review logoTo celebrate the beginning of summer, we bring you an extra large update of the latest and best in soulful/afro house music... enjoy !!

Jose Burgos & Kenny Bobien "Love is on the way" (Shino Blackk Remix)(New Generation Records Promo)

In December of last year, we were celebrating "Love is on the way" by DJ/producer Jose Burgos and vocalist Kenny Bobien, an outstanding soulful production sure to stand the test of time that included a towering remix by Josh Milan. In January of this year, an excellent remix by Neapolitan Soul & Luciano Gioia followed, now the time has come for Shino Blackk to present his super smooth and melodious yet enticing interpretation which takes Kenny Bobien's amazing vocals to new heights.

Czar featuring S-Tone "Let it be" (Antidote Music Promo)

Making their debut on Antidote Music are Czar and S-Tone (both from the Kingdom of eSwatini) with "Let it be", a truly glorious soulful production oozing with gorgeous vocals of S-Tone, grand jazzy keys, dreamy chords and a thrilling organic backing. From Gruv Basement comes a superb truly groovey yet soulful rendition and Slotta contributes both a splendid broken beat flavored rework and a seductive deepened interpretation.

Chocolate Boyz & Tunah featuring Richelle Hicks "Stay" (Gruv Manics Digital SA Promo)

Not much needs to be said or written about the magnificent "Stay" by South Africa's Chocolate Boyz and Tunah other than Gruv Manics Digital SA have a beauty in their hands with this verily soulful production that is guaranteed to cast a spell on you through the gentle rhythms, sublime jazzy piano, mellifluous chords and the inimitable tempting vocals of US based Richelle Hicks.

HyperSOUL-X featuring Sabrina "Happiness" (Doug Gomez Remix)(Merecumbe Recordings Promo)

Merecumbe Recordings have licensed the uber cool afro house cut "Happiness" by HyperSOUL-X (originally released on "The Rebirth, Vol. 3" through Hyper Production (SA) in late April) which features the stunning vocals of Sabrina. Label head Doug Gomez has added his magical touch to the track, combining the bodacious vocals with merciless afrotastic rhythms and utterly tantalizing synth melodies. In other words, Doug Gomez rework of "Happiness" is a sure-fire dance floor weapon...

Luke Solomon featuring Queen Rose & Amy Douglas "Light you up" (Classic Music Company Promo)

The much loved disco/funk tinged groover "Light you up" by Luke Solomon featuring the incredible vocals of Queen Rose and Amy Douglas is about to get a 12" vinyl release on Classic Music Company soon, complete with an accapella and a killer boogietastic re-imagination of the original version by legendary Louie Vega which features stellar keys and chords. Highly recommended.

Blast from the Past: Fire Island featuring Love Nelson "There but for the grace of god" (4 to the Floor Records Promo)

In 1993, the Junior Boys Own label released a limited white label promo of Fire Island's remake of the 1979 disco anthem "There but for the grace of god" by Machine which included the original Fire Island version and remixes by Roger Sanchez, featuring by from Love Nelson. The official release followed in early 1994 including fresh mixes Roach Motel and X-Press 2, then in 1999 remixes by Joey Negro and Futureshock followed. Now 4 to the Floor Records bring this classic back to the dance floor, with the massive ten track release featuring all the mixes from back in the day, including the hard to find Roger Sanchez remixes.

Chelsea Como & Jacko "TTYD (things that you do)" (TR Records Promo)

"TTYD (things that you do)" is the latest collaboration by DJ Jacko with songstress Chelsea Como, and what a wonderful musical treat we have here... The original version is a fantastic slice of r&b perfectly showcasing Chelsea Como's one-of-a-kind deep-rooted vocals. The 'Summer Mix' is a fascinating afrobeat rendition, and next we have the mind-blowing 'Blackdraft' mixes by Shino Blackk and DJ Jacko transforming the song into a fervid 4/4 affair sure to send the dancers into a frenzy.

Circle of Funk featuring Mike City "Nite til dawn" (Slapped Up Soul Promo)

Slapped Up Soul continue to bless us with nothing but top-notch soulful house music with their latest offering by Circle of Funk who continue to push the envelope with "Nite til dawn", to make it short this uber soulful and melodious yet tantalizing late night gem featuring the beautiful emotive vocals of Mike City and enchanting keys over deep verily intriguing rhythms is not to be missed.

Soultronixx presents "The Basement Vol. 2" (Double Cheese Records Promo)

South African DJ/producer Soultronixx returns with the second release in his recently launched "The Basement" series. This installment introduces you to the scrumptious "How great you are" by Stasoul which features the unique enticing vocals of Mbali M, jazzy keys and ethereal chords over a spell binding afrocentric backdrop. The remixes are courtesy of Dav Risen, Soultronixx and Gintonic all adding their distinctive soulful touch, making it next to impossible to pick a favorite version.

Kenny featuring Tshepo "Whos gonna squeeze me" (Uno Mas Recordings Promo)

We have to admit that we received a copy of this marvelous afro house jewel by South Africa's Kenny a couple of weeks ago but completely missed to give it a review... Beyond the shadow of a doubt, the summery "Whos gonna squeeze me" by Kenny is sheer musical bliss, featuring the fabulous vocals of Tshepo alongside a lovely guitar and luscious keys over dulcet yet compelling rhythms.

Saint Evo featuring Zipho "I wanna know" (Union Records Promo)

Forthcoming to up and rising Union Records is "I wanna know" by Kenyan DJ/producer Saint Evo and South African vocalist Zipho. To cut right to the chase, "I wanna know" is utterly hypnotizing, the absolutely irresistible afro-tribal rhythms together with the verily inebriant synth melodies and unmistakable enchanting vocals of Zipho Khumalo are guaranteed to cast a spell on you.

Andrea Curato featuring Chanelle "Everything (alright)" (KingStreet Records Promo)

Courtesy of Italian DJ/producer Andrea Curato and house music diva Chanelle comes "Everything (alright)", undeniably this glamorous sun drenched production with a smooth yet contaminous organic backdrop leading the way for luxurious keys, dreamy chords and Chanelle's unmatched emotive vocals will make you yearn for more. Included in the package are the instrumental and the 'Afro Dub' dives into the deeper and groovier realms of afro house.

Soulcall featuring Ms Onyie "Go away" (HSR Records Promo)

HSR Records continue to grace us with the perfect soundtrack for the summer with this wonderful release by Soulcall aka Gigi Frassanito and singer Ms Onyie. The masterly crafted "Go away" is verily uplifting and features the formidable powerhouse vocals of Ms Onyie, illustrious keys, wicked guitar and sublime saxophone over an irresistible smoothly stompin' organic backing.