Tradition Meets Tomorrow in Anik Khan’s ONEK, Part 1

PHOTO BY AVANI PATEL

Art has always been less about the end product, and more about the journey that created it. The same could be said for the American experience. In music, few genres encapsulate this truth in the way hip hop can. When Cindy Campbell enlisted her brother Clive, now known as DJ Kool Herc, to DJ her house party at 1520 Sedgwick Ave in the Bronx, few could have predicted the scope of the cultural movement that would follow. Like many forms of art founded in black culture, hip hop’s model of self affirmation proved itself a powerful vehicle for self exploration. As a result, almost every global culture shows its influence in their artistic outputs, with some of the largest emerging markets coming from Asia. With more artists of South Asian descent coming into greater view, few showcase so complete a love for all their influences than Queens based artist Anik Khan, showcased through his EP, Onek, Part 1.

PHOTO BY AVANI PATEL

Since first breaking onto the scene around 2015, identity has always been a topic of meditation in his work. Growing up in a borough rooted in multiculturalism, Anik found an artistic voice for himself by listening and being receptive to the smells, sounds, and stories around him. Citing Nas as one of his top influences, his work explores vulnerability and empowerment in the same breath, while reflecting on his relationship with race and culture as a Bangladeshi man. From navigating prejudices within the Desi Community, to exploring synergy and appreciation for Black American and Caribbean cultures, Anik delivers each song with intention, fully inhabiting his own space individually and collectively.

As a follow up to his 2021 double EP, Denied/Approved where he navigated his journey for a visa and citizenship, Onek, Part One shows a grounding in his identity. Titling the project to reflect the proper Bangla pronunciation of his name, Anik makes his stances clear in every track. Right from the jump, the opening song “Came From” paints a picture of empathy with lines like “Do you know why we work hard?/You see the cashier or just pay for your order”, while showing shared solidarity with other cultures that shaped him, saying “brown and black magic the only thing that enchant me.” Produced by London based producer MUSHTAQ in entirety, the EP showcases strong sonic and conceptual threads in the arrangement, with hard hitting drums over classic Indian string samples, Arabic prayers, and live instrumentation that meld as seamlessly as spices in biryani. From vulnerable admissions in songs like “Over, Under” (“somebody pray for me/I don’t know how), to “East2West” featuring Nesta where the two artists trade bars uplifting the influence the East and West Indies have had on each other, five songs convey a great range.

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With the first half of the project released, Anik collaborated with COLORSxSTUDIOS to debut Onek in full as a celebration of community. Received to roaring reception, the project in full is expected to debut in September. Rich in thematic exploration, honest storytelling, and refreshing musical arrangements, the story and music Anik embodies is more relevant in today’s times than ever before.

PHOTO BY AVANI PATEL

NIK VRSI- Nowadays as you see many artists afraid to speak their stances directly. What helps you stay grounded in your message amidst the pressures that marginalized folks are facing?

ANIK KHAN- It's quite simple, I still feel marginalized. There's direct members in my family that still are. I'm still working to help the community around me and I won't stop until I at least have achieved that. 

NV- As artists, the tendency is often to hold as much of the material in a vault before you release it to the world. What inspired the decision to release this project in two halves?

AK- That was honestly my manager and team. They are industry vets that have done this successfully countless times. You know, a big part of this album was about surrendering and that included what happens behind the scenes. I used to be the person that called all the shots thinking I knew what was best. But it took that evolution to trust the folks around me and surrender to their guidance. I love that the album now is in two parts. Just like my life had phases in creating this record, now the release does as well.

PHOTO BY AVANI PATEL

NV- As much as this project is highlighting your story, it truly celebrates the community of artists and people you align yourself with, beyond being from Queens, beyond being Bangladeshi, and something truly your own. How do you navigate balancing the artistic vision of the individual with collaborative participation?

AK- This is a beautiful question. I believe it the same way I balance connection in general. It starts with genuine curiosity, which then evolves into genuine compassion, which results in authentic creativity. If I have dinner at my Brazilian friend's house, I'm bringing fruits, telling Ma or Grandma how beautiful she looks and how good it smells in the kitchen. Which creates a bond that leads to a conversation full of depth and compassion. I do the same in the studio, I want to learn. I want to understand. I want to study. I think that drives for beautiful collaborations. 

NV- There are people who've been following you since as early as 2015, people who've regularly popped out to your shows over the years, and have been excited to rally behind you. For the fans who haven't heard this project, what are you excited for them to connect with in this project?

AK- I'm so excited for them to hear growth. To hear vulnerability. I spent 2-3 years working on my craft, learning new genres and raising my own bar vocally. Global music doesn't have to be just a single or a FIFA type of record. It can be thought provoking, it can have depth filled with lyricism and production that intentionally values the roots of the culture. 

NV- This album will also be a strong introduction for many new fans. What do you want to say to them as they're joining you in your journey?

AK- Tradition meets tomorrow.

Onek, Part 1 is currently available on all streaming platforms, with the remainder of the project to be released in September.