Raha / Orewa by Savana Funk & Gaudi

Afro-funk masters SAVANA FUNK join forces with renowned producer/musician GAUDI in his London studio to revive the sound of Afro/Cosmic Disco of the late 70s, with this limited edition 7" vinyl (500 copies worldwide)


The terms "Afro-disco / Cosmic-disco" are used to describe various forms of African-influenced and Synth-based dance music with a particular method of DJing originally developed and promoted by a small number of DJs in Italy from the late 70s through the mid-80s, a freeform music-journey created with vinyl records, mixing and beat-matching a very diverse range of musical styles, from electro-funk to Brazilian-jazz, incorporating live percussion and effects. Pioneers such as DJ Mozart, Daniele Baldelli, Loda, Pery, Spranga, L'ebreo, Tosi Brandi, Lelli and venues such as Cosmic, Baia Degli Angeli, Typhoon, La Mecca, Chicago, Arlecchino to name but a few, had truly expanded and helped the development of the club-culture in Italy and subsequently in Europe. In his youth, producer and musician Gaudi was one of the punters who regularly attended these venues and followed the whole "Afro" scene, experiencing from the dancefloor that 90-110BPM hypnotic sound and subconsciously absorbing the essence of it. In fact, it is no coincidence that many of the productions he has released in his 35-year career have a strong Afro-influenced imprinting, the last of which is "Raha", the new collaborative EP released as a combo with Savana Funk, a vibrant tribute to what is considered one of the most exciting and original movement in the club scene.

This "afro-cosmic" 7" will be available next April 26 via Record Kicks on limited 500 copies edition crystal clear vinyl worldwide. On the A side the first single "Raha" that is driven by a solid "afro-cosmic" groove infused with an eclectic krautrock sound, very distinct and very psychedelic at the same time. A texture generated by analogue synthesizers and "space-funk" riffs from guitar and bass. RAHA means "Peace of mind" in Arabic, the native language of the Italian-Moroccan drummer Youssef, who also appears as a vocalist on this track. On the B side the groovy and sexy "OREWA" a funk track to dance to on the beach surrounded by a psychedelic-coloured sunset, with hypnotic guitar riffs that take us into a journey without time and without space.

Active since 2015, Savana Funk are one of the most sought-after "afro-funk" band in Italy, with hundreds of successful live shows nationwide including performances with Kokoroko, Seun Kuti and Nu Guinea, they have released 5 albums so far: 'Musica Analoga', 'Savana Funk', 'Bring in the New' 'Tindouf' and the latest 'Ghibli'.

London based music producer Gaudi has contributed to a number of albums nominated for awards and prizes such as: Grammy Awards 2019, with the album 'Mass Manipulation' by Steel Pulse), BBC's World Music Award, with the album 'Dub Qawwali' by Gaudi & Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. His work and music contributions have topped international charts such as: Billboard Reggae Chart no.1 with the albums 'Heavy Rain' by Lee "Scratch" Perry, no.1 with 'Mass Manipulation' by Steel Pulse and again no.1 with 'Vessel of Love' by Hollie Cook. Studio works include name acts such as: Groove Armada, Simple Minds, African Head Charge, Lamb, Horace Andy, Brian Ferry, Don Letts, Grandmaster Flash, Afrika Bambaataa, Mad Professor, The Beat and more.

Aldo, Blake and Youssef (respectively from Italy, England
and Morocco) first met in spring 2015, in
Bologna, Italy. It became immediately apparent to them that
they shared a special bond on an emotional
and musical level. A mixture of
African music, funk, blues, psychedelic rock and jazz
influences runs throughout their original repertoire.
In 2018 they officially adopted the name SAVANA FUNK.