Cocktail kuduro? Boutique bass music? Surfacing on the global musical map about a decade and a half ago, kuduro is Angola\u2019s African concurrence to Brazil\u2019s rambunctious and entirely unsubtle funk carioca, likewise Lusophone and of course, rapid-fire and impertinent. Based in Krakow, Poland, the duo Lua Preta are doing an excellent job of guiding kuduro (and adjacent African grooves) into a more mature and congenial iteration. This one\u2019s for the grown-ups in the room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On the microphone is Supa Gia G, an Angolan transplant whose delivery in finely elocuted Portuguese is cool, confident, and solid in its certainty. Polish producer Mentalcut\u2019s tracks are comfortably cushioned, patiently paced, and crafted with enough character to be distinctive, one from the next. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The playful cadence of opener \u201cSente Batida\u201d contrasts with Gia G\u2019s firm and authoritative chant, while \u201cVim Para Vencer\u201d, marked by some verses from South African rapper Robin Thirdfloor, proceeds smoothly. There\u2019s a bit more kick to the instrumental \u201cBaile Lotus\u201d, with its peaked flute lick, and \u201cDrena\u201d, with its brawny brass refrain. The rubbery synth line of \u201cAo Som Dos Homens\u201d contributes to making it the strongest track of the seven \u2013 if one has to choose, because there\u2019s really no disappointment here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n