Bahian singer-songwriter Gil Felix, deeply rooted in West African and South American heritage, released his latest album Ubalafon on the 20th of September. This vibrant album melds traditional Bahían rhythms with Nigerian afrobeat, creating exuberant cross-Atlantic tunes. It was recorded in both Stockholm and Salvador de Bahía with a diverse tri-continental band under the expert guidance of Nestor Madrid.

Ubalafon celebrates the rich African heritage of the Bahían Reconcavo, of the ancient West African balafon. The album carries a warm pan-African message and honours Afro-Brazilian icons like Olodum, Ilê Aiyê, Filhos de Gandhy, and Carlinhos Brown. In this work, Gil Felix delves into the profound issues facing today’s society—war, extremism, and the impact of digital disconnection from nature.

The lead single, “Mairê,” pays tribute to the resilience and cultural vitality of the African diaspora. Combining bossa nova, samba, reggae, and afrobeat, the song showcases Gil Felix’s signature style that blends influences from Brazil and Western Africa. “Mairê” celebrates the enduring adaptability and expressive richness of African descendants, emphasising the depth and joy of their cultural contributions.

You can listen to the album HERE