Kimyan Law

Kimyan Law

Kimyan Law is the electronic project of Nico Mpunga, a Congolese electronic artist based in Wien. He is born in 1994 and works within drum and bass, electronica, jungle and liquid funk, while also drawing on African musical traditions and his Congolese and Austrian background.

Background and early development

Mpunga grows up in an environment shaped by racial isolation and by being a Black youth in predominantly white settings, and he turns to music for comfort and expression. He begins by making recordings with improvised instruments built from scrap materials, then moves on to wood, glass and his own voice before developing skills on drums, piano, marimba and flute. At 12 he starts exploring electronic music through looping on a PSP, later studies audio engineering and learns quickly enough to teach others.

Music and style

Kimyan Law describes his tracks as “portraits” or “pieces”, and presents music as having mood and imagery rather than as purely technical construction. His work combines African instruments and influences with modern electronic production, creating layered, organic-sounding music rooted in drum and bass but extending beyond its usual structures. His sound is often characterised by tuned percussion, bass-heavy electronics and a cinematic quality.

Releases and recognition

His debut LP, Coeur Calme, appears on Blu Mar Ten Music and is released in 2014. It brings him immediate attention, including a shortlist nomination for Best New Producer at the Drum & Bass Arena Awards and strong placement in year-end album lists. His second LP, Zawadi, follows in 2016 and continues the approach of the first record while expanding its range and contrast.