Matasuna Records reissues two Latin funk classics from Nico Gomez And His Afro Percussion Inc’s 1971 ‘Ritual’
The Berlin-based label Matasuna Records has recently put out a pair of 7inch releases featuring two essential Latin funk gems from Nico Gomez And His Afro Percussion Inc’s “holy grail” classic Ritual.
Nico Gomez (originally named Joseph Van Het Groenewoud), was a musician and composer from the Netherlands. He spent his youth in the Antilles, Cuba and other islands of the Caribbean, which had an unmistakable influence on his music. Beginning in the fifties and well through the seventies, the Belgian bandleader worked with numerous artists like Chakachas and Francis Bay, while also leading many Latin-flavored ensembles.
One of his most sought-after, and arguably best recordings was the 1971 album Ritual by his band Nico Gomez And His Afro Percussion Inc. Considered by many as one of the greatest Afro-Latin albums of it’s era, the 10-track masterpiece features a brilliant blend of Latin-funk grooves, deep Afro-soul, and Chicano-rooted rock influences. The fuzzy psychedelic guitar, heavy drum breaks, and organ tones, also gives the recording a bit of a seventies-era library music vibe.
Matasuna Records has now made two of the essential tracks from this classic album, in “Lupita” and “Baila Chibiquiban” available in 7inch formats. Both releases feature the original track on the A-side, and an incredible rework/remix of the song on the B-side. DJ and producer Tonton Boom (aka “Mr. Boom”) provides a percussion-heavy version of “Baila Chibiquiban,” while Bosq contributes an extended rework of “Lupita”.
Primed to make any tropical dancefloor explode, I highly recommend snatching up both limited-releases quickly!
Nico Gomez And His Afro Percussion Inc — ‘Baila Chibiquiban’
(Originally released: 1971 / Omega International)
(Reissued: 2020 / Matasuna Records)
A SIDE: Baila Chibiquiban (Original)
B SIDE: Baila Chibiquiban (Tonton Boom Edit)
Nico Gomez And His Afro Percussion Inc — ‘Lupita’
(Originally released: 1971 / Omega International)
(Reissued: 2020 / Matasuna Records)
A SIDE: Lupita (Original)
B SIDE: Lupita (Bosq Rework)
