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Mozambo Interview: Maz (BR) and Martinho da Vila Track ‘No Embalo da Vila’, and More

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A grainy, film-style portrait of the two members of Mozambo; one is seated in a light-colored button-down shirt and light jeans, while the other wears a black tank top and white trousers against a neutral, textured wall.

Mozambo Interview discusses their new collaboration with Maz (BR) and samba icon Martinho da Vila, a project that bridges continents through the lens of Brazilian musical heritage.

French duo Mozambo return with one of their most culturally resonant releases to date, joining forces with Maz (BR) and samba icon Martinho da Vila on “No Embalo da Vila.” Out now via Dawn Patrol, the record bridges generations and continents, blending hypnotic club energy with the emotional depth of classic samba and MPB. Rooted in heritage yet built for modern dance floors, the single represents a cultural exchange as much as a club statement. In an exclusive interview with EDMHouseNetwork, Mozambo reflect on how the collaboration came together, what working with Martinho da Vila meant to them, and how Brazilian identity shaped the heart of the track.

How did the collaboration with Martinho da Vila come about for “No Embalo da Vila,” and what was your first reaction when the idea was proposed?

The collaboration with Maz and Martinho da Vila started from a very simple and organic place. We rediscovered the original track while digging through our personal archives of Brazilian records and vinyl. It was just before Carnival and we were already in a strong Brazilian musical phase, with the Gilberto Gil remix in the pipeline. We made an early demo, a samba-influenced electronic sketch that we really loved, and we sent it to Maz as a friend, just to get his opinion. He immediately connected with it and suggested turning it into a proper collaboration. From there we decided to go all in and develop the record together. That’s how the idea was born.

Martinho da Vila represents a very specific era of samba and MPB; what did his involvement mean to you personally as French producers working with Brazilian musical heritage?

Martinho da Vila is an artist we deeply respect. We own several of his records and his music is strongly connected to our experience in Brazil. We spent a lot of time in Rio and São Paulo, going to small samba bars, learning, listening and trying to understand the culture from the inside. Being able to officially work with material connected to that heritage, alongside Brazilian artists, felt like a bridge between generations and cultures. As French producers, it was an honour and we are extremely grateful for that opportunity.

The press notes mention guitar motifs as a core element of the track; was that musical idea present from the start, or did it emerge later in the process?

In the original track there were already guitar elements, but when we started working on our version we focused first on the vocal and the rhythmic foundation, pushing the samba energy through percussion and drums. The melodic guitar idea came later. Maz suggested adding a stronger melodic layer, and he recorded a Brazilian guitarist in his studio in Rio. That live performance brought emotion and musicality and reconnected the track to MPB traditions. It was the final touch that gave the record its full identity.

You are known for Afro, Latin and Brazilian influences in your catalogue; what makes this release different from your previous work in that direction?

This release is different because it is built around a samba and MPB classic and it is a true collaboration with Maz and Martinho da Vila. It is not just a Mozambo record, it is a shared project shaped by a strong Brazilian heritage. Compared to our previous work, it leans more toward samba and carnival energy while still keeping our house foundation. Each collaboration is about exchange, and this one carries a very specific cultural weight.

Maz (BR) is deeply connected to the Brazilian electronic scene; what did he contribute creatively that shifted the track in a way you would not have reached alone?

Maz brought an authenticity we could not reach alone. His biggest contribution was the live guitars recorded in Rio, but beyond that he helped shape the structure, the energy and many details of the track. We exchanged versions constantly, reworked the bass, adjusted percussion and tested different arrangements. His perspective, combined with ours, is what made the track become what it is. It was a very fluid and inspiring collaboration.

Dawn Patrol has positioned itself around Afro-house with Brazilian identity; why was this the right label for this collaboration?

Dawn Patrol is a Brazilian label founded by Maz with a strong identity around Afro house and Brazilian culture. We have respected the label for years, not only for the music but for its positive and human energy. Since this is a Brazilian record made with Brazilian artists and rooted in Brazilian heritage, releasing it on a Brazilian label felt natural and respectful. It was the obvious home for the track.

Your music often moves between underground imprints and larger labels like Sony and Spinnin’ Deep; where does “No Embalo da Vila” sit within that wider journey?

The track sits on a label that still has an underground spirit but is growing fast and becoming a key reference in the Afro house scene. We don’t think in terms of underground versus mainstream. What matters to us is coherence. This release fits naturally with our recent journey, from Dawn Patrol to our own label Jungle Disco and other collaborations. Our goal is simply to release music for the clubs and the people while staying free and consistent.

The track connects house music with classic Brazilian musicality; when you look at the finished record, what feels most faithful to its Brazilian roots?

What stands out most in the finished record is the emotional energy of Brazilian music. There is something in MPB and samba that speaks directly to the heart. That sense of warmth, hope and positivity was the most important thing for us to preserve. We added our rhythm and our vision, but the core remains the emotion and the human feeling of the original.

Follow Mozambo:
Instagram / Soundcloud / Facebook

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With 13 years in the EDM scene, Preetika has built a strong presence around festivals, club culture, and electronic music. Based in Bangkok, she covers all things EDM in Thailand and beyond, with a focus on both local and international talent. She has attended major festivals including Tomorrowland, Ultra Japan, and Creamfields Hong Kong. Since working as a writer for EDM House Network, she has interviewed artists such as Blasterjaxx, James Hype, W&W, R3HAB, Alok, and many others. Her experience and consistent presence in the scene make her a trusted voice for EDM coverage.

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AMÉMÉ Releases ‘Chulo’ and Wraps Cova Santa Run

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AMÉMÉ smiling and adjusting his sunglasses against a vivid red backdrop, wearing a black textured jacket

AMÉMÉ closes out a landmark summer with the release of “Chulo” via Altra Moda Music, alongside One Tribe’s five-week Cova Santa residency.

West African afro-house innovator AMÉMÉ closes out a landmark summer with the release of “Chulo” via Altra Moda Music, and the conclusion of One Tribe’s debut five-week residency at Ibiza’s Cova Santa. The two moments arrive together by design, capping a season that saw AMÉMÉ bring his community-first ethos to the island for the first time.

“Chulo” has spent months building anticipation before its official release, driving dancefloors across AMÉMÉ’s summer sets and quickly becoming one of the most requested moments in his live shows. Its release now gives fans a studio counterpart to the track that soundtracked the summer.

Running from late July through late August, the five-week Cova Santa residency marked One Tribe’s first dedicated home on the island, featuring diverse lineups that blended fresh voices with established artists inside the venue’s intimate, open-air setting. Having included artists such as Honeyluv, Kitty Amor, Da Capo, LP Giobi, Coco & Breezy, and more – the residency stands as a major milestone for the collective, following major showcases in Amsterdam, Berlin, London, and New York.

For Hubert Sodogandji, known globally as AMÉMÉ, the road to this moment started far from festival main stages. Raised in Benin, West Africa, his earliest connection to rhythm came through childhood mixtape competitions with his siblings, long before he discovered electronic music via imported French house tapes. He worked in banking before trading boardrooms for dancefloors, an analytical foundation he credits with helping him thoughtfully grow his creative community today. After buying a basic controller and teaching himself to DJ in New York, he relocated to Berlin to fully immerse himself in electronic music culture.

At the center of that journey is One Tribe, the community-driven collective AMÉMÉ launched in Brooklyn in 2017 to connect people through afro-house. What began as a grassroots event series has organically evolved into a global phenomenon and boutique record label, with the Cova Santa residency marking its most ambitious chapter yet.

What sets AMÉMÉ apart is his charismatic, magnetic booth presence, an infectious energy unmistakably felt on every dancefloor he touches. That crowd connection translates directly into his studio output, where his sound blends afro-house, tribal percussion, and deep house. Recent releases showcase his ability to bridge musical eras and cultural gaps, from the feel-good afro-house track “Wait For You” (with Franc Fala) to his 2026 reimagining of the trance anthem “Greece 2000” alongside Baggi and Three Drives.

On the road, that momentum has carried AMÉMÉ to some of the world’s most renowned stages throughout 2026, including summer sets at Miami’s Jungle Island, Barcelona’s Brunch Electronik, the Knockdown Center in New York, and a special Pop Up on the Roof at LA-YAM in London. He has also made prominent appearances at Hï Ibiza and UNVRS alongside heavyweights including Marco Carola and David Guetta.

Whether leading a packed festival tent or commanding an intimate club room, AMÉMÉ uses rhythm as a universal language, one that carries through “Chulo” and the residency it now caps, to remind us that we are all, ultimately, One Tribe.

AMÉMÉ’s “Chulo” is out now via Altra Moda Music.

AMÉMÉ Instagram   |   One Tribe Instagram

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Dennis Ferrer to Headline ¿PorQuéNo? Toronto’s Tulum Day Festival at Evergreen Brick Works

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Dennis Ferrer headlines ¿PorQuéNo? Toronto, a two-stage daytime festival at Evergreen Brick Works on August 29, 2026, bringing Tulum’s beach party energy north.

¿PorQuéNo? is bringing its signature Tulum Day Festival concept to Toronto this summer, in partnership with Puzzles Presents with house music veteran Dennis Ferrer topping the bill at Evergreen Brick Works on Saturday, August 29, 2026. Doors open at 4 PM for the 19+ event, which runs seven hours across two stages and is expected to draw over 2,000 attendees for a full day-into-evening celebration of house music in the city’s historic industrial park setting.

Dennis Ferrer Headlines ¿PorQuéNo? Toronto

The Dennis Ferrer ¿PorQuéNo? Toronto booking brings one of soulful house’s most respected names to the daytime festival stage. The New York-based DJ and producer built his reputation through soulful, gospel, and Afro-house influenced production, co-founding Sfere Recordings with Kerri Chandler before launching his own label, Objektivity. He remains best known for his 2010 Defected Records single “Hey Hey,” a record that helped define the sound of soulful house for a new generation of dancefloors, and his catalog includes long-running collaborations with Masters at Work and Little Louie Vega.

Full Lineup at ¿PorQuéNo? Toronto 2026

Dennis Ferrer headlines a stacked bill that includes Ashkan Dian, Azul, Bardia, Different Human, Chism, Johnny Khan, Razaq El Toro, Ry, Saint X, Shayne Mags, Singhara, and Tristan VanGrant. The full roster leans into the same soulful, groove-driven house sound that defines the ¿PorQuéNo? brand, setting up a day of continuous music across the festival’s two stages.

Venue & Event Details

¿PorQuéNo? Toronto takes place at Evergreen Brick Works, 550 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, ON, a former industrial brick factory turned community and event space known for hosting outdoor markets and festivals. Key details for attendees:

THE FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE

Featuring:

• Afro, tribal and organic house & techno
• Immersive production and Tulum-inspired design
• Live performers and dancers
• Body art and curated pop-up vendors
• Food and drinks available for purchase
• Boho chic and elevated summer style encouraged

  • Date: Saturday, August 29, 2026
  • Doors: 4 PM, running through 11 PM (7 hours)
  • Age restriction: 19+
  • Capacity: ~2,000
  • Parking: Paid parking available on site
  • Refund policy: No refunds

PorQueNo Toronto

Tickets for Dennis Ferrer PorQueNo Toronto are on sale now through Eventbrite.

The Team Behind the Party

Bringing this one to life is a lineup of Toronto promoters as strong as the one on stage. Puzzles Entertainment, known for their deep, progressive, and melodic house nights around the city, joins forces with AYRA Collective, a regular co-host of ¿PorQuéNo? Tulum Day parties across other cities, and FLOWSTATE, a local house music events crew built around giving DJs of every level a platform. Together, they’re the crew making sure Evergreen Brick Works feels every bit like Tulum for the day.

Don’t Forget to Follow ¿PorQuéNo?
Stay connected and be the first to hear about future dates, special offers, and behind-the-scenes moments. Follow ¿PorQuéNo? across all platforms:

Instagram: @porqueno.vancouver and @porqueno.tulum
Facebook: PorQuéNo? Tulum
Eventbrite: PorQueNo Organizer Page 

 

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Casa de Afro Same Language Meets a 24-Hour Mission

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Casa de Afro Same Language single drops July 24th, followed by a 24-hour Venezuela charity set from founder Dr. ADO next Saturday.

Casa de Afro Same Language marks a defining moment for the label arm of the Mexico City-born Afro House brand. It is landing July 24th as a modern reworking of a platinum-certified record. Additionally, it arrives days after founder Dr. ADO takes on a 24-hour DJ set to raise funds for Venezuela.

From Mexico City to London: The Casa de Afro Story

Casa de Afro was built from the ground up in Mexico City as a music-first Afro House residency. It was founded by Dr. ADO and Bud Lee. What started as a single residency has since grown into a 15-plus event history with consistent sell-out attendance. Moreover, the brand has since expanded into London, running alongside its ongoing Mexico City residency.

The mission behind Casa de Afro has stayed consistent throughout that growth. It is to bring authentic Afro House, Amapiano, and gqom culture to the dancefloor. In addition, the goal is to connect the African diaspora creative scene across Mexico City, London, and Ghana through music-first events.

Most recently, Casa de Afro ran a World Cup Edition at Level B, Bombay Club Roma, in Mexico City. There was also a London edition at Maison Close, Mayfair. The brand is continuing to grow both cities in parallel through 2026.

Meet the Founders: Dr. ADO and Bud Lee

Dr. ADO is the founder of Casa de Afro, with a broadcast history spanning BBC Radio 1, BBC 1Xtra, Kiss FM, and SiriusXM. Bud Lee is co-founder and creative partner. He helped build the brand from Mexico City up into the two-city operation it is today.

Casa de Afro Same Language: A Statement of Intent

The label’s key upcoming release, “Same Language,” comes from Dr. ADO, Bud Lee, and Paperboy Fabe. It is a modern-day Afro House adaptation of the platinum record originally by Paperboy Fabe and Brent Faiyaz. It’s out July 24th on the Casa de Afro label.



The release doubles as a statement of intent for the label. It is reworking a platinum-certified record through an Afro House lens. As a result, Casa de Afro’s identity is cemented as both an events brand and a fully-fledged music label.

Casa de Afro’s 24-Hour Charity Set for Venezuela

Alongside the release, Dr. ADO will perform a 24-hour set with Casa de Afro next Saturday to raise funds for Venezuela. This adds a philanthropic dimension to an already packed month for the brand. Between the record release and the marathon charity performance, Casa de Afro is using this moment to spotlight both its musical output and its community values.

Why Casa de Afro Continues to Matter

Between an expanding footprint across Mexico City and London, a growing label catalog, and community-driven initiatives like the Venezuela charity set, Casa de Afro is positioning itself as more than an events brand. With “Same Language” out July 24th and a 24-hour set following shortly after, the Afro House scene has plenty to watch from Dr. ADO and Bud Lee heading into the rest of 2026.

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