The Thousands

If baile funk was the emerging sound of the last twelve months, then kuduro – a bastard blend of traditional African music with ragga and techno – may well be the next. Originating in the former Portuguese colony of Angola, kuduro literally translates as “hard ass” – a clear indication that the stiffening of one’s booty is considered mandatory. **Transplanting kuduro into Europe is Lisbon-based Buraka Som Sistema, who throw hard beats and breaks into the kuduro mix – resulting in ‘From Buraka To The World’, one of the most original and gravity-defying releases of the year. International genre-sniffer Diplo has already signed these boys up for a Bonde Do Role remix, which suggests that kuduro may well blow up to be the sound of the season.

* by Stuart Buchanan