‘A Ka Titine’ has long been a staple at our Beauty & the Beat parties, a dancers’ favourite and one of those truly special records which have become part of the party’s DNA. 

This is gwoka from Guadeloupe, a term which not only designates an authentic music genre from the Caribbean island, but also a specific dance and more spiritually the soul and identity of a people. Lyrics often express the uniqueness of Guadeloupean culture, through the codes and metaphors of the Creole language, acting effectively as transmission of a collective history.

Gwoka is made up of seven distinct rhythms, each of them used for different social occasions, from baptisms to funerals. ‘A Ka Titine’ is based on the driving toumblak rhythm, one which expresses love and happiness, and the most often heard in party situations.

Gaoulé Mizik were a seminal outfit which released two cult albums in the late 80s, alternating between gwoka traditionnel and fusion experiments which they described as gwoka évolutif. ‘A Ka Titine’ is straight-up gwoka traditionnel, with legendary singer Michel Laurent at the peak of his powers.

The “Titine” of the song is the name of the beach hut’s owner where Michel goes to have some fish, ends up drinking rum and playing dominoes, before almost getting killed in a brawl (!). Laurent is in raconteur mode, akin to the role of a griot in Africa, acting like a chronicler of his time and singing about everyday chores and social issues.

BATB alumnus and @time-capsule_space head honcho @KaySuzuki has built himself a reputation as the master of hypnotic Afro cosmic productions (check his classic remix of Blackbush Orchestra’s "Sortez Les Filles" on BATB 002, as well as his cult Afrobuddha project), and was the natural choice for the remix. Embracing the concepts of Tout-monde, Suzuki has created a unique fusion of genres, incorporating his London influences to the mix by adding strong dub and electronic flavours. The result is a fresh and unique take on gwoka music, perpetuating the tradition of openness in creole culture. Purists beware, this is hybrid music at its very best.

Both 'Kan Sizè Sonné' (presented here in a slightly edited version by @cedricwoo) and 'A Kolad' are taken from a different album released around the same time under Michel Laurent’s name, but produced by the same team and featuring most of the members from Gaoulé Mizik.

All tracks have been licensed directly from the copyright owner (Michel Laurent).

Vinyl restoration by Andrew Pirie.

Mastering by Doctor Mix (A1, A2 and Digi bonus), and Metropolis (B side)

All tracks available here: https://beautyandthebeat1.bandcamp.com/album/excursions-in-gwoka-vol-1-batb-005

BATB 005: Excursions in Gwoka Vol. I (Michel Laurent)

For our sixth release we pursued the ‘Excursions in Gwoka' series with a second volume focusing its attention on the legendary carnival outfit Akiyo. 

Both original tracks were originally released in 1993 on Akiyo’s second LP, 𝘔𝘰𝘶𝘷𝘮𝘢𝘯. ‘Déboulé’, written and composed by synth wizard from Marie-Galante Jacques-Marie Basses, is one of Akiyo’s most recognisable and celebrated anthems and has long been a huge favourite on the Beauty & the Beat dance-floor..

The aforementioned album has become increasingly hard to find and these two tracks are presented for the first time side by side, officially licensed, freshly remastered in their original forms and with newly remixed versions. 

The man like Breakplus, who already featured on the first BATB release, gives ‘Déboulé’ a fresh London take with his “broken tribute” remix, while CW tweaks and extends ‘Blo’ into cosmic carnival territory.


Link to Pre order: https://beautyandthebeat1.bandcamp.com/album/excursions-in-gwoka-vol-2-batb-006

BATB 006: Excursions in Gwoka vol. 2 (Akiyo)

Mighty 𝘨𝘸𝘰𝘬𝘢 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘭 cut courtesy of Michel "Carlos" Laurent, backed up with members of Gaoulé Mizik on a driving 𝘵𝘰𝘶𝘮𝘣𝘭𝘢𝘬 rhythm.

Digi only bonus track, available only on Bandcamp:

https://beautyandthebeat1.bandcamp.com/album/excursions-in-gwoka-vol-1-batb-005

Michel Laurent - A Kolad (Digi only)

Heavy dance-floor action with this mighty 𝘨𝘸𝘰𝘬𝘢 cut from Michel "Carlos" Laurent and the Gaoulé Mizik crew, in a subtly re-edited version by CW aka @cedricwoo

Michel Laurent - Kan Sizè Sonné (CW Edit)

Gaoulé Mizik's classic cut from the 𝘨𝘸𝘰𝘬𝘢 𝘳𝘦́𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘵𝘰𝘪𝘳𝘦 "A Ka Titine", presented for the first time on a 12" in its original (and remastered) version.

Gaoulé Mizik - A Ka Titine

The @time-capsule_space mastermind and genius producer @kaysuzuki offers a fresh take on this classic from the gwoka 𝘳𝘦́𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘵𝘰𝘪𝘳𝘦 with a deep dubwise re-rub, sound-system style.

Gaoulé Mizik - A Ka Titine (Kay Suzuki Gwoka Dub)

Closing set (3am-5am)by the mighty @kaysuzuki at Beauty & the Beat. One for the ages!

Kay Suzuki @ BATB March 2022

Magic hour (5am - 6am) bliss with a b2b between CW and BB.

Full recording of the night to be found here: https://www.mixcloud.com/BATB/

Magic hour @ BATB, May '22

Jaminaround vs BATB, 2022 edition. One which shall remain in the history books!

In the magical surroundings of the Ancient Technology Centre, we spent the evening/night/morning pinching each other as truly unreal scenes organically unfolded in front of us, like an animated tribal version of Marvin Gaye’s iconic album cover from “I Want You”.

A colourful journey across outernational cosmic sounds, through time and space and beyond any kind of borders, an immersive aural experience like only this earthouse can provide.

Total freedom in sound(s), in movement(s), in all forms of expressions, with moments of childlike purity rarely seen anywhere in a party situation. That circle around the 🔥 was just cosmic love incarnated.

This is the second part of the recording, some seven hours deep into the party, with the first couple of hours of the b2b between Cedric Woo and Belle Bête.

BATB @ Jaminaround, July '22 (Fire Dance)

Breakplus " Broken Tribute" remix of Akiyo's "Déboulé"

Akiyo - Déboulé (Breakplus' Broken Tribute Remix)

Extended CW edit of Akiyo's "Blo", inna cosmic carnival stylee.

Akiyo - Blo (CW Edit)

Akiyo - Blo (remastered)

Akiyo - Déboulé (remastered)

First three hours of a mighty B2B following Electric Jalaba's gig on New Year's Day '23

B2B between Belle Bete, Cedric Woo, Donna Leake and Kay Suzuki (NYD '23)

BATB peak time action with special guest Joe 'Sweetnighter' Cardone at the controls for our first party of 2023.

The full recording is available here: https://www.mixcloud.com/BATB/batb-january-2023-the-baths/

Joe Cardone @ BATB (January 2023)

Jaminaround x Beauty & the Beat, 2023 edition.

These all too rare moments of shared utopia are what we live for, and there is no better place than the within the magical confines of the Ancient Technology Center. 

That space, the people, THAT sound, just 🤩. 

Such an amazing feeling, never to be taken for granted. Special place, special people, everything and everyone just coming alive.

Outta space and outta time.

This is part II of the recording, with a b2b between @cedricwoo and @belle-bete starting around 3am just before the cosmic 🔥 was lit until well past sunrise. Special records only, many of which can only be played in that space during those magic hours.

Part I can be found here: https://www.mixcloud.com/BATB/jaminaround-2023-pt-i/

More info here: https://www.instagram.com/p/CvNSkXusIt1/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Jaminaround 2023 Part II ("Fire Dance")

Magic hours vibing to the cosmic sounds of our favourite shaman, Pol Valls. 

London, Total Refreshment Centre, 4am-6am, 19th of May 2018

Pol Valls @ BATB (TRC, May 2018)

The fire's been lit, the cosmic dance is in full swing.  

Here's part 2 of an unforgettable edition of BATB @ Jaminaround.

Since 2018 this has become our little piece of heaven, a place with the perfect mix of the most magical, awe inspiring setting with the most special people, cosmically united in the here and now through dance, music and sound.

Our very own Temporary Autonomous Zone, where, for a fleeting moment, we can create utopia and reappropriate collective consciousness.

Total freedom of expression, movement and love. 
Magical moments of childlike purity.
The pure joy of dancing and bonding while suspended in time and space.

Immersed in sound via the incredible acoustics of the Iron Age earth house replica and its circular design; breathing m.u.s.i.c through every pore.

People dancing in circle around the 🔥, looking up to the sky. 

Thanks and praises to each and everyone, the staff at the Ancient Technology Centre, Olly & the Keen brothers for giving us the trust and privilege to use this magical venue, and to all the dancers and beautiful freaks who made the party what it was. 

Music selections by Josh Beauchamp, Belle Bête, Cedric Woo and Jem Gilbert.

Til next time ❤️  💫 🎶


Part 1: https://www.mixcloud.com/BATB/jaminaround-24-pt-1/

JAMINAROUND '24 (pt 2: 🔥 dance)

Soundspecies - Balafon Jam (Wolf Muller Deep Dub)

Mami Wata (Mother Water), is a spirit venerated and invoked by different names throughout Africa and the diaspora. A queen of black magic, her devotees call on her to send them into mystical trances. This track is an interpretation of a traditional west African chant, recounting the origins of her power.

LABEL

Blackbush Orchestra - Bamba Ditounalene

Blackbush Orchestra - Sortez Les Filles (Kay Suzuki Remix)

Blackbush Orchestra - Sortez Les Filles (Kay Suzuki Digi Only)

A1 - Boys Ride Bikes - Somagwaza II - (Carvery Mastered)

B1 - Thor Rixon - Tula Mutwana (Carvery Mastered)

Danse Primitive EP is the second effort from Nantes collective The Balek Band.

Their track 'Superbia' from 2018 was already a big BATB end-f-the-night favourite, and we are over the moon to welcome them on the label. 

'Disconiels' is a late night, organic bliss of a groove which features Ras Sankara on vocals and Wakko on percussions, both recorded in Togo.

Available on our bandcamp (https://beautyandthebeat1.bandcamp.com/album/danse-primitive-ep-batb-004), feat an exclusive, digital only rework by Mystic Jungle.

The Balek Band - Disconiels

'Danse Primitive EP' is the second effort from Nantes collective The Balek Band.

Their track 'Superbia' from 2018 was already a big BATB end-of-the-night favourite, and we are over the moon to welcome them on the label. 

'Bayoyo Sou' oozes with analog warmth and will take you on a psychedelic and dreamy deep house odyssey.

Mastered by Matt Colton

The Balek Band - Bayoyo Sou

'Danse Primitive EP' is the second effort from Nantes collective The Balek Band.

'Disconiels (Mystic Jungle's Riot of Unicorns Rework)' is a rework by Naples' Dario Di Pace aka Mystic Jungle of the original 'Disconiels' track by The Balek Band.

Mastered by Matt Colton.

This is available exclusively as a bonus track on our Bandcamp: 

https://beautyandthebeat1.bandcamp.com/track/disconiels-mystic-jungles-riot-of-unicorns-rework

Mystic Jungle - Disconiels (Mystic Jungle's Riot of Unicorns Rework)

Live recording from the decks at the Ancient Technology Centre for the Jaminaround event in Dorset on the first weekend of August 2019. @belle-bete and @cedricwoo b2b all night with a little help from Henry Keen aka @the-room-below during the magic hour.

Belle Bête and Cedric Woo B2B at Jaminaround

Mixtape recorded by @belle-bete and @cedricwoo for our friends @StandHighPatrol series during the hot lockdown days of 2020.

(originally released on their YT channel)

SHP 062: BB + CW

Audiophile party hosted by @cedricwoo, @belle-bete and Jeremy Gilbert since 2005. 

"Deep dance music with a psychedelic soul."

Beauty and the Beat

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