Alma Negra - Free EP [Toy Tonics]

Format: 12".
CAT: TOYT193

Hitting the Berlin label Toy Tonics with force: a new EP by the talented duo Alma Negra!

Founded in 2013, Alma Negra is a Swiss collective centered around brothers Dersu and Diego Figueira, whose diverse roots between Switzerland and Cape Verde define their sound. The project was born with the ambitious vision of exploring different world rhythms and driving musical innovation by blending diverse styles. Their work is anchored in a process of digging and sampling, skillfully fusing traditional sounds—from Nigerian afrobeat influenced by Fela Kuti and Angolan lament, to Caribbean zouk and the Maloya sound of Reunion—within a contemporary dance music context.

The Figueira brothers' eclectic DJ sets reflect this philosophy, combining disco and house with salsa, samba, jazz, and Afro-Caribbean carnival rhythms, always under their motto: "As long as it has groove."

Since 2014, Alma Negra has made significant contributions to intercultural exchange in their hometown, Basel. Their international presence began in 2015 with their first overseas performances in countries such as France, the Netherlands, and Portugal. Between 2016 and 2019, their reach expanded considerably with performances in key cities like London, Paris, and Berlin, as well as Istanbul, Tel Aviv, and Tunis. Highlights from that period include their sets at the Montreux Jazz Festival, Dimensions Festival in Croatia, and Fuse in Brussels.

Their reputation has also been solidified by releases on respected labels such as Heist Recordings, Sofrito, and Basic Fingers, in addition to remixes by prominent colleagues like Soulphiction, Kuniyuki, and Yuksek.

Parallel to their studio work and DJing, the project evolved into the Alma Negra Live Band, formed with jazz musicians from Basel. Although the band is currently on hiatus, this collaboration made live instrumentation increasingly central to their productions, creating a dynamic they consider essential for any dance floor. The band has performed in cities such as London and Hamburg, and collaborated with artists such as French singer Pat Kalla and jazz trumpeter Bodo Maier.