"What I’d really love is to hear at least five kuduro tracks blasting out at local French campsites this summer!" Frédéric Galliano declares. While such mainstream status remains a distant reality, the French DJ is nevertheless committed to taking kuduro to the masses. Since discovering the vibrant mix of electro beats, percussion samples and toasting in the Angolan capital, Luanda, in 2005, Galliano has become an international champion of kuduro (literally "hard ass" or "stiff bottom" in Portuguese, so called because of the sensual bottom-waving dance style that accompanies the music.)

On his new compilation, Kuduro Sound System, Galliano presents his latest findings in the manner of a DJ mix. His declared aim is to "make kuduro more accessible to all" and the first single release from the album is thus in French (Danse avec moi, kuduro!) However, Galliano has made no concessions when it comes to adapting kuduro's ultra-rapid tempo or pounding rhythms, simply adding a bass line or a few electro twists here and there. Interestingly enough, on Batucadurooo! Galliano emphasises links between Angola and Brazil. This fast and furious track, recorded in Rio with a baile funk singer, is infused with pure carnival spirit - a spirit that reigns throughout the rest of the album, too!

"As I’m someone who spends a lot of time roaming the globe, I allowed myself to weave other musical influences into kuduro because that’s my vision of the world," Galliano explains, "I don’t want to end up being more Angolan than the Angolans themselves!” The majority of the guest vocalists featured on the compilation are singers Galliano met personally on his regular trips to Luanda. A number of them, including Dama Pancha and Dama Beleza, were given their first opportunity to go into a recording studio thanks to Galliano who was impressed by the locals' vocals and phenomenal on-stage energy.

Frédéric Galliano Kuduro Sound System (Frikyiwa/EMI) 2009