Listen: Batida – Yumbala

For 10 years Soundway have been unearthing fantastic highlife gems and introducing them to English-speaking audiences. Along with K7 imprint Strut, the London label has been responsible for reminding us of the brilliance of African artists like Ebo Taylor – whose forthcoming Appia Kwa Bridge promises to be one of the most exciting releases of the year.

Now Soundway is venturing into the world of contemporary music, releasing a series of albums from new artists – the latest of whom is Batida. The Angolan producer’s sound borrows its rhythms from his home country and its melody from Nigeria, creating a lilting, chopped up sound that demands movement, as on his latest single ‘Yumbala’.

Batida’s self-titled debut album is out now. The producer is also headlining Soundway’s 10th birthday party with a brand new live show, along with Quantic. Tickets for the party, which will be held in a secret East London location on 20 April, are available here.