Kanka is a French dub and electronic artist, associated with reggae, dubstep and dub. The act is credited as King Riddim, and the music draws on UK and Jamaican dub while keeping a strong bass-and-drums foundation.

Style and approach

Kanka’s tracks combine fast tempos with heavy bass lines, dynamic drum patterns and electronic sounds. Reggae riddims are a recurring element, but the music is presented in a contemporary dub style rather than a traditional one. The material is described as being built for sound system culture and dancefloor playback.

Releases

The first album, Don’t Stop Dub, appears on Hammerbass Records in 2005. It is followed by Alert in 2006, also on Hammerbass Records. That release spans 12 tracks and is noted for its hard-edged dub sound, with electro elements and roots dub riddims. The discography also includes Every Night’s Dub (self-produced, 2003) and Sub.Mersion (Hammerbass, 2009).

Instruments and recording

On the first two albums, Kanka plays all the instruments. The recordings centre on bass, drums, riddims and electronic textures rather than a large band line-up.

Reception

Don’t Stop Dub gains recognition in the international dub scene and is played by respected sound systems, helping Kanka reach listeners beyond France.