Buraka Som Sistema

biography Buraka Som Sistema was a Portuguese electronic music group, specializing in kuduro sound, a musical genre originating in Angola that combines electronic beats with African rhythms. The group is considered the creator of progressive kuduro, a fusion of kuduro with other styles such as grime, breakbeat, dubstep and techno. The group has won several awards and international recognition, being one of the exponents of contemporary Portuguese music. The group emerged in 2006, on the initiative of João Barbosa (Branko), Rui Pité (Riot) and Andro Carvalho (Conductor), who were producers of Cool Train Crew, a hip hop and drum and bass collective, and Kalaf Ângelo, who was the vocalist of the same formation. Inspired by the sound of Conjunto Ngonguenha, an Angolan kuduro group, the four decided to create a musical project that mixed their electronic influences with African roots. The group's name comes from the parish of Buraca, on the outskirts of Lisbon, where the group was inspired by the cultural and linguistic diversity of its inhabitants. The group sang in Portuguese, English, French and Creole. The group also had the participation of several guest vocalists, such as Petty, Pongo Love, Blaya, M.I.A., Deize Tigrona, Puto Prata or Saborosa. The group's first success was the song "Yah!", released in 2006, which caught the attention of critics and the public for its energy and originality. In 2008, the group released their first album, "Black Diamond", which included songs such as "Sound of Kuduro", "Kalemba (Wegue Wegue)" or "Aqui para Vocês". The album was acclaimed by critics and the public, having received the award for best Portuguese artist at the 2008 MTV Europe Music Awards. The group then began an international career, performing in several countries and festivals, such as Coachella, Glastonbury, Roskilde or Sónar. The group also collaborated with several international artists, such as Diplo, Santigold, Skream or Crookers. In 2011, the group released their second album, "Komba", which included songs such as "Hangover (BaBaBa)", "Tira o Pé" or "Voodoo Love". The album was once again praised by critics and the public, having received the award for best album at the 2012 Golden Globes. In 2014, the group released its third and final album, "Buraka", which included songs such as "Stoopid", "Vuvuzela (Carnaval)" or "Do Me Now". The album was more experimental and diverse than previous albums, showing the group's evolution and maturity. In 2016, the group announced a break in their career, after a farewell tour that ended with a concert in Lisbon. Buraka Som Sistema was a group that marked Portuguese and world music through its creativity and innovation. The group was one of the pioneers in the fusion of musical genres and the promotion of Portuguese-speaking culture. The group was also an example of diversity and cultural integration, showing that music is a universal language.