Quantic & Nidia Gongora - Curao - 2x LP Vinyl

The culmination of a creative partnership that has been sparking for the best part of a decade, ‘Curao’ is the full LP from world-renowned British producer Quantic and Colombian folklore singer Nidia Góngora. It brings a new and highly original interpretation of the unique, rich and mystical musical traditions of the Colombian Pacific Coast.

Nidia is considered one of the foremost artists of the typical marimba music of the South Pacific region, and a guardian of the oral tradition, Nidia Góngora fronts leading regional outfits including Grupo Canalon and plays a key role as a big sister and counsellor to younger groups. Now based in the city of Cali, Góngora was born into a musical family in the remote river village of Timbiquí, an Afro-Colombian community whose location and cultural contrasts provide endless inspiration.

Will Holland first became familiar with Góngora’s voice through the wall of his home in Cali, where he lived from 2007 for several years after visiting on a musical discovery mission and falling in love with the place. His neighbour used to play a song from a Grupo Canalon CD on repeat. Will fell for Nidia’s vocal talents and then got to know her compositions and lyrics. Nidia has regularly fronted Quantic’s high profile live ensembles in recent years as well as contributing to some of his most popular tracks.

Her magnetic voice and captivating song writing combine with infectiously danceable beats and forward-thinking production on ‘Curao’, a collection of original tracks with the addition of two traditional pieces from the region’s rich songbook. Treating the stories and rhythms of Pacific music with utmost reverence, while forging a new and vital sound for today’s dancefloors. Described by taste makers and media VIPs as “magical” and “inspirational”, the album’s third cut, “Que Me Duele?”, is the lead single and a fabulous calling card for the project.

---