Before the inaugural Nova Batida festival in Lisbon this weekend, we dig beneath the headliners to profile some Portuguese tips, both local and lusophone.
DJ Marfox
Principe Discos as a label and collective has come to define the batida in Lisbon, a movement that’s helped it become one of the musical capitals of Europe. The sound incorporates kuduro, kizomba, funaná, and tarraxinha rhythms into a house and techno framework, resulting in high tempos, tumbling drums and trancey riffs indebted to Portuguese-speaking Angola and Cape Verde. As an original member, A&R lead and regular releaser, DJ Marfox has been a key instigator in their growth and an ambassador for a new generation of Lisbon creatives.
DJ Satélite
Another DJ and producer joining the dots between Portugal and its lusosphere. DJ Satélite is based in the Angolan capital of Luanda and is one of the initiators of the kuduro and afro-house crossover. His sets move from soulful and smooth to high-octane and frenetic. For more on him and kuduro, go check the I Love Kuduro film.
iZem
iZem (an acronym for “In Ze Early Morning”) and STW go waaay back. In 2011 we featured Paris-born Jérémie Kerouanton when he was making beats in between running Groovalizacion radio. Seven years on, through stints in Spain, Brazil, Argentina, Ireland and Portugal, he’s unpacked this blend of Latin America and North African soulful electronica for Far Out, ZZK records, Wah Wah 45s, Mais Um Discos and an album for Soundway in 2015, from which ‘Agua Viva’ is lifted.
Mafalda
Mafalda is a DJ and record collector born and raised in Portugal but moved to London four years ago and is firmly rooted in the capital’s music culture. Previously working behind the counter at the esteemed East London store Cosmos, she now runs Melodies International with Floating Points, a label that, year on year, manages to put out the year’s most talked about reissues.
Rita Maia
As a DJ, broadcaster and film-maker Rita Maia had to make the list for her work supporting Portuguese and Lusophone music across the board. Migrant Sounds is her party and Worldwide FM radio show that traverses and synthesises styles, tempos and eras; no easy feet considering how wide-ranging the Portuguese-speaking musical palette is.
Nova Batida runs 14th-16th September, and also features Mount Kimbie, Gilles Peterson, Seun Kuti, Peanut Butter Wolf and Max Cooper. Buy tickest from their website.
