​Pa Salieu drops surprise new EP ‘Arikan Rebel’

British-Gambian rapper Pa Salieu is back with part one of a new surprise EP, ‘Afrikan Rebel’.

The three-track EP follows his debut release last year, which saw the rapper rise to fame with features from Mahalia, BackRoad Gee, and M1llionz on his breakthrough record ‘Send Them To Coventry’.

‘Afrikan Rebel’ is a collection of tracks focusing on African history and culture, pulling in West African affiliates Obongjayar, Tay Iwar, and Zlatan to feature across the tracks.

“Fundamentally, Afrikan Rebel is about being proud and loud about where you come from. For me that is Africa... I see the word ‘Rebel’ only in the most positive sense,” said Salieu on the new project.

Read this next: From the dust: The rise of Pa Salieu

“Those figures through history that have fought against the odds to stand up for what they believe in have always intrigued and inspired me. ‘Rebel’ is a mindset that helps keep me strong and I hope I can encourage others to be vocal about their beliefs and stand up for what they feel is right.”

The Mixmag cover star has been at the forefront of the rap scene since his debut record, now receiving nominations for major awards such as the GRM Rated Awards, two Ivor Novello nominations, and has since won the BBC Sound of 2021 through his time in the spotlight.

He continues, “My Afrikan Rebel series is a movement which I hope can allow me to connect with others with a similar mindset and gives a platform for me to experiment with influences and inspirations from my culture and others from the great continent of Africa.”

Read this next: "It's in my blood": Why Pa Salieu is in his own lane in the UK music scene

Pa Salieu also announced details of his upcoming headline tour. Find out more information below, and listen to ‘Afrikan Rebel’.

Tour dates:

Bristol, Thekla - November 22
Manchester, Manchester Academy 3 - November 23
London, O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire - November 24
Leeds, Belgrave Music Hall - November 26
Coventry, Kasbah - November 27
Birmingham, O2 Institute2 Birmingham - November 29
Nottingham, Nottingham Rescue Rooms - November 30

Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Digital Intern, follow her on Twitter