Kartel have started to pick up some real steam with their regular Africa column, so we’re delighted to bring you the fourth instalment. In this one, they’ve picked out a remix of a South African classic, some Afro funk/jazz, one of their favourite slow-burning set-enders, and a couple tracks originating in London with roots firmly placed in Africa. This volume also brings news about the next Kartel night. Eglo Records co-founder and vinyl aficionado Alexander Nut will be headlining with an extended Afrobeat, Highlife and Soukous set; given how deep his weekly Rinse FM shows go, this is sure to be a special one. He’ll also be playing alongside residnets The Busy Twist, Moto and Bagheera. For more info and tickets, have a wonder on over to the Facebook event.
Owiny Sigoma Band – Nyiduonge Drums
One of our favourite bands of the moment, haling from London, OSB have a tight style mixing across Afro music and UK dance music styles, like garage. The infectious baseline on this track always makes the crowd dance, just not as well as these guys in the video. Catch them next month in on their UK tour in Bristol, Brighton and London (with support from John Wizards).
Kalambya Boys – Kivelenge (The Busy Twist Remix)
Kartel residents The Busy Twist deliver more fantastic music via a recent release of Kenyan edits from Soundway Records. This uplifting remix of the Kalambya Boys features the chopped guitars, 2 step rolling drums and memorable melodies that are becoming the undeniable Busy Twist sound. They stay true to the style and yet still manage to get a bit of UK griminess in there.
Dj Mujava -Township Funk (Ashley Beedle Africans Remix)
Hailing from South Africa, DJ Mujava is a bit of a legend when it comes to the kwaito / township scene. From being given out on CD by taxi drivers to their fares to being released on Warp Records in 2008, Township Funk is possibly one of the most iconic dance tracks to come out of South Africa. The original would have done the trick, but here’s our favourite by Ashley Beedle which goes a bit harder and adds some extra tribal percussion.
Jujuba – Jujuba
Predominantly a Juju outfit, Jujuba are sick jazz level musicians who also combine a wide variety of the West Coast African styles. But its the combo of hot jazz with a tough funk backbone, akin to the best Afrobeat, that we love most about them. This track always kills a Kartel crowd and rightly so, they really need more exposure so head over to jujuba.org and buy their music.
Bookworms – African Rhythms
A real hidden gem from up and comer Bookworms, this euphoric slow burning track is great to end a set with. Its been released and rereleased, last time via L.I.E.S on a 12″ earlier this year. Its an underground anthem for those in the know, mixing the percussive patterns and guitar licks of West Africa with a feel for classic, euphoric, Orbital-like, ephemera.
