Idea instigated by our favourite four-to-the-floor expert, The Insider.

Following the resounding success of her recent LP for Ubiquity, Rose Robinson, aka Tigerbalm, now has a single good to go with Brooklyn’s Razor-N-Tape. Featuring Berlin’s Farafi, West Africa’s Les Amazones d’Afrique, and excellent remixes from Elado and the super talented Violaaa, the new E.P., Nina, is full of Tigerbalm’s trademark globetrotting tropical flavours.  

Since Rose is so well-travelled and frequently collaborates with enchanting, exotic divas, to celebrate this release, I asked her to jump on a jet and list a few of her favourite sides that spotlight female singers from around the world. 

Super selections and wonderful words by Rose Robinson.

Tigerbalm by Andree Martis

Nu Genea / Marechia

On Marechia, unbridled happiness and sunshine ooze from the vocals of Célia Kameni. Her delicate voice creates a bridge between French and Neapolitan language. Nu Genea have a really unique sound which always makes me feel like I’m on a beach.

Elia y Elizabeth y Franc Moody / Alegria (Franc Moody Remix)

Elia and Elizabeth Fleta were two Colombian sisters who briefly lit up their country’s music charts in the early 1970s. Disenfranchised with the music industry, they then disappeared to pursue careers in teaching. They sung Alegria, which is a Brazilian song, in Portugese. This track is so special to me because it reminds me of an amazing adventure road trip that I had with friends through Algoas, along the Sao Francisco river in Brazil. It was our theme tune! The lyrics are all about celebration and the track is just so full of joy. 

Tigerbalm / Nina

My new track, Nina, features vocals from Farafi’s song, Nina Andelea. Joy Tyson and Darlini, who formed Farafi in Berlin, sing in their own language as well as several African languages, showcasing limitless ways of creating, to reach the heart of all humans. Their sound is earthy, organic, and feminine. I’ve formed a special relationship with Joy after working on this track. She features on both Kete and Tokyo Business, from my International Love Affair LP.

Saâda Bonaire / You Could be More As You Are  

There’s a great story about Stefanie Lange and Claudia Hossfeld and how they formed Saâda Bonaire. They just made this one incredible album, co-produced with some legends, including dubmaster Dennis Bovell, using dozens of musicians culled from the local immigration center. The whole record is killer. I find their vocals very sexy and powerful. They have a totally unique sound fusing new wave with Eastern influences.

Asha Puthli / Space Talk 

Asha Puthli is a singer-songwriter, producer, and actress, born and raised in Bombay, India. Space Talk is a dreamy, slow cosmic disco groove. Her voice is like silk and other worldly. I always play this song at beach clubs. It’s very soporific.

Stella / Détends-toi 

Detends-Toi is from the debut EP by the Paris-born, Berlin-based singer and DJ Stella Zekri. This song has so much sass and attitude. Stella sings in French, the record has many `80s influences, which is always my bag. It was on pre-order for months at Phonica Records, and I’m very happy to have my copy now. She’s my favorite break through female artist from 2022.

Rupa / Aaj Shanibar

Rupa’s Disco Jazz album really touched me; my favorite song, only by a smidge, is Aaj Shaniba. Rupa has been an Indian vocalist since her youth. A life-long lover of music. The album wasn’t a success at the time of its release, but her son was the catalyst for a re-issue after discovering her music online being sold for hundreds and globally adored. Rupa has a swirling and enchanting voice. I’ve traveled a lot in India, and I love discovering Indian dance music.

Michaela / Si Senor

This track was introduced to me by my dear friend in Brazil, Vini from Garage Disco. I play it a lot in South America! This is Latin house which I love to DJ with. I also really love `80s vocals, anything with a bit of fire and passion which this track has plenty of. 

Angelique Kidjo / We We

Wow. Angelique Kidjo is obviously a legend. I’ve seen her live twice. I sampled her vocals on the Earthboogie track, Route Ten To Interzone. She’s timeless! A Beninese-French singer-songwriter, actress, and noted activist. I love what she represents. Her vocals empower women and cover incredible topics. Her voice is strong and bold. We We is one of my favourites of her many classics. 

Clara Nunes / Canto das Três Raças

Clara Nunes was a Brazilian samba and MPB star. I discovered her in Rio when I first visited Brazil in 2021. This song was the theme tune to that trip. We listened to it on repeat while on a boat weaving through the islands of Paraty in Rio de Janiero. There’s a passionate melancholy in her voice which I find piercing. I managed to get the original on vinyl this year when record digging in Sao Paolo. So happy! She sings in Portuguese of course and her voice is goddess-like.

Tigerbalm’s Nina is out now on Razor-N-Tape. You can purchase in your chosen format by following this link.