Prezident Markon’s New Singles Round-Up: (Trio Ternura, Leo Middea, Ana Frango Elétrico with Marcos Valle, Sessa, Damaris and many more)

I sometimes worry about an apparent bias towards Brazil in this column. But then, Brazil is the biggest country in South America, so I shouldn’t be surprised. And despite the efforts of our team on the ground—Rebecca, Andy, Adailton, Marco et al—we’re ultimately reliant on people contacting Sounds and Colours HQ. All this by way of excuse that there is indeed a certain leaning towards Brazil this month. Still, there’s loads of good stuff to tickle your pan-Latin fancy. As Clive Myrie says on Mastermind, ‘here we go…’

Luisa feat. Azymuth: “Romantica”/”Lenha na Fogueira”

A blast from the past seems as good a way as any to get the ball rolling. Far Out Recordings have just unearthed this obscurity. It’s so obscure that bassist Alex Malheiros, the last surviving original Azymuthian, doesn’t even remember the 1981 session that produced this forgotten singer’s sole single, for producer Carlos Lemos’ Pirâmide label. It’s pretty good; it does what it suggests on the tin. But your ageing prezidential groover prefers the samba-funk of the B-side, “Lenha na Fogueira”.

Trio Ternura: “A Gira”

And why not two blasts from the past while we’re at it? Vampisoul brought out this Brazilian obscurity from 1973 at the end of August. The trio was a trio of siblings and “A Gira”— which has nothing to do with MOMO’s estimable Gira from last year—was written by the siblings’ father and uncle. It’s a family af-fair… The B-side is their rather nice version of Gato Barbieri’s “Last Tango in Paris”, making this a 7″ single of real distinction.

Doctor Nativo featuring Roco Pachukote: “Caminantes”

We’ll leave bygone Brazil to the pages of history for a moment to flag up this Guatemalan artist’s ode to those who walk — across borders, histories, and generations in search of justice, healing and peace. It’s the last single from BarrioKandela, to be released on Stonetree Records in February 2026. It features the Grammy-nominated Roco Pachukote and if you’re after a bit of exuberant mariachi-ska to put some oomph into your life, look no further. Nice video, too!

Westbound Train: “L.M.A.”

And while skanking to a bit of ska, you could do worse than this single from a November album, Sing The Ghost Away, by this Boston-based ska and soul collective. It’s got a nice analogue Daptonic feel to it that evokes the Real Jamaican McCoy and encourages me to check out the long-player when the time comes.

Leo Middea: “Sulamérica”

There’s a new Carioca in town. Actually, the Barcelona-based Rio-born troubadour is not that new. His sixth album is due for release (on Agogo Records) at the beginning of next year, one step further on his stated mission “to present Brazilian music to as many people and places as possible.” He’s currently embarking on a European tour and, given music of this calibre, rooted as it evidently is in the classical tradition of Caetano Veloso, Jorge Ben, Gal Costa, Gilberto Gil and their like, it wouldn’t appear to be a mission impossible.

Ana Frango Elétrico with Marcos Valle: “Não Tem Nada Não”

You could add Marcos Valle to that list with no quibbles. When Ana Frango Elétrico met the legendary octogenarian, she suggested straight away a reinterpretation of the latter’s classic (whose instrumental section serves me well from time to time on my radio show when I’ve got a minute or so to kill to make up the full hour). Nothing, in my book, will better the original, but this take on it (now with new added snippet of Crystal Waters’ “Gypsy Woman”) is fine and dandy, quickly becoming a fan-favourite during Ana’s recent international tour of over 40 sold-out shows. That’s show business!

Mon Laferte & Nathy Peluso: “La Tirana”

Here’s a Chilean artiste who’s quite a regular colourful sound. She hooks up on this single taken from her forthcoming studio album with the appropriate title of Femme Fatale with the potent voice of Nathy Peluso. The big-production video is directed by Chilean filmmaker Camila Grandi, who manages to capture the nostalgia of the classic Latin bolero in a tribute to the great La Lupe (she of the monumental version of “Fever” often found on compilations). Drama verging on the melodramatic variety.

Carolina Mama: “Bajo el Silencio (feat. Trooko)”

Frankly, I never really thought that a music video could be genuinely scary. Since it tackles the subject of male violence towards women, asking how much harm women must endure before society makes a lasting change, I guess it’s not surprising. It’s a track taken from the young Argentine singer-songwriter, musician and film-maker’s debut album AMINA, due a tad later this month. Working with the multi-Grammy-winning producer Trooko, the album was inspired by an horrific true story and both it and the single, says the singer, are “a call to arms, a passionate fight for a world where women are safe and free.”

Ilessi: “Atlânticas”

And back again to Brazil – in the shape of this powerful artist with a potent set of pipes. Her splendid Afro-Brazilian album Atlântico Negro slipped under my radar when it came out. I blame my subordinates. I’m reliably informed by the Brasil Calling publicity magazine that she has released a 7″ single under this title, “Atlânticas”, featuring two numbers that include her take on Tania Maria’s immortal “Yatra-tá”. I can’t for the life of me find it on YouTube (I blame my subordinates, since I’m learning to be narcissistic in the way of modern-day presidents), but I did find this rather stunning live performance at SESC Jazz, which will give you a pretty good idea of what to find on the vinyl – if you manage to track it down. Roll over, Tania, take these Brazilian blues…

Yilian Cañizares: “Vamos a Florecer”

Hot off the press: another potent voice, but in a very different styl-ee. This Cuban-born violinist, singer, and composer is known for her blend of jazz, classical music and Afro-Cuban rhythms. The single also features the voice of Momi Maiga from Senegal and I imagine it will eventually be included on her fifth album at some time in the near-ish future. Deeply committed to social causes, this UN “Voice of the Oceans” and a passionate advocate for education and equality is based now in Switzerland, where she has won honours and in 2021 a prestigious Swiss Music Prize. She has performed with icons such as Chucho Valdés, Omar Sosa, Jon Batiste and Richard Bona, so she’s clearly one to watch.

Da Cruz: Rolexxx +

Here’s another female singer with a Swiss connection. Rolexxx + is a three-track EP by the Brazilian-Swiss band fronted by Mariana Da Cruz. It’s a preview of their forthcoming album, set for release in January 2026. They and she are known for blending Afro-Brazilian roots with the pulse of today’s global club culture, but it’s been many a year since I found an earlier CD of theirs in a local summer sale. Here’s the final track of the EP, a rollicking blend of of gqom, amapiano, baile funk, dancehall, and global bass. The song, I’m told, heaps scorn on those who define themselves by possessions rather than identity, and rejects arrogance, ostentation, and superficiality. I guess you can work that out for yourselves by watching the video…

M1 aka Menace and Ted Ganung: “First Time Caribbean Party (Tikaf remix)”

And now, ladies and gentlemen, here’s what’s described as “a crowd-ready dancefloor experience!” The original, by Trinidad and Tobago’s M1 aka Menace and New York’s Ted Ganung, has been remixed by the Costa Rican, Tikaf, who has added other Caribbean rhythms to the rather sweeter soca base to embody the vibrant spirit of Carnival. It’s just struck me how little soca I hear these days, which is a shame. I must have a word with my subordinates.

Sessa: “Vale a Pena”

Yes sir, Sessa’s back – which is always good news. The Brazilian singer-songwriter, now a first-time father and described in Uncut as a “latter day Tom Zé”, has just released the first single taken from his November-scheduled third album, Pequena Vertigem de Amor. I’ve had a sneak listen and it’s ravishing, as is this delicious single. Sergio Sayeg, to apply his real name, cites Shuggie Otis (son of legendary bandleader, Johnny) and there is indeed a similar casual quality in Sessa’s approach to song and melody. Anyway, I’ll save my words for the album. Just enjoy this gorgeous hors d’oeuvre for now.

Chika Di: “Muros”

Chika Di is a Colombian-born singer based in the (Dis)United States, whose single is described as “a celebration of love, movement, and resilience for all who’ve dared to begin again.” Her voice has been featured in a national McDonald’s campaign for Hispanic Heritage Month. Before going solo, she toured for over a decade with La Misa Negra, sharing stages with the likes of Bomba Estéreo, Ana Tijoux and Mon Laferte. Electro Latin-pop with pedigree, one might say.

Mop Mop: “Heat Up feat. Laiz”

Someone else who uprooted herself is Laiz, the Brazilian singer and rapper now based in Germany. Here she hooks up with the Italian producer and composer, Mop Mop. To my ears, it’s a little underwhelming given the promise of Laiz’s album with the New Love Experience, Ela Partíu, which came out this time last year, and the standard of Mop Mop’s Lunar Love, which featured the Trinidadian poet and musician, Anthony Joseph. Even so, it’s well worth a spin or two.

MONCHMONCH: “Coisa Linda”

You can guess why I chose this next. From Mop Mop to MONCHMONCH is an obvious phonetic leap. Moreover, it’s a musical paean to the São Paulo-based artist Lucas Monch’s cat, nicknamed “Coisa Linda” (or “beautiful thing”), the final track of his recent album, Martemorte. In the words of Mr. Monch, “It feels conclusive to end the album with this track — thinking that maybe the future of all organisms on this magnificent planet would be better off without our human species. I dream of the best for humanity, and amidst endless wars that take all forms, I carry the same gaze I saw in my [feline] friend — seeing light in our end.” The video suggests that he likes rolling down hills; a man very much after my own heart.

BIKE: “NEU!A”

Another cross-cultural exchange involving Brazil and Germany now, this one takes the form of the final single from the Brazilian outfit’s sixth album, Noise Meditations, released earlier this month. It references the German band Neu, as you might guess from the title and the music. The band’s vocalist and guitarist, Diego Xavier, revealed that the band listened to a lot of Krautrock during their recent European tour, so the track is an explicit tribute to Neu. The busy band is on the road again, in the UK this month, promoting the new album.

Da Lata: “Arena feat. Bêmbè Sêguè”

BIKE have been together for a decade now, whereas Chris Franck and Patrick Forge have notched up a quarter of a century as Da Lata, playing their distinctive brand of “North London Tropicalia”. “Arena” is the debut single from their next album, Edge of Blue, earmarked for the second half of October. The Sounds and Colours regular, LUIZGA, is one of the guests involved, while Bêmbè Sêguè is the featured artist on this single – and rather infectious it is, too.

Christine Valenꞔa: “Bubblegum Stadium”

I’m not quite sure what a goldfish bowl has got to do with a bubblegum stadium, but hey, this is a rather good slice of modern MPB and it features an impressive list of credits, including the eminent YB Music. Born and trained in Rio, Christine Valenꞔa is a singer, composer and multi-instrumentalist who flits between music, theatre and dance. Her first album, 2023’s Lentes de Âmbar, received a positive critical reception in her native Brazil.

Damaris: “No Fue Suficiente”

And so we arrive at the closer for another month – and it’s a classy one, too. Damaris is a Peruvian singer-songwriter, composer and producer based in New York. She won the Viña del Mar Festival in 2008 with her Quechua song “Tusuykusun” and was nominated for a Latin Grammy in 2009. Her blend of Andean sounds, Latin rhythms and contemporary elements is evident in this preview of her fourth studio album, a song based on personal experience of the kind of relationship that shapes our lives yet doesn’t last. I strongly suspect, though, that her music will.

And there you really must excuse me. I hope to be back towards the end of October, but right now I need to fire my subordinates – for gross inefficiency and insubordination. It’s a tough life being a tin-pot prezident. Ta ta for now.

(Cover photo of Damaris “por Graciela Ampuero”)

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