Next up on Gilles Peterson‘s Brownswood is Havana Cultura: ¡Súbelo, Cuba! 

The album showcases an extended network of like-minded, forward-thinking musicians driving Cuba’s music forward. Following repeated trips to connect with venues, collectives, and DJs, Peterson and Will LV—one half of LV, who’ve released on Hyperdub and Keysound amongst others—linked up with DJ Jigüe, a much-respected producer and DJ, whose Guámpara label has charted new directions for Cuban music. The album features his extended network of collaborators, connecting Afro-Cuban traditions with contemporary movements and ideas.

It was recorded across two weeks in Havana in early 2018. It features Yissy García, an internationally-lauded drummer who leads the band Bandancha (and is the daughter of Bernardo García, one of the founders of legendary group Irakere); Yasek Manzano, a trumpet player schooled at New York’s prestigious Julliard music school, who’s collaborated with the likes of D’Joy de Cuba and Wichy de Vedado; El Individuo, an MC who’s part of Havana’s Con100cia collective; Negro WadPro, a percussionist / producer who, as well as producing his own beats, is a regular at different Havana nightspots; Kamerum, whose music—produced for his peers in Guámpara as well as his own tracks—bridges the Caribbean with America; and finally, Sigrid, a musician and vocalist who blends neo-soul with Cuban touchstones like son and filin.

We’re told that the album provides “a snapshot of a unique club culture that’s fast evolving.” On the one hand, it’s indebted to Cuba’s unique characteristics, where regularly-practiced traditions are colored by intermittently-experienced cultures from outside.  On the other, it’s part of a global shift toward decentred club music, with homegrown, influence-grabbing dance cultures tilting attention from club culture’s traditional epicenters. 

Brownswood Recordings is the independent record label founded by DJ, record collector and broadcaster Gilles Peterson. Started in 2006, it’s a platform for new artists and music creatives, as well as an outlet for established acts to do something different. 

Havana Cultura: ¡Súbelo, Cuba! will land on June 28, with “Traketeo” (Feat. Luz de Cuba) available to download in full via the button below. 

“”Luz de Cuba” is on fire on this track.. head down, straight dance moves.. then DJ Jigue lights the match and the place goes up! —  Gilles Peterson

Tracklisting

01. Enciéndelo (Feat. DJ Jigüe & Yissy García) 

02. Compañeros tropicales (Feat. DJ Jigüe) 

03. Bomba (Feat. El Individuo) 

04. Diáspora (Feat. Negro WadPro) 

05. Ciclo de la vida (Feat. Luz de Cuba & Kamerum) 

06. Traketeo (Feat. Luz de Cuba) 

07. Carambuko (Feat. Joao PGlagarto) 

08. Soy libre (Feat. El Individuo) 

09. Number One (Feat. Niño Fony) 

10. Encontrándome (Feat. Sigrid) 

11. Blues de mi barrio (Feat. Yasek Manzano) 

12. Eshu (Feat. Kamerum) 

13. Hasta pronto (Feat. DJ Jigüe & Yissy García) 

Musicians 

Vocals DJ Jigüe 

Vocals Joao PGlagarto 

Drums Yissy García

Percussion El Menor 

Vocals El Individuo 

Percussion Negro WadPro 

Vocals Luz de Cuba 

Vocals Kamerum Horns, Organ, Trumpet, Trombone 

Yasek Manzano 

Vocals Niño Fony 

Vocals Sigrid 

Vocals Kamerum