01 Džambo Aguševi Orchestra

Brasses for the Masses

(Asphalt Tango Records, 2020)

If anyone is taking Balkan brass into the future then it’s Macedonia’s Džambo Aguševi and his band, who hoovered up awards in Eastern Europe before releasing this declaration of intent. The opening track features a rap from Aguševi, there are elements of ska and covers of songs by French guitarist Mathias Duplessy, so it’s not the most traditional of sets, but if the raison d’être is to soundtrack the party, then mission accomplished. RUSS SLATER JOHNSON

02 Mestizo

Mestizo

(Mais Um, 2023)

Established by Steam Down’s Ahnansé and the founder of Colombia’s Mambo Negro Records, Daniel Michel, the self-titled album from this 14-strong ensemble melds the traditions of Colombian folk music with contemporary hip-hop and jazz. With the danceability of cumbia, improvisation of jazz and MCs versing in both Spanish and English, this is an ensemble that connects culture, language and music from opposite sides of the world. IZZY FELTON

03 Lagos Thugs

Chaos

(Immensum, 2024)

Opening with ‘Kalakuta President’, the Lagos Thugs declare their interests in Afrobeat from the off. And they more than do Fela Kuti justice. Mischievous, electric brass carries each track along, weaving between rhythmic vocals. While tackling serious topics, the Thugs aren’t afraid of being playful – listen out for the buoyant ‘New Improved Elephants’, named after a Lagos detergent, urging listeners to cleanse the country of corruption. A pleasure from the cutting ‘Kalakuta President’ through to the quieter, more instrumental-focused closer, ‘Innocent Blood’. EMMA RYCROFT

04 Nakibembe Embaire Group

Nakibembe Embaire Group

(Nyege Nyege Tapes, 2023)

Instead of ‘big band,’ read ‘big instrument’. The embaire is an immense xylophone played by up to eight people, and Nakibembe, whose numbers swell to 27 members, are one of few remaining practitioners. Hailing from Uganda’s Busoga Kingdom they improvise hypnotic polyrhythms with vocals and shakers to create truly transcendental music, and are joined on three tracks here by an Indonesian trio, Gabber Modus Operandi & Wahono, when things get even more interesting. ERIN COBBY

05 Orquesta Akokán

Orquesta Akokán

(Daptone Records, 2018)

Established in 2018, Orquesta Akokán’s debut feels like a time capsule, recalling mambo big bands from the previous century. Which no doubt was the intention when they recorded this live during a three-day session at the state-run Estudios Areito in Havana. Akokán is Yoruba for ‘from the heart,’ fitting, as this record feels it too. IF

06 Minyo Crusaders

Echoes of Japan

(Mais Um, 2019)

There are now many big cumbia bands worldwide but one of the most radical has to be Japan’s Minyo Crusaders who unite a love for groove, evident in their use of rhythms from cumbia and boogaloo as well as from Africa and the Caribbean, with the min’yō folk songs that they grew up with. Tracks like ‘Kushimoto Bushi (Cumbia)’ and ‘Yasugi Bushi (Bolero)’ embody dual identity. RSJ

07 Cha Wa

Spyboy

(UPT Music, 2018)

Cha Wa describe themselves as a ‘New Orleans brass band-meets-Mardi Gras Indian outfit’ and it’s hard to put it any better. Spyboy is an explosion of all the brass squeals and twists New Orleans is known for, replete with steady, funk-riddled bass and joyous, full-volume vocals and chorus. ‘Cha Wa’ and the rolling ‘Geechie Boom Boom’ are highlights. The jubilation is closed with a soulful, pared-down ‘I’ll Fly Away’, an off-kilter, all-too-short take on the classic. ER

08 Nubiyan Twist

Find Your Flame

(Strut Records, 2024)

A London-based nine-piece that blend jazz, Afrobeat, Latin and dance sounds, Nubiyan Twist have outdone themselves on their latest. Versatile at its core, in both the influences it draws from and the languages featured, collaborations with Seun Kuti and Nile Rodgers take this work to the next level. EC

09 Meute

Empor

(TUMULT, 2024)

Germany’s Meute play techno classics using drums, brass and a xylophone. With UNESCO recently adding Berlin’s techno scene to the country’s list of intangible cultural heritage, can we begin saying that electronic music is an important part of German tradition? The evidence would be these lot, who take techno to the street with songs full of personality that build to euphoric highs and wouldn’t be out of place at Rio carnival. RSJ

10 KermesZ à l’Est

Octophilia

(KermesZ à l’Est, 2023)

If you’re after a little anarchy from your Balkan brass, then these eight Belgians are your ticket. Balkan melodies are at the heart of what they do, but they veer off into moments of dub, math rock and their take on an overture from baroque composer Jean-Baptiste Lully. Remarkably it all holds together, but then behind their anarchic imagery, these lot are very good musicians. RSJ

This article originally appeared in the July 2024 issue of Songlines. Never miss an issue – subscribe today