Not much is known of the mysterious producer Afefe Iku. A protégé of Osunlade, he hails from the ancient island of Manda, near Lamu Town off Kenya's coast, making idiosyncratic electronic music that draws heavily on the natural influences of his surroundings, more often than not with stunning results.

His latest studio album, Order of Direction, is out this week, and is as atypical as we’ve come to expect from this unique musician. In a rare glimpse of his musical background, Afefe picks out five of the records that have influenced him along the way to producing this exquisite body of work.

Jon Hassell – Aka-Darbari-Java
This album is probably the most influential album to date for me. The rhythms are so organic and tribal yet the use and treatment of his trumpet is like something from another world. It’s ambient jazz at its best!


Manuel Gottsching – E2-E4
Probably the most progressive and well-known electronic song of its time, this one played a major in the development in house music artists. From Joe Claussell to Basic Channel, artists have sampled and or used it somehow. Close to one hour in duration it simply grows and develops as his amazing guitar drives a score of plush sounds that excite me every time. It’s one I could never tire of.


Bvdub – Morning Rituals
Such an amazing track, this was my first introduction to Bvdub and I’ve never looked back since, I buy everything he touches even if it’s not in this vein. His use of voices and pounding beats are never in contrast, simply peaceful yet powerful music.


Ian O Brien – Eden
Imagine the sun rising while sipping a cup of tea on a mountain: the air fresh, birds chirping, the smell of dew and that slight calm before the storm. This is what this song does to me. Although only electric piano and slight hand percussion, this takes me inward to a peaceful place.


Kraftwerk – Computer World
What can you say about this album? ‘It’s More Fun to Compute’ and ‘Numbers’ were songs that shaped my childhood: these are the kings of electronic music. Their use of the mini-Moog and ARP Odyssey are incredible and will never be re-created. The true masters of this sound. I imagined while making this album what Kraftwerk would sound like today if they were using the same instruments, they were was the model for Order of Direction.


Order of Direction is out now on Yoruba Records – order from iTunes and Juno