From Afganistan to Hamburg, DJ Farhot has found 'RAQS' to share on the dancefloor.
It seems a lifetime ago, 20 years in fact, that I firsts spotted the name DJ Farhot on the production/engineer credits on Nneka's album 'Victim Of Truth'. That was on CD, the album was re-issued a couple of years ago as a double LP, and the power of her vocals still stands up today.
And not only has Farhot had a hand in most of here subsequent albums, he runs his own label Kabul Fire Records, he's half of 'Die Achse' (with Bazzazian) along with production credits for Giggs, Kano, Talib Kweli, LOC and many more along with his own Kabul Fire Vol. 1 & 2.
Hip-hop meets Batov Middle-Eastern vibes on this 5 track EP as 'MARS' set that 'RAQS': which translates as the Dari word for "dance"; in Arabic, three root letters, ra, qa, sa = to dance.
In true underground hip-hop fashion, you'll find samples from Egypt, Lebanon, Somalia and further a far as these tracks take on a synth, psych Wedding dance celebration for the Flute Gang, particularly 'Ya Saghira' which has a very sharp ending.
For Afgan-Hamburg House, 'Hooyoo' (with Siriusmo) is the most WOMAD friendly - especially as it's the longest track with sing-a-long chants, a funky guitar lick, a wicked organ and a bit of dub echo; what more do you want?
'Yana' (with Daniel Kimaz, the flautist on The Mighty Mocambos' album 'A Higher Frequency' that was released last month, see review HERE) and 'Al Quds' (with Bazzazian) which both have a touch of Stones Throw 'golden era' about them as if Daedelus was transported to North Africa.
The vinyl is super limited so get your feet off the ground and onto your likely suspect record shops quick before they run out.
BUY LINK: https://idol-io.ffm.to/raqs105118bpm
Artist: Farhot
Title: RAQS EP
Release date: 25th July, 2025
Label : Kabul Fire Records
Catalog Number : TBC
Format: Digital / Bandcamp
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