NY Post-punk Funk with percussion madness! And flute gang friendly Can you believe it's been 20 years since Louie Vega Presents Luisito Quintero – Percussion Maddness on Rapster/BBE? Jitwam on it - put a note in ya Jazz Diary.
The power of funk bridges Mexico City and New York as CDMX singer, songwriter, and producer Pahua joins forces with Brooklyn DJ, producer, and MC, Willy Soul to deliver a fresh take on dance music inspired by two cities built on hustle, creativity, and soul. Led by the duo and featuring a cast of legendary musicians, NY/CDMX blends their distinct musical identities and hometown influences into a vibrant cross-cultural statement. The EP marks the 23rd release on TheJazzDiaries record label.
The project is introduced through two original singles, with alternate versions, remixes, and interludes to be announced shortly after:
Tenemos El Funk (Out July 9) — A mid-tempo, upbeat drum-machine funk track fueled by lively Latin percussion, punk-funk basslines, and Pahua’s signature blend of singing and rap, balancing attitude with effortless flow.
Nueva York (Out July 31) — A soulful house groove shaped by the Latin diaspora, featuring Spanglish lyrics from Pahua, spoken word from Willy Soul, infectious percussion, driving basslines, and four-on-the-floor energy. The song serves as the emotional and lyrical centerpiece of the EP, drawing parallels between the relentless rhythms of NYC and CDMX.
Pahua brings her unmistakable modern Mexican perspective through layered harmonies, vivid storytelling, and a dynamic vocal presence. Willy Soul shapes the sonic direction as the EP’s producer, merging New York's underground dance-floor sensibility with Pahua’s electro-tropical roots. Anchored by Roland TR-808 and TR-707 drum machines and bass-driven arrangements reminiscent of Talking Heads, LCD Soundsystem, and Red Hot Chili Peppers, the production strikes a balance between funk, dance music, and live-band energy.
The EP reflects the shared experiences of two artists navigating independent music careers and life in 2026. While Willy has spent years building community and culture through New York's nightlife scene, Pahua has established herself both as the frontwoman of acclaimed Mexican group Sotomayor and through a thriving solo career. Having collaborated in studios and on stages across both cities, the pair channel their personal connection into a body of work that celebrates the creative exchange between New York and Mexico City.
To deepen the musical palette, Pahua and Willy invited a collection of friends and award winning icons to contribute. Through an introduction from Louie Vega, multi-Grammy Award-winning percussionist Luisito Quintero joined both singles, bringing his unmistakable rhythmic touch via timbales, congas, bongos and a range of hand instruments. His extensive list of collaborators includes Tito Puente, Carlos Santana, Willie Colón, Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, and Masters at Work, among many others.
NYC heavyweight producer and keys player Morgan Wiley—former frontman of Midnight Magic, collaborator of LCD Soundsystem, and co-producer of key releases by indie soul queen, Adi Oasis —adds Wurlitzer to Nueva York while also handling mixing and engineering duties across both tracks. Latin Grammy Award-winning producer Ze Nigro, known for his work with João Donato, reimagines Willy Soul’s original bassline composition on Nueva York, infusing it with rich Brazilian and Latin influences. Latin Grammy Award-winning flautist Domenica, known for her work with Flor de Toloache and NYC afro-disco-rock outfit Underground System, also lends her distinctive touch to Tenemos El Funk. The EP was mastered by Brooklyn studio veteran Abe Seiferth, founder of Transmitter Park Studios and former DFA engineer, whose credits include work with Yeasayer, Nation of Language, Sinkane, Guerilla Toss, and a wide range of acclaimed independent artists.
NY/CDMX will be released via TheJazzDiaries, the label founded by Jitwam in 2013 and known for blending jazz, world music, funk, and underground dance sounds from New York, Detroit, and beyond. Highlights from the catalog include Jitwam’s debut release, later featured on Moodymann’s DJ-Kicks compilation, as well as the recent single PEOPLE by Natasha Diggs and Megatronic.
Remixes, extended versions, and dub mixes will be announced soon ahead of a forthcoming vinyl release.
BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER: https://jazzdiaries.lnk.to/TenemosElFunk
