Alma Negra are a Basel-based trio. They’ve released records and remixes with respected labels such as Cultures Of Soul, Lumberjacks In Hell, and On The Corner, and in 2018 they launched their own imprint. Personally I’m a big fan of the 12 that they did with James Stewart – Cotonou – while The Insider championed the Zouk Combat E.P. They now have now a new 4-tracker in shops, Harambee. Inspired by trips to Kenya, the titular tune is a classily arranged mid-tempo afro-disco-boogie groover, while another gem, La Gozadera, is dervish-like galloping jazz – taping into the crew’s Cape Verde and Cuban roots. The Figueira Brothers, Dersu & Diego, and Mario Robles have also recently formed a live band, and to mark the event The Insider asked the 3 friends to list a few of their own favourite stage acts.

Selections and words by Alma Negra. Idea instigated by The Insider. 

Voilaaa 

Voilaaa is Bruno Patchworks` Africa-oriented Project. It seems that everything Voilaaa touches is Gold! There is never an Alma Negra DJ set without a Violaaa track. He also just did a remix on our new release, Harambee.

Alex Figueira

Alex Figueira, who is not related to us, but anyway our brother, is a producer, multi-instrumentalist, record collector, and bandleader from Venezuela, and based in Amsterdam. He has several Projects and Bands. Super nice Vibes!

Alberto Garcia

Alberto Garcia is a multi-percusionist from Gran Canaria. He is the conga player in our Alma Negra Live Band, and, again, also featured on our new E.P . Alberto just released a super nice Latin jazz track.

Vasco Martins

Vasco Martins is a composer of classical and ambient music from Cabo Verde. He is also a synth nerd and performs often with several synths and drum machines. You can hear the reflection of the Cabo Verdian landscape and the Atlantic Sea in his music.

Vaudou Game

Vaudou Game is an incredible Afrofunk band. They just released their fourth album that is amazing!

Bulimundo

Bulimundo are a Funana Band from Cabo Verde. They were really popular in the `80s. They reunited the band and we are waiting to hear a new album. Their live performance is mind blowing. It‘s time to get them on tour again.

Jupiter & Okwess

Jupiter & Okwess are a Congolese Uptempo Funk Band with a very unique live performance and energy on stage.

Doudou N Diaye Rose

Doudou N Diaye Rose is a Senegalese percussionist, who had his own Djembe Orchestra. In 1992 they recorded this amazing album on the Island of Gore in Senegal. Djembe Orchestra Power! We don‘t know anthing that compares to this.

Lindigo

Lindigo are from the Island La Reunion and they play the Maloya Rhythm – which is often in 3/4 or 6/8. With a unique sound and strong percussion that they sometimes play in the middle of the audience of their concerts.

Esa & His Afro Synth Band

Esa and his Afro Synth Band is a project of our good friend Esa Williams, from South Africa. Esa is an amazing producer and DJ. He recently founded his own Label Aweh. Check also Esa & The Invisible Hand. 

Alma Negra`s Harambee E.P. is out now.