DJ Satélite and DJ Gálio are excited to release “Raízes”, their highly anticipated collaborative album. The album features 28 dynamic tracks, Raízes brings together an impressive roster of contributors from across three continents, including Afro Wav (Zimbabwe), Boddhi Satva (Central African Republic), Drunky Daniels and Jessica Gaspar (Brazil), Kaysha (France/Congo), Riwo (Nigeria), Sokhana and Lilly Randy (South Africa), along with artists from the PALOP countries such as Alex Kasion, Edlasio Alves, Melvi, Kelly Gomez, Peter Rodrigues, Danny Boy, and Leriggo.
The album marks the culmination of a journey that began with Horizonte and Caminho, completing a trilogy that has evolved over time. Raízes reflects a new creative phase for the Angolan producers, showcasing a deeper, more structured approach to their unique blend of Afro House and traditional African sounds. The record encapsulates the maturity of their sound, one that has been honed over the years. According to the artists, Raízes is a celebration of the musical identity of Angola within the larger context of global African electronic music.
“It’s like saying: We’ve been here for ten years,” say DJ Satélite and DJ Gálio. “This is the sound that defines us.” With a focus on cultural identity, the album also emphasizes the international potential of Afro House, Kuduro, and Semba—genres that are deeply rooted in Angolan tradition.
The instrumental backbone of Raízes is a testament to the seamless fusion of traditional African rhythms with electronic beats. Heavy basslines and impactful kicks anchor the tracks, providing strength and presence without overwhelming the production. The artists’ performances on top of these beats deliver with confidence, offering smooth and engaging vocal tones that reflect the rich essence of the genre. The combination of these elements creates a vibrant listening experience that stays true to its cultural roots while pushing the boundaries of Afro-diasporic music.
DJ Satélite is internationally recognized as a pioneer in Afro House and Kuduro, having contributed to landmark moments in Angolan music. With past work such as Estado Maior do Ku-Duro (2006) and Batida Única (2007), he has collaborated with major artists like Smal do Arraso, Pai Diesel, Boddhi Satva, Branko, and Cee ElAssaad, and his productions are regularly featured in playlists by prominent DJs like Black Coffee.
On the other hand, DJ Gálio, originally from Cabinda and now based in Portugal, began his career in rap before making his mark in Kuduro and Afro House. His 2022 album Quibuala garnered international recognition, positioning him in the global electronic music scene. His work has led him to perform at key events, such as Enchufada, and release music on labels like Offering Records and Seres Produções.
