Various Artists — Global Riddims presents Beyond the Algorithm (NYP Records, 2026)
As streaming platforms continue to rely on recommendation algorithms, Beyond the Algorithm presents an alternative approach to music discovery. Curated by Global Riddims, the 2026 compilation highlights independent artists whose work reflects creativity, cultural identity, and cross-cultural collaboration.
France-based producer Praktika and Burkinan balafon virtuoso Innocent Kimpe contribute “Kénéya,” a track from the Malabobo EP, released by Rebel Up Records. Their collaboration began during informal jam sessions in the cabarets of Bobo-Diulasso before evolving into a style they describe as “Manding Acid.” Praktika combines techno, drum and bass, jazz, and African influences developed through extensive travel across the continent, while Kimpe brings decades of experience as a celebrated balafon player. Created during a 2025 tour between Lomé and Malabo and recorded on a beach in Libreville, Gabon, Malabobo reflects the duo’s collaborative approach. The title “Kénéya” translates as “health” in the Diula language.
The Fairfield Ethio-Jazz Project appears on the compilation with “Arbegnoch,” taken from Bath Ketema on Severn Songs. The ensemble celebrates the Ethio-jazz movement that emerged in Addis Ababa during the 1960s and 1970s. Inspired by artists such as Mulatu Astatke and Hailu Mergia, the project mixes Ethiopian grooves with jazz improvisation, psychedelic elements, and much more. Fairfield House in Bath, once the exile residence of Emperor Haile Selassie I, inspired the project and continues to symbolize the cultural ties between Ethiopia and the English city. Musicians from Bath and Bristol contribute horn arrangements, synthesizers, and the Ethiopian krar.
Nigerian trumpeter, composer, and bandleader Muyiwa Kunnuji contributes “Greediness,” an independent single that reflects his signature style, “AfroClassicBeat.” His music combines Afrobeat with jazz, blues, gospel, Highlife, and Yoruba and Ogu musical traditions. Kunnuji has performed alongside Fela Kuti, Seun Kuti, and Tony Allen before establishing his own band in France. “Greediness” brings together driving percussion and vibrant horn arrangements with lyrics that address global power, social responsibility, and collective awareness.
Belgium’s UFO Collective contributes “Fela’s Spirit (Blackman Horns Mix),” available exclusively through Bandcamp. The project centers on Antwerp producer Unlisted Fanatic, whose work is inspired by reggae and dub pioneers King Tubby and Lee “Scratch” Perry. Vocalist MariJah and the Moonshine Horns complete the lineup. The result is a mix of reggae, dub, Afrobeat, dancehall, Afro-funk, and Balkan influences.
Italian ensemble Cucoma Combo appears with “Di’ Qualcosa,” from its second album, Non Basta, released by Black Sweat Records. Drummer and composer Marco Zanotti leads the project. The album incorporates musical influences from Cape Verde, Brazil, Haiti, Colombia, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe with instruments and styles that include soukous guitar, mbira, Colombian gaita, coladeira, maracatú, chimurenga, konpa, and currulao.
Belgian trio Think Of One joins the compilation with “Papa Boimbo,” a track from its reunion album, Helldriver, released by Polymoon. After nearly 15 years away from recording together, David Bovée, Tomas De Smet, and Roel Poriau return with new material that reflects decades of musical exploration across Europe and Brazil. The Antwerp group has long built its reputation on an eclectic amalgalm of jazz, Latin music, funk, Balkan influences, and world music. Over the years, the trio has earned colorful descriptions such as Stonersamba, Shabidub, Spacejazz, and Robotic Maracatu.
Conjunto Media Luna teams with Turbo Sonideros for “Kumbia dos Pasitos,” the lead single from the forthcoming album S.I.K. (Sociedad Internacional de la Kumbia) on Little Beat More. The collaboration connects Bogotá, Colombia, and San José, California, through a contemporary interpretation of cumbia. Traditional accordion melodies from Colombia’s Montes de María meet drum machines, samples, and street cumbia production. Turbo Sonideros, a co-founder of the Kumbia Net collective, has played a key role in the evolution of digital cumbia by combining sonidero culture with hip-hop, electronic music, and bass-driven sounds.
Brazilian and Italian musicians unite on one of my faves, the wacky “Sem Macho Alfa,” the debut single from Florence-based Macho Beta Orquestra. The project is led by musician and producer Gionni Dall’Orto, formerly the live bassist for Articolo 31, and appears on Walrus Rec. Produced with DJ Farrapo and featuring Brazilian vocalist Gil Badaró, the track serves as the opening statement for the band’s self-titled debut album. Contemporary Brazilian rhythms meet the energy of Italy’s underground music scene.
Belgian collective Sun To Sheeva returns after a 12-year absence with the Dutch-language single “Nachtvertier.” The band previously appeared at festivals including Afro Latin, Reggae Geel, and the Gentse Feesten before stepping away from the stage. Their latest release preserves the group’s mix of reggae, ska, funk, surf music, and world music.
Ghent’s Brazzmatazz contributes “Ocular Phenomena,” taken from the new album Crank The Pressure, released by Den Hoed Music. The 18-piece ensemble combines a joyful brass party that includes New Orleans brass traditions with funk, Balkan music, and contemporary electronic influences. Under the direction of Sanne Werkers, Brazzmatazz complements powerful horns with theatrical costumes, stage design, and storytelling, creating an immersive live experience.
Serbian band Sekvoya contributes “Village of Stol,” a track from The Magic of Slavic Rituals EP, released by Zero Nove Nove. The EP serves as the second installment in the group’s planned trilogy centered on folklore, nature, and mysticism. Led by guitarist and producer Ivan Krstić, Sekvoya combines Balkan traditions with Anatolian rock, psychedelia, and world music. The compositions include stories of witches, fairies, and ancient rituals.
Austin-based ensemble Cazayoux appears on the compilation with “Immeasurable Progress,” taken from the album Alpha Centauri. Founded in 2021 by drummer, producer, and bandleader Forest Cazayoux, the project reflects musical traditions rooted in his Louisiana upbringing. The collective combines swamp funk, jazz, soul, improvisation, and world music influences into an evolving ensemble format. Mardi Gras, Zydeco, and Cajun traditions provide the foundation, while a rotating lineup of musicians—including West African percussionist Aboubacar Sylla—adds diverse perspectives.
UFO Collective makes a second appearance on Beyond the Algorithm with “Global Afrowise Dub,” another track available exclusively through Bandcamp. The Antwerp-based project continues to build on the dub foundation established by producer Unlisted Fanatic alongside vocalist MariJah and the Moonshine Horns. Reggae and dub remain essential to the group’s identity, along with Afrobeat, dancehall, Afro-funk, and Balkan influences.
Author: Iliana Cabrera
