Chuwanaga Vinyl & CDs

Review: Parisian label Chuwanaga presents a new project from Saint-James label co-founder on this dazzling 12". Latitude is a seriously and proudly French artist who oozes sophistication and pop hooks that drip with attitude. The musicianship too is of the highest order - irresistible jazz-funk that glows at every turn. First off is the uptempo 'Leo (Extended Mix)' with big vocals from Parisian singer Club Celest and tight, clipped beats packed with funk. 'Attitude' is more loose and star-gazing with its glowing chords and bustling rhythms. The Mato dub of 'Attitude' is a fat bottomed dub fleece out with all the neat tricks and effects you need on a sunny afternoon.

Review: Discomatin co-founder and all-round Parisian selector don Saint James co-launches his new Chuwanaga label with this expertly curated compilation. In The Red is a deep dive into the exciting funk fusion coming out of London between 1980-83 as a new movement of black British musicians honed a sound that owes as much to soundsystem culture as it does disco. From the glistening instrumental flare of Index to the lavish synths and slap bass of Equa, this captures a unique and currently under-documented moment in groove history. Complete with detailed liner notes, this is a fantastic way to launch a new label. Not to be slept on.