Sharif Galal - Little Rays of Sunshine EP (Suite Grooves)

8DPromo · Sharif Galal - Little Rays of Sunshine EP (Suite Grooves)

Sharif Galal, a veteran radio and club DJ with nearly four decades of experience, has released a mesmerizing EP titled Little Rays of Sunshine on his own label, Suite Grooves. This collection of five tracks showcases Galal's unique ability to blend Western beats with Middle Eastern sounds and instruments, creating a captivating fusion that transports listeners to the heart of the desert.

The title track, "Little Rays of Sunshine," is an account of Galal's recent trip to Egypt, where he captured the laid-back and relaxed atmosphere of his time spent with family. The song centers around the enchanting sound of an Oud, complemented by big beats, heavy bass, and exotic melodies that build with a wild intensity. The result is a slightly ominous yet irresistibly alluring track that evokes strong desert vibes.

"Yallah," meaning "Come on," "Let's go," or "Hurry up" in Arabic, picks up the pace and aims straight for the dancefloor. The exciting hand percussion vibes and the interaction of string instruments with orchestral melodies create a driving feel that will have listeners moving to the bouncing beats. This versatile word, familiar to anyone who has spent time in an Arabic-speaking country, perfectly captures the energy and spirit of the track.

The EP also features "White Girl," a remix of a popular Egyptian folk tune sans vocals. The mid-tempo four-on-the-floor rhythm, combined with an array of cool percussion and Middle Eastern instrumentation, results in a hypnotic floor fodder with a touch of dubby-ness. It's a track that will keep dancers entranced and engaged.

Up next is "Zaar Saraab," a nod to the Sufi gatherings where participants try to achieve a trancelike state, losing themselves in the infinite oneness of life. The rhythms and percussion transport the listener and the dancer to a place made from a mirage in the desert.

Closing the EP is "Ban War," a poignant and atmospheric track that reflects on the current state of the world. With a hip-hop beat, female vocals, and a flute that calls for peace, this emotional and layered lament showcases Galal's ability to convey powerful messages through his music.

The Little Rays of Sunshine EP is a must-listen for anyone who appreciates the fusion of Middle Eastern sounds with Western beats. Sharif Galal's decades of experience as a DJ and producer shine through in each track, making this release a true gem in the world of dance music. Embark on a musical journey through the sands of time.

Rory Hoy (Super Hi-Fi) – “Really enjoying the Middle Eastern vibes here.”
Seth Jordan (The Tiki Lounge Remix) – “Good work Sharif! I’ll use some tracks in The Tiki Lounge Remix.”
Klaus Benedek (Fortunea Records) – “Little Rays of Sunshine is the track for me.”
Leri Ahel (Mutant Disco Radio Show) – “Brilliant release. Will support.”
DJ Firefly (Couch Dancing) – “Excellent blend of desert sounds and electronic beats.”
Simon Kirk (Stag Beetle Radio Show) – “Wonderful EP. Zaar Saraab has such an amazing atmosphere.”

Available Now From: Bandcamp, Apple Music, Pandora, And Amazon Music.

Madou Kouyate - Nindjougou EP (Wind Horse Records)

Wind Horse Records presents a stunning EP with an international touch — an ode to the influence of ethnic global music on the Indian electronic music scene. Madou Kouyate, an extremely talented singer and songwriter from Mali, delivers a 6-tracker that also features Indian producers Hamza Rahimtula and Unnayanna on remix duties.

“Nindjougou” kicks things off, a beautiful song that sparks warmth and speaks to the soul. The tune features Madou’s incredible vocals, delightfully layered with ethnic strings and percussion. “Nindjougou” has an almost folk music feel with an addictive melody filled with uplifting emotion and supported by ethereal stabs.

On the remixes, Hamza keeps things clean and groovy, using elements of the title track judiciously to craft a beachside dance-floor burner. This remix springs to life with a piano stab, giving it a Chicago-house-meets-Africa vibe that retains the flavor of the original while standing out on its own. Unnanyanna’s remix is also special as the afro-house exponent gives “Nindjougou” the acid treatment. The rework also features samples from a xylophone that adds an Asian vibe while a deep, bouncy bass line brings the funk.

Madou Kouyate’s next original track — “Souleymane Sangare” — is more upbeat with a simple yet effective drum pattern coupled with raspy percussions. The song builds with effortless ease, accompanied by buoyant pads that offer the required aural ambiance. Once again it’s Madou’s vocals that stand-out and really take this tune to the next level.

The second of the remixes from the effervescent Hamza is positively breath-taking. The veteran DJ’s incredible ear leads him to produce a track that screams ‘Detroit’ and ‘Disco’ at the same time. It’s a reflection of the influences that have helped shape his music. Cosmic pads accompany a bass guitar riff that will get feet moving, making for a mix to throw down at peak-time or to warm up floor. Rounding out the release is an extended version of “Souleymane Sangare” that can be defined as ‘made for the club’.

Rise Ashen (Balanced Records) – “I’m really feelin’ this.”
Mr. V (Sole Channel Music) – “I love this package guys!”
Alexander East (Planet East) – “The whole EP is banging!”
Chris Udoh (Tigerhook) – “Beautiful work.”
Pete Williams (Natural Rhythm) – “Love all the flavors on this one.”
Jose Marquez (Tribe Records) – “Yes! Great release with great mixes for all occasions.”
Norbert Borchers (House Sound Of Hamburg) – “The Hamza Afro Disco Mix of Souleymane Sangare is very cool!”
Damian Charles (Pointblank FM) – “Unnayanaa mix is killer!”
Marcia Carr (Mi-Soul Radio) – “Impressive set of mixes, this single is beautiful.”
Dean Serafini (Frisky Rhythms) – “Both tracks are excellent, Unnayanaa Remix of Nindjougou hitting the post nicely as is the Hamza Afro Disco Mix of Souleymane Sangare. Impressive!”

Available Now From: Beatport, Traxsource, Apple Music, And Spotify.

Zone+ & Usif - Laya (Wind Horse Records)

Helmed by Hamza, New Delhi’s Wind Horse Records returns with “Laya,” a collaboration between Zone+ & Usif from Bahrain (the biggest House Music export from the Middle East). Following separate releases on Day I Dream, Underyourskin Records, and Sol Selectas, Zone+ & Usif collaborated on releases for Akumandra/Underyourskin and Talavera Records before collaborating on “Laya”

“Laya” is another in the impressive Wind Horse roster seamlessly melding house music rhythms, traditional instrumentation from Indian and other world music in superlative production standards. The title track is a meandering jaunt through lush soundscapes, deep grooves, percussive and hypnotic house. Haunting flute, keys, and pads weave contemplative strains throughout. “Aria” is a slappy late-night affair with driving bass sounding sonar depths and building slowly with unexpected vocals and polyrhythmic treatments, mounting new surprise midway through the nearly 10-minute opus. Give “Laya” a spin, and be prepared for transport to a globe-spanning ride suited to dancefloors everywhere.

Kenny Substance (Redflux) – “Two nicely done originals.”
Nick Warren (The Soundgarden) – “Both tracks are really cool.”
Fer Ferrari (Deepclass Records) – “Aria is the one for me. Nice.”
Chang (Chang Bang) – “Laya is smokin’. I love the mystical vibe and flute.”
Bob Duskis (Six Degrees Records) – “Love both tracks but ‘Aria’ is particularly beautiful.”
Aryan Sharma (Dimension Radio) – “I really like how ‘Laya’ flows.”
Ejaz Ahamed (Global Mission / Proton Radio) – “These guys are on fire lately. Great EP.”
SimonG / Deep South Audio (Volcano Radio) – “Both tunes are ripe for my deep house sets … Lovely.”
Al Bradley (3am Recordings) – “Really strong, warm vibes here. Aria stood out on the initial listen, but both have real quality running through them.”
Black Alley (In Control Radio Show) – “Beautiful soundscapes take you on a journey through the Middle East and Asia. Cool stuff!”

Available Now From: Beatport, Traxsource, iTunes, And Spotify.

Sid Vaga - Na Na Ye / Manouche (Wonderwheel Recordings)

NYC (via Paris) based DJ and producer Sid Vaga returns to Nickodemus’ Wonderwheel Recordings with another 12“ full of exotic deep house vibes sure to light up dance floors everywhere. It’s an impressive follow-up to his genuinely well-received ”Brazuca“ single from earlier in the year. On the A side, Sid delivers ”Na Na Ye“, a driving cut with a pulsing bass line and hypnotic African chant that pushes the tune forward before getting flipped into a percussive section alongside deep and subtle synths. On the flip ”Manouche“ can be found, a late night house tune with psychedelic Balkan guitars and swirling Gypsy vocal samples punctuating the track. Rounding out the single, Valencian producer Oscar Barila (Plastic City, Kling Klong) gives ”Manouche” a truly funky remix with a squelchy ’80s ‘new wave’ style bass line, thumping house beat, and irresistible synth work coming together for a real after hours nightclub workout.

Nick Warren - “Oscar Barila’s remix for me.”
Doc Link - “Solid! Will be working this one in.”
Ohmega Watts - “The single pulsates with flavor! It’s a toss up between ‘Manouche’ and the remix. The original fuels the fire for that follow up HEATER mix.”
Sleazy McQueen - “I dig all three tracks here.”
Phat Phil Cooper - “Good dance floor material.”
Abicah Soul - “Oscar Barila’s remix is my pick.”
All Good Funk Alliance - “Nice moves!”
Mike Gill (Wolf + Lamb) - “Loving ‘Na Na Ye’ … great track.”
Jaymz Nylon - “The sound quality here is amazing!”
Giom - “Liking Oscar Barila’s remix.”
DJ MFR (Transport Recordings) - “Nice package. I like all the mixes. Full support on this one.”
Moodymanc - “‘Na Na Ye’ definitely for me!”
Beppe Gioia (Garage Family) - “‘Manouche’ … this track’s got good energy!”
DJ Rocca (Ajello) - “Funky remix … I like it!”
Danny Massure (Sprint Strut) - “Sweet deep afro house vibes!”
Joey Silvero (Distant People) - “Rolling sound, a real bounce to this.”
Rob Warner (Ibiza Voice) - “Wicked, jammy grooves. Loving the original of ‘Manouche.’”
Michael Fossati (Spirit Of House) - “Different yet uber-cool and sexy. ‘Na Na Ye’ is the standout track for me.”

Available now from Juno Download and Beatport.