho” is a shining example of this with its undulating, deep basslines, percussive instrumentals, and ethereal melodies courtesy of Sam, while Niniola‘s shining vocals truly turn the song into a spiritual listening experience. With the summer festival season just heating up, “Ronaldinho” is about to be heard on the beach, the festival stage, and the club dance floors around the world. The track is out now on Easier Said, which finds Sam exercising her artistic freedom by once again joining a formidable roster of forward-thinking artists such as Barclay Crenshaw, Life on Planets, Maya Jane Coles, Party Pupils, and Todd Terry.
“As the years have passed, my passion has become more and more integrated with what we know as afro house. When the opportunity came up to work with one of the original, most iconic singers in that realm, all the way from Nigeria, there was no question. I heard what Niniola had done with the vocals for Ronaldinho and knew I had to make this song with her. Having someone who is such an amazing storyteller, with such an incredible voice, who has lived this life through and through brings an entirely different message and meaning to the music.” – Sam Blacky
Sam Blacky
Sam Blacky is a multitalented DJ, Producer, and Cultural Icon from San Diego, USA. She spent several years in Australia, where she first fell in love with producing music and performing live. Since moving back to the US, music, performing, and fashion have taken a front seat in her life. Performing since 2017, she’s graced the stages from Mexico to Ibiza, Bali to Europe, and some of the world’s premier electronic music festivals and clubs. Since her first self-released EP in 2021, Sam has released on esteemed labels such as Repopulate Mars, Terms & Conditions, Easier Said, Thrive Music, and Hood Politics. Her standout remix of “Gaslight” for Grammy-nominated Inji was a viral sensation. Sam‘s signature style of blending Afro-House, Latin House, and everything in between is connecting with global audiences and has earned her the coveted 1001 Tracklists‘ “Future of Dance” producer list two years in a row. Her latest release – “Amor,” was remixed by Brazilian producer Illusionize and cemented her place worldwide as a one to watch.
Sam Blacky‘s forthcoming dates:
May 26 – Brooklyn, NY – We Belong Here
Jun 05 – Los Angeles, CA – Academy LA
Jun 08 – Montréal, QC – New City Gas
Jun 22 – San Diego, CA – Horizon Music Festival
Jun 23 – Long Beach, CA – Day Trip Festival
Jul 06 – Kristiansand, NO – Palmesus Festival
Niniola
Niniola participated in several social activities and competitions. She finished third runner-up in the sixth season of Project Fame West Africa. Niniola released her debut single – “Ibadi,” on 19 March 2014. The song received positive reviews, topped national music charts, and gained extensive airplay. Her singles “Ibadi” and “Gbowode” were included in the soundtrack for season 2 of “Gidi Up.” Niniola was nominated in the Most Promising Act to Watch category at the 2015 Nigeria Entertainment Awards. In 2017, Niniola went on to release another single titled “Maradona,” which went on to become a global hit. “Maradona” enjoyed a good 13 weeks on the South African charts and was at the No.1 spot for over 6 weeks. It also earned Niniola a BET Awards and SAMA nominations. Since then, Niniola has gone on to receive nods from international heavyweights like Drake, Timbaland, and others. In 2019, elements of the single were sampled on “The Lion King: The Gift Album” by Beyoncé on the track “Find Your Way Back,” where she also appeared as a songwriter and composer of the song, which has gone on to get Niniola a Grammy nomination. In April 2020 and later in June 2021, she received her 1st, 2nd Grammy nomination certificate for her work as a composer. In June 2021, she’s got inducted into the Grammy Recording Academy Class of 2021. In July 2021, Niniola‘s single, “Maradona” was certified gold in South Africa by the Recording Industry of South Africa RISA.
