Artist: A.A.V.V.
Title: Afrikano Vol.1
Cat.#: SMS027
Format: 12''

Samosa Records swings back into action for the summer months with Afrikano Vol. 1 - a scintillating four tracker EP from Various Artists which you will fall in love with on the first listen. 

On the A-side, the always impressive Vagabundo Club Social kick things off with the enigmatically titled ‘Mr. Mista’ - a hypnotic, (almost calypso inspired) rhythmic explosion of Mibra guitar, whirling organ, horns and a wicked high end laser sweep. This is a pure chugger, folks. At a deceptive 120bpm it will have you dancing til dusk. 

A2 brings us ‘Sweet Dance’ where C. Da Afro met De Gama: after a brief shuffle beat start (liberally peppered with rhythm guitar and organ stabs), the unusual duo make sure it’s all about the beat and horn breakdowns. Pre-drinks in Lagos, people watching and waiting for the night to start is the order of the day here. Cut this in half and it has ‘summer’ stamped right through it. Gloriously sweet. 


On the B-Side, Atchoum & Grincheux take centre stage with ‘Demokoussé’. Les Inferno applies the special retouch here, and straight away we’re treated to a gloriously produced trip through breakbeat inspired beats, deep, throaty horns and an outrageously soaring sax. Oh you want more? Well try the addition of the gorgeous spiritual vocals that put the bow nicely on this African sizzler. 

Finishing the EP on B.2 is Lego Edit and the aptly titled ‘Afromaniaco’. A pulsating, horn inspired shaker, this track grabs you right by the beat bone from the off and won’t let go.  Lego Edit’s trademark deft touches and attention to detail is all on display here - sweet sounding African vocals weave in and out of the almost melancholy horn stabs and washboard beats. A soundtrack for one of those incredible sunsets, ‘Afromaniaco’ is the missing piece of this diverse jigsaw.

With Afrikano Vol. 1, Samosa Records has found the perfect accompaniment to what is hopefully a long, hot summer. So Samosa, so brilliant.

Ste Hendry [Black Light Disco]

[SMS027] Afrikano Vol.1

Afrikano Vol.1 _ 03. Atchoum & Grincheux - Demokoussé (Les Inferno Retouch)[SMS027]

Afrikano Vol.1 _ 02. C. Da Afro & De Gama - Sweet Dance [SMS027]

Artist: Sourires
Title: Pampasosa EP
Cat.#: SMS029
Format: 12''

Italian DJ and producer Sourires (aka Andrea Antognoli) joins the Samosa stable for his debut with an explosive release that will take your breath away. 

The EP kicks off with the title track, Pampasosa - a furiously groovy number which gets up right in your face from the get-go. Like an unstoppable train, Pampasosa hurtles along at 127bpm with its horns blaring and furnace blazing. De Gama is on the Re-Groove here, expertly applying the bells and whistles to this all powerful locomotive stomper. 

A2 brings us ‘Liam’, which sounds like a track very close to Sourires heart. Think of glorious evening sunshine after the rain for this emotionally charged piece of music. The bass has you hypnotised, the strings make you soar and the vocal haunts your dreams. It bares its soul to you and you can’t help but love it for that. 

On the B-side, ‘Keep Rolling’ (De Gama Re-Groove) gives no illusions as to what its intentions are. A rolling, bass-driven start builds to filtered vocals and punchy brass - we’re in house territory but it’s so much more than that. A prime-time fist pumper of a tune, this will have dance floors offering their souls to Sourires in exchange for good times. 

Finishing off this four tracker is ‘Flavor’ (De Gama Re-Built). At 124bpm, it sneaks past you and taps you on the shoulder. Continuing the house vibe, Sourires brings us a swinging beat accompanied by dreamy vocals and subtle filtered keys. Strings and delicate guitar licks build to a glorious breakdown which reveals itself in full technicolour. Summery, sassy and sexy stuff. 

Sourires has deliverdd a modern classic with the Pampasosa EP. This has to be in your record box for the summer - just watch the dance floor go!

Ste Hendry [Black Light Disco]

Sourires - 03. Keep Rolling (De Gama Re - Groove) [SMS029]

Artist: De GAMA
Title: Tropical Gangster
Cat.#: SMS030
Format: 12''

Samosa Records reaches its 30th release in style, and who better to mark the occasion than label boss De GAMA with the superb ‘Tropical Gangster’ - a three tracker slice of vinyl heaven that’ll blow you face first into your summer paddling pool. 

Opening this super-tropical affair on the A-side is afro beat stomper ‘Karibu Funk’ - and it wastes no time at all in introducing us to its tribal rhythmic awesomeness. The beats, the vocals, the outrageously funky bass and horns are a musical representation of an African sunset. A serious groove. 

A2. brings us ‘Lucky Fellow’; a twisting, turning bouncy bass-bomb of a tune with a flute riff that would charm the clothes off you. De GAMA is very much in Pied Piper mode here - you’re powerless to resist the sexy overtures of the drums, the haunting synth lead and solid bass line. Sizzling hot. 

On the B-side De GAMA offers a cool ‘Piña Colada’ after all the heat of the A-side. This Piña Colada, however, offers an oasis of many delights and flavours. What starts as a furious latino drum call breaks to a tropical bassline and hypnotic keys. The vocals are the cherry on the cake of an amazing arrangement of layered sound. Goosebumps. 

The Tropical Gangster is an exceptionally special Samosa release befitting the occasion of reaching the 30 milestone, and another example of the consistently brilliant output from Samosa Records. Expect this one to sell out fast.

Ste Hendry [Black Light Disco]

De GAMA - 03. Piña Colada (2023 Remix) [SMS030]

De GAMA - 01. Karibu Funk [SMS030]

Artist: DA.A.V.V.
Title: Earth, Wind & Funk
Cat.#: SMS031
Format: 12''

After a short break Samosa Records explodes back on the scene with ‘Earth Wind & Funk’, a deadly four-tracker EP that is sure to get the juices flowing and body moving.

A1 sees New Zealander producer ‘Strange’ make a most welcome return, spinning the funk loom with the ‘Hard Working’ (De Gama Re-Drums). A truly addictive and distinctive bassline sets the pace, tone and feel for this gorgeously constructed track. It has it all; sumptuous vocal, high-end brass and an acid squelch to die for. Dig it, you will.

A2 lands with Frank Virgilio’s ‘Love Is Positivity’ – a melting pot of twisted disco, feel-good scatty rhythm and lifting vocals. The melody is literally dripping with positivity, but also has an almost transcendental vibe secretly going on. The last drops of summer are right here. Enjoy them.

On the B-side, Mosaik Kollektive raise the temperature with the De Gama Re-Drums applied ‘Keep’. A tough, perfectly cooked groove that gets right in your face and makes no apologies for screaming at you. The bass on this unstoppable monster is all-consuming. Rhythm guitar licks blend with soaring strings and that’s the full basket. Sublime meaty goodness.

Closing matters for this incredible EP at B2 is the effervescent Monsieur Van Pratt and Funk De Ibiza. MVP stretches his funky legs to the full here, laying down a solid beat, arpeggio and a bass so tough you could train it to box. Expertly blended with J-pop-esque vocal and shrill church organ. Drop this at midnight and watch the carnage unfold and hands in the air.

Earth, Wind and Funk is the exposure to the elements you absolutely want. A more perfect slice of wax you couldn’t find and one that’s sure to find its way into the record boxes of those who know.

Ste Hendry [Black Light Disco]

[SMS031] Earth, Wind & Funk

EW+F _ 04. Monsieur Van Pratt - Funk De Ibiza [SMS031]

EW+F _ 03. Mosaik Kollektif - Keep (De Gama Re-Drums) [SMS031]

EW+F _ 02. Frank Virgilio - Love Is Positivity [SMS031]

EW+F _ 01. Strange - Hard Working (De Gama Re-Drums) [SMS031]

Artist: A.A.V.V.
Title: Afrikano Vol.2
Cat.#: SMS032
Format: 12''

Samosa Records quickly follows up the first volume of Afrikano treats with Volume 2; a veritable melting pot of Afro beats and rhythms packed in to an exceptional four tracker.

Kicking the EP off on the A-side is Vincent Galgo and J’ngolo. This hypnotic Afro sizzler takes full advantage of the effortless bass, congo beats, African horns and (subtle) funky guitar. Add the mesmerising chanting and you have a perfect ‘Bunny Chow’ of a tune that will tantalise the tastebuds for a long time after the music has stopped. Second helpings? Why not?

A2 unleashes ‘Zaire’ by the supremely talented Matalo! Dark and broody beats take centre stage with this one, as you’re slowly enveloped in a ritual you never knew you were part of but now you can’t help sway with the rest of the worshippers. ‘Zaire’ is one of those rare tracks that you feel could create fire if you let it. With sweeping synths, tribal chanting and a detached sense of being, this monster lives under your bed and waits for lights out. Beware!

On the B-side Leslie Lello ups the tempo with ‘Alcyone’. Solid, punchy bass, driving guitar and gorgeous piano riff and vocal combine with a synth lead you absolutely need in your life. The track morphs and transforms into a full-on (almost housey) stomper; nailing its tribal colours to the mast with intent. A real beast of a tune.

Closing this superbly diverse EP is label boss De Gama and ‘E.T.A’. You know De Gama doesn’t mess about. You know De Gama wants to hit you with all he has and with ‘E.T.A’ he unleashes his ‘inner Chief. Indigenous beats pound, roll and build up to a Ramkie guitar infused chorus that’s as joyful, uplifting and inspiring as the dawn itself. A genuine, incredible slice of Afrikano from a master of the genre.

Afrikano Vol. 2 proves once again that Samosa Records know this genre like no other label out there. If this isn’t in your record box on release day, then we simply can’t be friends.

Ste Hendry [Black Light Disco]

[SMS032] Afrikano Vol.3

Afrikano Vol.2 _ B2. De Gama - E.T.A. [SMS032]

Afrikano Vol.2 _ B1. Leslie Lello - Alcyone [SMS032]

Afrikano Vol.2 _ A2. Matalo! - Zaire [SMS032]

Afrikano Vol.2 _ A1. Vincent Galgo - J'ngolo [SMS032]

[SMS033] (Re)FUNK+HEAD _ 03. Paul Older - Sax Francisco [De Gama (Re)Funk-Head]

[SMS033] (Re)FUNK+HEAD _ 04. MB Edit - Got The Feeling [De Gama (Re)Funk-Head]

[SMS033] (Re)FUNK+HEAD _ 02. De Gama - Some More [De Gama (Re)Funk-Head]

[SMS033] (Re)FUNK+HEAD _ 01. Dirtyelements & Drunkdrivers - Keep It Coming [De Gama (Re)Funk-Head]

Samosa Records (SMS002)

Purchase on Bandcamp

Les Inferno - Everything I Do (Original)

Fresh from brilliant releases by De Gama and Les Inferno, Samosa Records is back, this time with LTJ Xperience taking over with the sounds. The label’s latest release sees Luca Trevisi - a veteran Italian producer - summon up the quite exceptional sounds of ‘Bringing Me Over’. Such is the stature of the release that this vinyl-affair features just the one track - but what a track it is!!!
A gloriously warm disco-tinged gem, ‘Bringing Me Over’ bares all the hallmarks of a Samosa record. Alongside some clever samples and an alluring male vocal, its gorgeous percussion and sweaty hues mark it out as a track that already has us yearning for summer. A classy anthem that’s sure to prove a hit with discerning tastemakers over the next while. Another absolute winner from the Samosa crew, it’s proof once again that the Italian label is fast becoming one of the best and most consistent modern-day disco labels.

If 2017 was the year that Samosa first burst on to the scene, 2018 looks set to be the year where they solidify their reputation amongst the house and disco elite.

LTJ EDITS -Bring Me Over

LTJ Edits - Bringing Me Over [SMS003]

From the forthcoming 'De Gama - Funktastic EP' [SMS004]

De Gama - Son Of Slave [Funktastic EP]

De Gama - 1972 [Funktastic EP]

a snippet of 'Take It All In' by Chuggin Edits as featured on 'The Craig Charles Funk & Soul Show' - 20/04/18

Chuggin Edits - 'Take It All In' Ft On The Craig Charles Funk & Soul Show - 20/04/18

Track 02 from Les Inferno forthcoming ' Disco Dude EP' [SMS005].

Les Inferno - Dude Disco [Disco Dude EP]

Chuggin Edits - Soultempo EP [SMS005]

Chuggin Edits - I'm Scared [Soultempo EP]

Funk Purpose Vol. 1 _ 03. Will Hofbauer - Work It

Funk Purpose Vol. 1 _ 04. Shit Hot Soundsystem - Shit Goes 2 Minneapolis

Italian disco label Samosa Records have been doing a roaring trade of late, and with this new pack from Greece's C. Da Afro the trend looks very much set to continue. Brazilian flavours meet jazz-funk and straight up disco licks across these four infectious cuts.  [Ben Gomori]

C. Da Afro - 02. Brazilian Groove [Expresso EP]

Funk Purpose Vol. 2 / Pt. 2 _ 01. Fingerman - Sabu's Theme

Funk Purpose Vol. 2-2 [SMS011-2]

Samosa Records Funk Purpose Vol. 2 / Pt. 2_ 03. Sleazy McQueen - Ready 4 Luv

Funk Purpose Vol. 2 / Pt. 1 _ 03. Moodena & Sartorial - Got That Feeling

Samba E Sabor EP (SMS013)

Hotmood - 01. Samba E Sabor [Samba E Sabor EP]

Funk Purpose Vol. 3 [Sms016]

[SMS016-2] Funk Purpose Vol. 3-2 _ D1. The Funk District - Anywhere You Like

Souldynamic - West Side Of Afrika

Souldynamic - 01. Guinée [SMS018]

[SMS021] Dirtyelements & Drunkdrivers - B1. Never Give Up (De Gama Re - Built) (Never Give Up EP)

Samosa Records is the fast-rising disco label pushing all manner of funk-fuelled flavours that incorporate Afro, Brazilian, Latin and boogie sounds into disco house templates, it's a label that can be relied on for surefire dancefloor heaters. [Ben Gomori]

Popular tracks by Samosa Records