- The ghetto sound of Lisbon takes its next step.
- This photo does a great job of capturing the appeal of DJ Firmeza and the scene he comes from. It was taken during a Príncipe showcase at Café Oto in London earlier this summer, and it shows the sweaty culmination of Firmeza's set, as the chaos on the dance floor spilled over to the DJ booth. The music at that moment—a blend of styles like kuduro, batida and Afro house—was fast, rhythmically complex and impossibly energetic. The sound, which has its roots in Lisbon's Afro-Portuguese club music scene, has been gradually gaining momentum outside of the city in the last couple years, thanks mainly to the label Príncipe. Since RA editor Ryan Keeling profiled the scene near the beginning of last year, the label has introduced a host of new names to international audiences, while the revered UK imprint Warp began showcasing the sound with a compilation series called CARGAA. Leading figures like DJ Marfox and DJ Nigga Fox have become in-demand touring acts, and the 20-year-old Firmeza is well on his way to joining them.
Firmeza has a glowing reputation in Lisbon as a technically dexterous DJ who, like many in the scene, mainly plays his own music. His tracks focus on smart and effective drum programming with the occasional oddball flourish, and he's so far had a split release out on Príncipe and an appearance on the second CARGAA compilation. In October Firmeza will release his first solo record on Príncipe, the six-track Alma Do Meu Pai, which serves as both a deeper exploration of his talents and a tribute to his late father. None of the music on Firmeza's short but sweet RA podcast has been released, which shows you just how inspired he is at the moment.
What have you been up to recently?
I've been studying.
How and where was the mix recorded?
At my girlfriend's house.
Can you tell us about the idea behind the mix?
My inspiration for it was you guys out there.
How have things changed for the Lisbon scene in the last 12 months?
It has developed quite a bit, opened a lot of doors for us.
Which new producers should we look out for?
DJ Dadifox, DJ Liofox and DJ Nervoso.
What are you up to next?
Soon my first record will come out on Príncipe, Alma Do Meu Pai (my father's soul). I dedicate it to him with all my love, affection and, unfortunately, sadness for him not being around no more. May God keep him in peace.
DJ Firmeza will play a Príncipe showcase at Dance Tunnel in London on Friday, October 9th as part of the upcoming Clock Strikes 13 series.
Lista de títulosIntro beats Firmeza
DJ Maboku & DJ Firmeza - Tamos De Volta
DJ Edna & DJ Firmeza - Infinitos Dos Brancos
DJ Firmeza - Beat Martin Lopes
DJ Firmeza - Tuganda Rija
DJ Firmeza - Terrorista
DJ Firmeza - Alma Do Meu Pai
DJ Dadifox & DJ Firmeza - Rererere (Edit Remix PDDG)
DJ Firmeza - Noite Príncipe
DJ Firmeza - Revolta
DJ Firmeza - Instrumental Dos Numeros
DJ Firmeza - Descansa Em Paz Rmx
DJ Firmeza - Rererer Fifaz Fifaz Rmx