La Pata Coja

The Bongo Hop are the brainchild of France-based Etienne Sevet, who could be considered part of the new tropical revivalists, along with Meridian Brothers and Dowdelin, with Latin-based, Afro-Colombian rhythms, jazzy brass and highly catchy vocals, adding new vocabulary to what is known as the Black Atlantic sound. Each of the eight tracks has a different guest vocalist, giving a nice variety to the rough and ready, live-sounding production. ‘Mi Olla’, sung by Francy Bonilla, is a hopeful ode to the beauty of Colombia, avoiding the usual negative connotations that can come with that country. Brazilian Lucas Santtana sings on ‘Magica Bonita’, providing a soulful accompaniment to the rolling snare of the Colombian chirimía rhythm. The title-track (translating as ‘the gammy leg’) is a successful attempt at Colombian soul music, and the propulsive ‘Dekonekte’ tells of surviving as a Haitian in Paris, working the food markets by day and singing in clubs at night.