Handpicked by Stefania Vulpi

Nicola Cruz – Prender El Alma [ZZK Records; 2015]
Finely crafted sounds, compelling polyrhythms and a deep connection with the traditional sounds of South America. Nicola Cruz‘s Prender El Alma is undoubtedly the one album that best introduced the world to the sound of cumbia and traditional Andean music combined with influences of techno, bass and electronic music, without losing its spiritual and heartful identity.

ÌFÉ – IIII+IIII [2017]
With ÌFÉ Afro American-Puerto Rico based producer and ifà priest, Mark Underwood managed to brilliantly revisit the sounds of contemporary dancehall and reggaeton while mixing it with influences of spiritual chants of the Yoruba tradition. A very spiritual album and a true gem.

Romare – Meditations On Afrocentrism [Black Acre Records; 2012]
British producer Romare with a background in African America Visual Culture studies created his own perfect and unique blend of jazz, house, dub and bass music while deeply honouring the heritage from the black music tradition. Definitely one of the most brilliant producers and albums of the decade.

Buraka Som Sistema – Komba [Enchufada; 2011]
Portuguese band, Buraka Some Sistema, are responsible for introducing the relentless syncopated riddim of kuduro to the pop audience. With tracks like ‘Hangover (BaBaBa)’ they set the ground for the upcoming explosion of moombathon and global bass genres.

Ariwo – Ariwo [MANANA//Records; 2017]
Music often manages to overcome cultural boundaries and create unexpected bridges between realities apparently radically apart. London based collaborative project Ariwo blends together the traditional sounds of Cuba and Iran, seamlessly creating a perfect mix of Caribbean and Persian music into four beautifully crafted, deeply spiritual, yet groovy tracks.