London-based party / institution / imprint Beauty & The Beat have been big with Ban Ban Ton Ton since the blog’s very start. I think we’ve only missed one release since the label began, back in 2015. Their now characteristic blend of “techno” and traditional musics, future and past, really strikes a personal chord. In 2025 they gave us a couple of absolute crackers from Topium and Kolago Kult. Cedric Woo, one of BATB’s founders, is an old friend and here he shares a top, tip of the iceberg, selection of super cool sounds from the last 12 months. 

Wonderful words and smart selections supplied by Cedric Woo. 

TOP FIVE 12″s

Chiwoniso Maraire / Zvichapera

The reissue of the original song was already a blessing as it had become near impossible to find a copy of this majestic and deeply emotional piece of traditional Shona mbira by the late Zimbabwean singer, but the inclusion of a new cover by Vee Mukarati and Jacob Mafuleni makes this 12” a total must have. Recorded as a raw, live duet and captured in a single take, it sounds as if you’re in the studio with the musicians and is equally mesmerising as the original.

Serge Papo ft. Etibar Asadli / “Crystal Clear” b/w “Zeva”

The legendary Serge Papo (the host behind one of Paris’ best secret parties) makes an impressive debut on wax with the help of Azerbaidjani jazz pianist Etibar Asadli. A rather unlikely pairing of Brazilian jazz samba to one side and a modern slice of psychedelic jazz funk on the flip, this double A side 12” is one of the best sounding records I bought this year (thanks to some homemade DIY mastering so I’m told). Unsurprisingly this is already a hit on NYC’s The Loft and London’s Beauty & the Beat dance-floors.

Skyrager / “Love Affair”

Possibly my most played record of the year, which I did initially because its extended length allowed for a much needed spliffy / toilet break when doing a long set, but eventually I got totally addicted to its feel good, California style rolling groove and ended up playing it at every om party. It took me six months to track down what I thought the original was (Serge Ponsar’s “Out In The Night” thanks to my All Our Friends co-host Tim Lawrence who even added that it was a David Mancuso favourite – bingo!) though I found out shortly afterwards that this was actually an edit of a cover by one mysterious Joe Metal hailing from Argentina. Absolutely fascinating stuff. 

Deodato / “Whistlebump” (Joe Claussell remix)

Only Joe Claussell could dare remix such an already perfect tune and bona fide Loft classic, and he did so in incredible style as always, complete with synth overdubs and extended break. One for the dancers.

Quiet Village & Vanessa Daou / “Naked Hunger” (both mixes)

A dream collaboration and a blissful tune to dance to, altogether soulful, dubby, ethereal, musical and uber balearic. Future classic no doubt.

A LUCKY 7”

Nu Genea / “Scialà”

Big summer hit from the Neapolitan duo in true Nu Genea style, complete with a hilarious video to boot.

Che sarrà sarrà

Si sarrà che forse sarrà

LP

Humble B Flat / Blessings Of The Sun

Album of the year for me from this uber talented multi instrumentalist / producer. Super musical and filled to the brim with deep, sunny, cosmic Afro Balearic grooves.