For over 30 years, Mr Bongo label and record shop has been at the forefront of some of the most notable Brazilian, African, hip-hop, and Latin reissue releases. The UK-based label and record shop continue their high quality output of rare material as they launch their new Cuban Classic Series, beginning with the hard-to-find reissue of Grupo Los Yoyi’s 1977 fusion gem.

This obscure classic features nine predominantly instrumental tracks that blend together a wide array of sounds and influences, from Latin and Afro-Cuban rhythms to psychedelic-funk, jazz dance, disco, trippy soundtrack-like excursions and beyond. The record is probably best known for the space funk cut “Paco La Calle”, however their is plenty more here to get excited about, including the psyched-out “Banana” with big band horns, the cosmic Latin number “Del Copacabana A 34”, the jazz dance groover “Tu No Me Puedes Conquistar”, the percussion heavy “El Fino” and more. It’s like Irakere meets the Sun Ra Arkestra and Funkadelic/Parliament.

Originally released on Areito Records, a sub-label of the state-owned label Egrem, the recording has become one of the rarest (even in Cuba) and most in-demand albums to come from the label. It is the sole album from Grupo Los Yoyi and was composed, orchestrated, and produced by the mysterious, Jorge Soler Leó.

Overall, an incredible and very welcomed reissue release from Mr Bongo to kickoff what looks to be a very exciting series to continue to keep tabs on.

Grupo Los Yoyi — ‘Yoyi’
(Originally released: 1977 / Egrem, Areito)
(Reissued: 2023 / Mr Bongo)

1. Banana
2. Del Copacabana A 34
3. Mi Pequeño Gran Paolo
4. Paco La Calle
5. Tu No Me Puedes Conquistar
6. Yo, Mejor Te Doy
7. Ruta 30
8. Abuela Tula
9. El Fino

BUY RECORD

• Cosmic
• Jazz Dance
• Latin