By Azzam Bilal 
HangupsMusic.com – LONDON, In the contemporary landscape of electronic music, the role of the disc jockey has evolved far beyond the simple act of beat-matching in a dark room. Today’s most influential selectors act as cultural archivists and sonic cartographers, tracing the invisible lines that connect disparate rhythmic traditions across oceans and continents. Jamz Supernova, a figurehead of the UK’s progressive radio and club scene, has long embodied this role, using her platforms on BBC Radio 6 Music and her own Future Bounce label to champion sounds that defy easy categorization. Her latest project, a comprehensive compilation titled Dance Around The World, set for release on October 16th via the esteemed Mr Bongo label, serves as a definitive statement on this global interconnectedness. Ahead of the full release, Supernova has unveiled two new singles that further illuminate the project’s ambitious scope: "Yalode" and "Broke."
The first of these new offerings, "Yalode," is a masterclass in cross-continental collaboration. It brings together the UK-based production powerhouse Jus Now—comprising Bristol’s Sam Interface and Trinidadian percussionist Keshav ‘Lazerbeam’ Singh—with the vibrant Brazilian collective As Ganhadeiras de Itapuã. The track functions as a rhythmic bridge, connecting the heavy, low-end sensibilities of the UK underground with the rich, polyrhythmic traditions of Salvador da Bahia. Salvador, often cited as the "Black heart" of Brazil, maintains deep ancestral ties to West Africa, and "Yalode" taps into this lineage. The contribution of As Ganhadeiras de Itapuã, a group dedicated to preserving the songs and cultural heritage of the washerwomen of the Itapuã district, adds a layer of historical weight and soulful resonance to the track. By blending these traditional vocal and percussive elements with Jus Now’s sharp, club-ready production, the single illustrates how ancient rhythms can find new life within the framework of modern bass music.
The second new preview, "Broke," shifts the focus toward the French Caribbean via Paris. It features Célia Wa, a Guadeloupean singer and multi-instrumentalist whose work has become synonymous with the "Gwo Ka" revival. Gwo Ka is more than just a musical genre; it is a cultural pillar of Guadeloupe, rooted in the history of resistance and community. Wa, a trained flautist, masterfully integrates the traditional Seven Drums of Gwo Ka with elements of jazz, soul, and contemporary percussive club music. "Broke" is a testament to her ability to balance technical sophistication with raw, dancefloor-focused energy. The track’s intricate percussion and Wa’s ethereal yet commanding presence offer a glimpse into the sophisticated fusion occurring within the Afro-Caribbean diaspora in Europe.
These two tracks join an already impressive lineup of singles that have trickled out since the compilation’s initial announcement in July. Previous releases include "Quiero Ser Buena" by the rising Colombian MC Verito Asprilla and "Sin Africa," a collaborative effort between Brenda and Diva Cruz. Each of these selections reinforces the compilation’s central thesis: that the dancefloor is a universal space where local identities and global influences merge. The inclusion of Verito Asprilla, in particular, highlights the burgeoning urban scene in Colombia, where traditional Pacific coast rhythms are being reimagined through the lens of hip-hop and reggaeton.
The conceptual framework for Dance Around The World is deeply personal for Jamz Supernova. The project was born from her extensive travels as a touring DJ, an experience that allowed her to witness firsthand the unique ways different cultures interpret the concept of "the dance." Supernova has described the compilation as a travelogue, one that seeks to capture the duality of the travel experience—the contrast between the "day side" and the "night side" of a location. As she explained during the project’s unveiling, the energy of a city can shift dramatically as the sun sets; the music that soundtracked a humid afternoon in a bustling market might give way to a darker, more visceral sound in a basement club. This compilation aims to encapsulate that spectrum, offering listeners a curated journey through the moods and textures she encountered on the road.
Partnering with Mr Bongo for this release is a strategic move that aligns Supernova with one of the most respected names in global music curation. For over three decades, Mr Bongo has been a vital conduit for sounds from Brazil, Africa, and beyond, specializing in high-quality reissues and contemporary releases that bridge the gap between world music and DJ culture. By releasing Dance Around The World through this label, Supernova ensures that her vision is presented with the historical context and aesthetic care it deserves. The label’s expertise in navigating the complexities of global licensing and its reputation for discovering "lost" gems make it the ideal home for a project that seeks to document the current state of global club music.
Beyond the compilation, Jamz Supernova’s influence on the cultural conversation has been significant this year. Earlier in 2024, she collaborated with acclaimed drummer and producer Moses Boyd to host a major event at London’s Barbican Centre. Part of the "Project A Black Planet" series, the evening explored the concepts of Pan-Africanism and the Black Atlantic through the medium of sound. This academic yet accessible approach to music curation mirrors the ethos of her upcoming compilation. Both projects argue that music is not merely entertainment but a vital form of communication and a repository of shared history. By bringing together artists from London, Port of Spain, Salvador, Paris, and beyond, Dance Around The World acts as a living document of the Pan-African exchange that continues to shape the global electronic landscape.
The upcoming release of the full compilation on October 16th is highly anticipated by both the DJ community and casual listeners alike. In an era where algorithms often dictate our listening habits, the human touch of a curator like Supernova is increasingly valuable. She possesses an innate ability to find the common thread between a Brazilian folk song and a London bass track, weaving them into a narrative that feels both cohesive and expansive. Dance Around The World is not just a collection of songs; it is an invitation to explore the world through a rhythmic lens, encouraging listeners to look beyond their local scenes and appreciate the vast, interconnected web of sounds that define our modern era.
As the music industry continues to grapple with issues of representation and cultural appropriation, Supernova’s approach stands as a model for ethical and inspired curation. She prioritizes collaboration and direct engagement with the artists and communities she spotlights, ensuring that the origins of the music are respected even as they are adapted for new contexts. The inclusion of artists like As Ganhadeiras de Itapuã and Célia Wa provides a platform for voices that are often marginalized in the mainstream electronic music narrative, bringing their stories to a global audience.
With "Yalode" and "Broke" now circulating in the digital ether, the momentum for Dance Around The World is reaching a fever pitch. These tracks serve as perfect ambassadors for the project, showcasing the technical skill, emotional depth, and sheer danceability that Supernova has championed throughout her career. Whether it is the thundering percussion of a Caribbean carnival or the intricate melodies of a Parisian jazz club, every element of this compilation is a piece of a larger puzzle—a puzzle that, when completed, reveals a vibrant, thriving, and borderless musical world.
As October 16th approaches, fans can pre-save the compilation to ensure they are among the first to experience the full journey. For Jamz Supernova, Dance Around The World represents the culmination of years of exploration and a bold step forward in her mission to unify the global dancefloor. It is a project that reminds us that while we may be separated by geography and politics, the rhythm is a language we all speak, and the dance is a ritual we all share. In the hands of a curator as capable as Supernova, the world feels a little smaller, and the music feels a whole lot deeper.
