Review: Pepe Link feat. Malcolm "Molly" Duncan - Kalakuta (Kiko Navarro Remix) (Afroterraneo Music)

The latest release on Kiko Navarro's latest release on Afroterraneo Music is a modern take on the soul makossa tradition with Pepe Link's 'Kalakuta'  featuring Malcolm "Molly" Duncan.

Still excited about the last release we heard from Kiko Navarro/Afroterraneo, Farolinho & Kiko Navarro feat. Hannah Nedas & Ivan St. Ives with 'Alaroye Yokode' (see review HERE) but hang on, this was originally released 20 years ago on Groove Junkies’ More House label.  Not only that, 'Kalakuta' by Spanish producer Pepe Link and legendary saxophonist Malcolm “Molly” Duncan (founding member of the iconic Average White Band) has been given a new lease of life thanks with a Kiko Navarro remix.

A friendship spanning more than 30 years between Pepe and Kiko already bore fruit back then, with Kiko, under his alias Ma-Yokins, producing the Dub version of Kalakuta. Two decades later, fate would bring the track back to him in the most unexpected way.

A few months ago, Kiko accidentally stumbled upon the original version of Kalakuta, which he hadn’t heard in years. Instantly inspired, he had a “vision” of how the track could sound today. He called Pepe to ask if the original session still existed. After digging through old hard drives and stacks of CD-Rs, Pepe unearthed the long-lost recordings featuring Molly’s majestic sax, Jerry’s lead vocals, and Bilonda’s backing harmonies, the raw essence of Kalakuta was alive once again.

Declared fan of Fela Kuti and deeply influenced by his Afrobeat legacy, Kiko Navarro reimagines Kalakuta through his distinctive Afro-house lens, blending organic percussion, hypnotic rhythms, and the timeless groove of Molly’s saxophone to craft a fresh, soulful tribute to a musical era that continues to inspire generations.

Kiko at his best and necessary for this time of year.

Artist: Pepe Link feat. Malcolm "Molly" Duncan
Title: Kalakuta (Kiko Navarro Remix) 
Release Date : 12th Dercember, 2025
Catalog Number : AFTNE078
Label : Afroterraneo Music
Format: Digital

Review: Farolinho & Kiko Navarro - Alaroye Yokode feat. Hannah Nedas & Ivan St. Ives (Afroterraneo Music)

Nigeria, Colombia, Brazil and Cuba have all made there way into 'Alaroye Yokode' for the latest release on Kiko Navarro's latest release on Afroterraneo Music.

It's been a while since we've heard from Kiko Navarro/Afroterraneo, since 'Nana Del Caballo Grande' to be precise (see review HERE) which is unusual for the "ever busy Kiko", but patience is a virtue as they say.  Definitely in this case as the privous Spanish flamenco of 'Nana Del Caballo Grande' (Lullaby of the Big Horse) has given way to big percussion, big horns and a big sing-a-long.

There's no surprise if you know Farolinho is Alex Farrell, he of founder/guitar of London Afrobeat Collectice (they of 'My Way' with Kiko Navarro remixes - see review HERE) and their collective love of world beats, whether Afro-beatT or Latin or both, have put it all together to give give it some spiritual house magic.

To assist with Nannah Nedas' "chanting to the gods around a ceremony of drums and dance" is Andy Watts (trumpet) and Pat Kenny (trombone) which was recorded prior to Navarro adding Ivan St. Ives on lead vocals and Benji Habichuela on congas.

It's a full house and whilst a dub version would be cool, this is what your dancefloor needs.

Artist: Farolinho & Kiko Navarro feat. Hannah Nedas & Ivan St. Ives
Title: Alaroye Yokode
Release Date : 29th August, 2025
Catalog Number : AFTNE075
Label : Afroterraneo Music
Format: Digital