Ki! Releases ‘Sakina’ – An Instrumental Odyssey Through Global Soundscapes + Zandari Festival Seoul Live!
Tomas Kauer - News Moderator 
Danish-Korean Multi-Instrumentalist Unveils Groovy, Cinematic Single Inspired by Summer Return to Birth Country
Out 13th August 2026 via Crunchy Frog Recordings + Music Video Shot in Seoul (Directors: Gun Kim & Tine Reingaard Solkær)
Music video here
+ Nonsan Music Festival Korea, 5 September & Zandari Festival Seoul, 6 September 2026
+ Appearance in Korea Tourism Organisation’s short film ‘Begin to Hear Korea’ with Korean star Park Bo Gum. Watch here
COPENHAGEN, DENMARK – Ki! (Christian Ki Dall) releases “Sakina”, out 13th August 2026 via cult Danish label Crunchy Frog Recordings. The instrumental single marks the first glimpse into Ki!’s forthcoming album—a groovy, cinematic composition that blends afrobeat guitars, mariachi trumpet solos, exotic percussion, and lush orchestration into a psychedelic sonic journey inspired by multiple continents and cultures.
The Single: Peace Transformed Into Dance
“Sakina means peace transformed into a dancing female being,” Ki! explains. “With her dancing, she calms everything and everyone. A track deeply inspired by many parts of the world, combined into this concoction driven by horns and guitar themes.”
The production exemplifies Ki!’s maximalist approach to composition—jarring cinematic chords collide with middle eastern inspired guitar riffs, mariachi trumpet solos pierce through layered arrangements, and exotic percussion creates rhythmic momentum. The sonic palette evokes 1970s exploitation films and spy movie soundtracks reimagined through a psychedelic Bollywood lens—a testament to Ki!’s genre-defying, culturally eclectic artistic vision.
A Personal Journey: Returning to South Korea
The creation of “Sakina” follows a transformative period in Ki!’s life. Born in Busan, South Korea, and adopted to Denmark as an infant, Ki! had never returned to his birth country—until summer 2026. This August, he traveled to South Korea for an unprecedented creative project: starring alongside acclaimed Korean actor Park Bo-gum in the Korea Tourism Organization’s official global campaign film, “Begin to Hear Korea.”
The month-long journey across his birthplace profoundly impacted Ki!’s artistic perspective. Experiencing the sounds, people, and landscapes of Korea for the first time as an adult has deeply influenced the musical direction of his forthcoming album. This experience informs not only the composition of “Sakina” but also the accompanying music video.
The Music Video: A Cross-Cultural Collaboration
The “Sakina” music video was shot in Seoul as a unique collaboration between Korean director Gun Kim (who directed “Begin to Hear Korea”) and Danish director Tine Reingaard Solkær (who accompanied Ki! throughout South Korea as a documentary filmmaker). This cross-cultural production mirrors the single’s sonic eclecticism—bridging Ki!’s Danish roots and Korean heritage through visual storytelling.
About Ki! (Christian Ki Dall)
Ki! is a Danish-Korean multi-instrumentalist and producer whose music functions as a “melting pot” of genres. His lush, cinematic soundscapes draw inspiration from legends including Fela Kuti and George Harrison, while incorporating dreamy synth-pop, hip-hop, Motown, soul, and global folk influences.
A true multi-hyphenate artist, Ki! writes, records, mixes, produces, and masters all his tracks while playing every instrument except horns and strings—a testament to his meticulous creative vision and technical mastery.
Ki!’s discography includes:
- ‘The Boy From Haeundae Beach’ (2022) – Acclaimed debut double LP functioning as a genre-blending musical mixtape
- ‘Yong-Gwanglo’ Parts 1 & 2 (2024) – Expansive double album where “Yong-Gwanglo” means “melting pot” in Korean
Live Performances & Festival Appearances
Ki! has established himself as a compelling live performer, appearing at prestigious international platforms including SXSW 2026, Roskilde Festival and Copenhagen Jazz Festival. He will return to South Korea in September 2026 to perform at Zandari Festival (Seoul, 6 September) and Nonsan World Music Festival (5 September)—celebrating his reconnection with his birth country through live performance.
Korea Tourism Organization Campaign: ‘Begin to Hear Korea’
Ki!’s 2026 appearance in the Korea Tourism Organization’s official global campaign “Begin to Hear Korea” marks a significant moment in his career. The project follows Ki! and Park Bo-gum on a sonic journey across South Korea, uncovering the nation’s rich and hidden soundscape. The campaign film was officially released on 15th July 2026 and represents a rare opportunity for Ki! to merge acting, music, and cultural storytelling.
Single: “Sakina”
Release Date: 13th August 2026
Label: Crunchy Frog Recordings
Format: Digital, Physical (TBA)
Music Video: Seoul shoot, directors Gun Kim & Tine Reingaard Solkær
Video Release: 13th August 2026
Release Date: 13th August 2026
Label: Crunchy Frog Recordings
Format: Digital, Physical (TBA)
Music Video: Seoul shoot, directors Gun Kim & Tine Reingaard Solkær
Video Release: 13th August 2026
Live Dates:
- Zandari Festival – Seoul, South Korea (6 September 2026)
- Nonsan World Music Festival – South Korea (5 September 2026)
For fans of: Fela Kuti, George Harrison, global fusion, world music, psychedelic pop, cinematic soundscapes, afrobeat
