The Black Book
(Digital)

Anakle Films announces the release of The Black Book (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) with music by Kulanen Ikyo. The 33-track album is available, February 9, on all digital platforms.

Anakle Films announces the release of The Black Book (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) with music by Kulanen Ikyo.
The 33-track album is available, February 9, on all digital platforms.

Kulanen speaks on writing the music for the film, 'The music for The Black Book was indeed a thrilling journey!
As a composer, connecting with the production team to understand the vision is essential.
The director's bold proclamation in a CNN interview and the cinematographer Yinka Edward's aspiration to scale up hinted at the need for grandeur.
So, I aimed for a sound that matched the narrative's magnitude - big, with resonating percussion and brass. Delving into dark tones at times aligned with the film's trajectory while embracing emotional peaks became a pivotal part of the composition.

Collaborating with Editi Effiong was genuinely intriguing. We spent ample time discussing and aligning our creative aspirations in our first venture together. Editi's desire for emotionally charged moments and raw grit in specific scenes set the tone for our exploration.

Ultimately, it was a labour of love – a journey filled with challenges and joy. Composing the score for The Black Book was both challenging and exciting.
We created a score that, hopefully, complements the film's storyline and resonates with viewers even after the movie ends.'


Director Editi Effiong remarks, “Working with Kulanen on The Black Book was one of the most profound artistic experiences for me. His dedication to delivering world-class all-round sound for the film was indeed a blessing.
For a year, we collaborated closely, creating music that became a defining element of the project - original, authentic, and paying respect to the deep Nigerian roots of the picture sound, past and present.
The collaborative experience was truly special, and Kulanen's ability to grasp and execute my vision was remarkable. He immersed himself entirely in the story, aligning his musical contributions seamlessly with the story's essence.”

About The Film :

After his son is framed for a kidnapping, a bereaved deacon takes justice into his own hands and fights a corrupt police gang to absolve him of both his crimes and his sins.

About Kulanen Ikyo :

Kulanen Ikyo is a film composer who embodies the rich cultural diversity of Nigerian creativity. He is famous for his outstanding work on the Netflix original 'The Black Book,' which has become Nigeria's first runaway hit on the global streaming platform. µIt garnered 5.6 million views just 48 hours after its release, soaring to No. 3 on Netflix's worldwide film charts.
‘The Black Book' pulsates with Kulanen's energetic score, where driving percussion echoes the protagonist's relentless pursuit of justice, and a beautiful melody captures the story's emotional undercurrents.

Kulanen grew up in Nigeria, enthralled by the storytelling power of music, particularly the vibrant rhythms of his heritage.
He began his musical journey by crafting a guitar-like instrument from an empty can and a wood baton, using any item he found around his home to make music. After earning a degree in physics from the University of Jos, he pursued film scoring.
He aimed to introduce innovative methods of blending traditional African music with symphonic elements.
Kulanen also attended the Film Scoring Academy of Europe and is a Berlinale Talent, solidifying his foundation as a composer with a global perspective.

His portfolio comprises a remarkable range of projects, with standout contributions to critically acclaimed films such as 'Lionheart,' 'The Trade,' 'Blood Sisters,' and 'October 1,' which earned him the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Award in 2015.
His groundbreaking work on Netflix productions such as 'Oloture,' where he employs the talking drum and experiments with the balafon scale to evoke the atrocities of sex trafficking, 'LionHeart,' where he uses highlife music and quirky African tones to support the story, 'Blood Sisters' and 'A Sunday Affair,' has ushered in a new era of creativity and success for the burgeoning Nigerian film industry.
His music is synonymous with the streaming giant's commitment to diverse storytelling and global representation.

Critics praise Kulanen for his exceptional talent in crafting distinctive soundscapes seamlessly blending African musical traditions with symphonic elements.
As a result, his work produces a rich and textured auditory experience, offering a journey that grips the emotions.
As a reviewer aptly said, 'Kulanen Ikyo takes us to places with the score. The cinematic sonic scapes are gripping, providing the perfect backdrop for this motion picture.'
His compositions, profoundly expressive and original, showcase the profound depth of his artistic voice.

Kulanen's work is shaping the future of Nigerian cinema. He actively supports and empowers the next generation of Nigerian creatives by engaging them in festival workshops and regular small group talks.
His commitment to preserving and celebrating African musical heritage sets him apart as a musician whose influence resonates far beyond the borders of his homeland.
With each note, Kulanen Ikyo continues to create music transcending cultural boundaries, leaving an indelible imprint on the ever-evolving landscape of cinematic artistry.

( - White Bear PR - Anakle Films - )

More info at: Official Web Site Anakle Films

Anakle Films presents a soundtrack for the Netflix film The Black Book. The album contains the music composed by Kulanen Ikyo.

Anakle Films presents a soundtrack for the Netflix film The Black Book. The album contains the music composed by Kulanen Ikyo.

The soundtrack is available to download on all digital music services February 9, 2024.

The crime thriller The Black Book is directed by Editi Effiong with Richard Mofe-Damijo, Ade Laoye, Sam Dede, Alex Usifo Omiagbo, Olumide Oworu and Kelechi Udegbe.

After his son is framed for a kidnapping, a bereaved deacon takes justice into his own hands and fights a corrupt police gang to absolve him.

More info at: Official Web Site Anakle Films

More info at: Composer Kulanen Ikyo Official Site