Aniff Akinola.

Aniff was a founding member of the cult Mancunian group Chapter and the Verse, as well as one half of Backyard Dog whose song Baddest Ruffest made it to number 15 on the UK Singles Chart. The early-2000s anthem was used as Coca Cola’s 2002 FIFA World Cup theme and was featured in the films Ali G Indahouse and Bend it Like Beckham.

His career as a Producer has also seen huge success. His discography includes The Key the Secret by Urban Cookie Collective, as well as the A Guy Called Gerald acid house hit, Voodoo Ray, which spent 18 weeks on the UK Singles Chart and is often considered synonymous with the iconic Haçienda nightclub.

As you can imagine, we couldn’t wait to hear his stories.

Speaking to our third year Electronic Music Production and Performance and Music Production students, Aniff discussed his extensive career, reflecting on record deals, contracts and collaborations. Following his hugely insightful talk, Aniff kindly stuck around for a bonus 90 minute Q&A with students from across our degree programmes. In the Green Room he spent time chatting to students, supporting and developing ideas ahead of their end of semester proposal submissions.