SHREM'S WORLDLY DELIGHTS: "Tell Me (Doko Mien)" - Ibibio Sound Machine

Our favourite London based Nigerian collective Ibibio Sound Machine continue to deliver some of the freshest sounds in the crossover of so-called world music and electronica. Their very own signature hybrid of afro-beat, electro, post punk and West-African funk creates soundscapes like no other out there. It'll be precisely 2 years since the release of their previous LP "Uyai" when Ibibio Sound Machine drop their brand new album "Doko Mien" via Merge Records on 22nd March. The title track serves exactly the kind of pick-me-up explosion of vital beats, synths and dancefloor-friendly energy we all need to cure these January blues.

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SHREM'S CLUB BIZARRE PRESENTS: "XASHI" ["ХАЩІ"] - ONUKA

Onuka are back with a brand new single. The high-powered "Xashi" is such an unanticipated treat considering the Ukrainian electro-folk band have only just released their latest album "MOZAЇKA" back in spring. "ХАЩІ" is an energy-dripping aural concoction of electronica, synths, Kraftwerkian vibes, trombones and the compulsory Ukrainian folk instruments. Onuka is strengthening their established position among the most original acts of the European continent with a devoted following going beyond Central and Eastern Europe at this stage. Attracting audiences with their sleek image paired with the instantly recognisable visual aesthetics of their music videos and live shows, their signature sound fusing various genres, styles and influences and finally with what seems like an unstoppable stream of excellent releases, Onuka are on top of their game!

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SHREM'S WORLDLY DELIGHTS: "Asembi Ara Amba (Henrik Schwarz Version)" - Y-Bayani & Henrik Schwarz

The magnificent slice of Ghanaian reggae "Asembi Ara Amba" by The Polyversal Souls feat. Y-Bayani gets an impossibly addictive remix treatment by the mighty Henrik Schwarz. The German dj and producer has previously hypnotised us with his epic mix of Amadou & Mariam's joyful "Bofou Safou" which landed at #2 among my Top 20 Best Remixes of 2017 list. Another fantastic cross-over club track combining African influences and House music to an astonishing effect.

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SHREM'S INSTITUTE OF LOST CLASSICS: "WAYAWAYA" - Zoom

I have recently stumbled upon the "Gumba Fire: Bubblegum Soul & Synth Boogie In 1980s South Africa" compilation which was released last month by Soundway Records. Among all the old-skool gems I found Zoom's uplifting "Wayawaya" which dates back to 1987. An instant favourite, pure joy!

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CHOON OF THE DAY: "I OWE YOU NOTHING" - Seinabo Sey

Seinabo Sey is a Swedish/Gambian artist who's been creatively active for the past 4 years while deservedly gaining much critical acclaim and a solid following across the Nordic countries. Now the singer songwriter is back with a very current (both in its lyrical and sonic aspects!) single "I Owe You Nothing" serving an innovative fusion of electronica, neo soul, synth-pop and R'N'B with a pinch of gospel. It's Seinabo Sey's most mature and accomplished work to date and the song is accompanied by a super-stylish music video directed by Sheila Johansson. Fresh, poignant and effortlessly cool!

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SHREM'S WORLDLY DELIGHTS: "ANIMAL" - Onuka

Ukraine's most sophisticated musical export - Onuka is back with a brand new album "MOZAЇKA" which takes us on a fascinating journey into the sonic landscapes of the underground electronic scene of Kyiv with a vibrant palette of Ukrainian folk instruments. The multi-layered "Animal" stands out immediately upon first listen to Onuka's 2nd studio album. Its live reinterpretation featuring The NAONI Orchestra (The National Academic Orchestra of Folk Instruments of Ukraine) is the ultimate feast for all the open-minded and thrill-seeking World music lovers out there. Onuka has fast been building a cult following not only across Eastern Europe but also the entire continent following their mind-blowing performance at the Eurovision Song Contest last year also known as the greatest ESC interval act to date.





And for that spectacular medley performance mentioned above...

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SHREM'S WORLDLY DELIGHTS: "Tokoliana" - KOKOKO! /// "Bofou Safou" - Amadou & Mariam + Henrik Schwarz Remix

I'm spicing things up today with two captivating African dancefloor gems.

Débruit protégés KOKOKO! are an alternative collective from Kinshasa, Congo offering an explosion of disco, post punk, electronica and afro-beats with their instantly anthemic "Tokoliana". It's an aural jungle filled with rhythms, sound effects, cowbells and irresistible beats. ESG meets LCD Soundsystem in an underground club somewhere in Central Africa. TUNE!

"Tokoliana" is taken from a double A-side single available now on iTunes and Bandcamp

The Malian duo Amadou & Mariam are an institution at this stage on the global scene of so-called world music, enjoying a devoted following among musos, critics and world music connoisseurs all around the globe. Their latest single, the elevating "Bofou Safou" is available now with a myriad of remixes, one of which particularly stands out. Henrik Schwarz's 8 minute long house mix of the song may well be the greatest remix we've heard so far in 2017. An impossibly seductive invitation to dance.

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SHREM'S WORLDLY DELIGHTS: "PARALYZED" - Alo Wala

It's been a particularly fruitful beginning to the year especially on the global beat and world music scene. I have thus far been singing the praises of Sevdaliza's divine slice of Persian trip-hop "Bebin", Ibibio Sound Machine's energy-filled afro-beat anthems "The Pot is On Fire" and "Give Me a Reason", while recently spreading the word about Mula's Dominican electro. Continuing in the theme of celebrating diversity, inclusivity and the fusion of cultures, genres and styles, I am bringing you Alo Wala's throbbing new single "Paralyzed". It's a bouncy ride through underground beats, deep bass, urban rhymes, Afro-Indian rhythms and dancehall. Dare I say it's the most delectable offering from this Copenhagen based Indian Tropical Bass force since the inimitable "Cityboy" back in 2014. The Branko & Clap Clap-produced "Paralyzed" is out now!

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SHREM'S WORLDLY DELIGHTS: "DIAMANTES" + "ESPEJOS EN LAS AZOTEAS (1965)" - MULA

Anabel Acevedo, Cristabel Acevedo and Rachel Rojas formed MULA 2 years ago. The Dominican trio serve a tropical kaleidoscope of synth pop, merengue, reggaeton, bachata, electronica and South African Shangaan electro. This truly eclectic, energy-filled cocktail of beats, rhythms and genres put them on a musical map among the most innovative explorers of the so-called world music scene. I was looking forward to hearing MULA's "AGUAS" ever since I heard "No Hay Manera" for the first time (here it is among the best tracks of 2016 in our annual countdown) last year. Here are 2 stand-out tracks "Diamantes" and "Espejos en las azoteas (1965)" which are fittingly opening and closing the album respectively. Get your copy of "AGUAS" now on iTunes or Bandcamp.

Photo by María Mejía

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SHREM'S WORLDLY DELIGHTS: "GIVE ME A REASON" - Ibibio Sound Machine

This time last month I was praising Ibibio Sound Machine's "The Pot is on Fire" heralding the release of their 2nd LP "Uyai". Now the Nigerian-British collective is electrifying world music fans with "Give Me a Reason", not only their finest single to date but also one of the greatest dance singles of the past couple of years! This unstoppable amalgamation of throbbing afro-beats, West-African funk, 80's synths, and electro is sure to keep you dancefloor-happy. What a truly vibrant sonic explosion! Dare not to dance!

"Uyai" is out March 3, 2017 on Merge Records.

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SHREM'S WORLDLY DELIGHTS: "BEBIN" - Sevdaliza

One of my favourite artists of the past 2 years, the multi-talented electronic producer, singer and performance artist - Sevdaliza, has just released "Bebin" accompanied by a truly powerful statement on her Facebook Page. Written, composed and co-produced by the artist herself, "Bebin" is an ethereal and emotional journey into subtle synths, exquisite strings and the linguistic paradise that is Farsi...

“In protest of the inhumane political climate, I could not rest my head in privilege. I wrote ‘Bebin’ in Farsi, to solidify. I stand strong with love. In this case I choose to avoid mainstream media, because I have no interest in part taking in a victimized concept. As I will not be able to travel to the United States for indefinite duration, take this without lights, camera, action. I am solely a messenger. In the brain of love, there is no place for racism nor bigotry.”

Purchase it now on Bandcamp. All donations will be immediately transferred towards funds supporting victims of racial exclusion.

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CHOON OF THE DAY: "JOHNY" - Sofi Tukker

Sofi Tukker - the New York based duo behind the hypnotic "Matadora" (#33 on our Top 100 Greatest Tracks of 2016), are now back with another inescapable fusion of synth-pop, curious world beats and the natural melodiousness of the Portuguese language - "Johny". Following an eventful 2016 which culminated in a GRAMMY nomination for Best Dance Recording, the globetrotting duo is set for  major world-wide success in 2017. A breath of fresh air on the global scene of so-called World Music.

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SHREM'S WORLDLY DELIGHTS: "THE POT IS ON FIRE" - Ibibio Sound Machine

This time last year, I was also inaugurating another year of my über-nerdy blogging with a post dedicated to my Worldly Delights thread. It was DiHaj's electronic take on an Azerbaijani folk song "Gecələr Keçir" in January 2016, and this year it is an explosion of Afro beats and the electro funk courtesy of Ibibio Sound Machine. The Nigerian collective is announcing the release of their 2nd album "Uyai" with this enthusiastically upbeat first single "The Pot is on Fire". Fronted by British/Nigerian singer Eno Williams, Ibibio Sound Machine serve a vivid blend of West-African funk, disco, soul, post-punk and electro grooves, making them a truly idiosyncratic act on the global scene of so-called World Music. "Uyai" is out via Merge Records 3rd March.

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SHREM'S NEWBIES BUT TO-BE'S: "SOMMAR I DECEMBER" - Daggi Zegreat feat. Abel Haile

A delicious slice of Scandinavian soul on a winter evening anyone? Daggi Zegreat comes from Stockholm and her sumptuous debut single "Sommar I December" is an impossibly attractive medley of nu jazz, neo soul and funk. To spice things up, this aptly titled "summer gem for the winter" is sung in Swedish as the artist herself loves exploring and experimenting with languages, genres and artistic expressions. Please enjoy and share this effortlessly cool groove made in Sweden. I adore surprises like this arriving in the last month of the year. Daggi Zegreat certainly is one to keep an eye on. 

The stylish video for the song was directed by Malaika Holmén and Henrik Rinaldo.

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SHREM'S WORLDLY DELIGHTS: "TÁRTARO" - Buscabulla + "DANCE WHILE YOU SHOOT" - Noga Erez

The Puerto-Rican duo Buscabulla who blew us away back in 2014 with their self-titled, Dev Hynes-produced, debut EP are now back with a delectable new single "Tártaro". Continuing with their very own "Caribbean music of the future" ethos, the song amalgamates elements of exotica, funk, synth-pop and nu disco to an utterly captivating result. "Tártaro" is the first taste of the Brooklyn based band's upcoming "Buscabulla EP II".

Noga Erez is an Israeli musician, singer-songwriter, keyboardist and producer. Her politically engaged single "Dance While You Shoot" is an aural eruption of harsh beats, cold electronica, grime, alternative R&B and avant-garde Hip-Hop. The Tel Avivian artist sure launches her musical career with a bang with this energy-filled electronic stomper. Thank you Disco Naïveté for the heads-up!

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SHREM'S CLUB BIZARRE INTRODUCING: "VIDLIK" - ONUKA

So the only time previously I got to blog about ONUKA was winter 2014 when I discovered their charming slice of pop "Look". And I was already late then. A similar case with today's post. My muso friend Alex introduced me to their deliciously bizarre electro pop moment "Vidlik" a couple of months ago but somehow I am only getting around to writing about it today. Better late than ever I suppose and the more people get to explore this truly memorable track, the better. Fittingly intense in both visuals and musical production, the song apparently is dedicated to the Chernobyl disaster, its influence on Ukraine and the whole world, as I read on beehype. A sophisticated aural hotchpotch of traditional, ethnic instruments, electronica and haunting spoken word elements create a unique atmosphere, impossible to forget. If you haven't seen or heard this one yet, it will most likely stay with you for a long time. One of the 2016 videos of the year too, big time! Directed by Anna Buryachkova.

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SHREM'S INSTITUTE OF LOST CLASSICS: "LIHUE" - Nohelani Cypriano

Nohelani Cypriano's music has been described as "nostalgic Polynesian funk". This 1979 Hawaiian disco gem has reached a well deserved cult status among the genre's aficionados. I am completely mesmerised by this release from Be With Records the same label which brought back Letta Mbulu's South African boogie back to life. A truly delectable rare groove.





Here's a reminder of Letta Mbulu's divine "Nomalizo":

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SHREM'S WORLDLY DELIGHTS: "XXX ANGEL DUST XXX" - LSDXOXO

It's time to shake things up a little with some exotic beats. "XXX ANGEL DUST XXX" is an energetic blend of dancehall, reggaeton, urban rhymes, latin flavours and electro with some fun, gimmicky samples. LSDXOXO is a New York based producer who have previously worked with Cakes Da Killa on numerous occasions. The new single is a fiery number borrowing vocals from Dominican rapper La Materialista’s song "Chuleame" as reported by Pitchfork. You can download "XXX ANGEL DUST XXX" now for free on GHE20G0TH1K's Soundcloud.

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SHREM'S WORLDLY DELIGHTS: "ENTA ARABI" - Kabreet

Continuing my New Year's resolution about posting more songs from the lesser explored corners of the musical world, I give you this truly captivating recording from the Berlin based Yemeni/German duo Kabreet. "Enta Arabi" comes from Ibi Ibrahim & Hanno Stecher's freshly released debut album "Momken Bokra" which you can stream and purchase on Bandcamp. The elegant composition mixes some traditional Arabic instruments with minimal electronica in a subtle way. With its understated melody, nostalgic vocals and the unquestionably melodic aspect of the al-ʿArabiyyah, "Enta Arabi" is a real treat not only for those already partial to Middle Eastern sounds.



Here's the video for the equally seductive title track taken from Kabreet's first LP:

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SHREM'S WORLDLY DELIGHTS: "GECƏLƏR KEÇIR" - DiHaj

To keep the sounds eclectic and unpredictable I am initiating the 7th year of my über-nerdy blogging with this popular Azerbaijani folk song "Gecələr Keçir" re-arranged to a modern note with an Orient scented electronic production. Diana Hajiyeva is a Jazz singer from Baku who teamed up with 2 musical compatriots Anar and Ali for a side project DiHaj. I have always had a soft spot for the Central Asian sounds and "Gecələr Keçir" seems like a pretty perfect fusion of the two artistic worlds I enjoy as a music geek. One of my new year's resolutions for SHREM'S CAROUSEL OF ÜBER NERDINESS is to research and share sounds from lesser known corners of the globe so here's DiHaj to revive this little "Worldly Delights" thread of mine.

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