Angola: DJs Satélite and Gálio reclaim roots with Afro-house album Raízes

Following Horizonte and Caminho, the 28-track album was released on 24 April across all digital platforms, serving as both a celebration of Angola’s rich musical traditions and a bold statement within the global Afro House movement.

Raízes, Portuguese for “roots”, is far more than a collection of tracks. It is a cultural manifesto, a sonic bridge connecting continents, and a deeply personal milestone in the duo’s artistic journey. Featuring a diverse line-up of collaborators from Africa, Europe, and South America, the album underscores Angola’s pivotal role in shaping the Afro -house sound, while affirming its growing global resonance.

At its core, Raízes is steeped in the textures of Angola’s musical identity. From the propulsive energy of kuduro to the soulful sway of semba and the percussive intensity of batucada, the album marries traditional rhythms with modern electronic elements. The result is a body of work that speaks to the past, present, and future, honouring heritage while pushing boundaries.

Kuduro, once the sound of Luanda’s streets and a symbol of urban resilience, features prominently across the record. Its kinetic rhythms lend raw power to the beats, grounding the album in the spirit of Angola’s capital. Meanwhile, batucada percussion brings a spiritual depth and complexity, connecting listeners to the ancestral heartbeat of the nation’s musical legacy.

DJ Satélite and DJ Gálio’s approach is both technical and emotional. Rather than merely sampling or referencing traditional forms, they embed these rhythms into the DNA of their productions. Each track becomes a conversation between generations, where electronic basslines intertwine with folk-rooted percussion, and digital synthesisers pulse alongside chants and rhythms that have echoed through Angolan history.

More than a stylistic exercise, this fusion is a deliberate cultural act. “Raízes is about identity,” the duo has suggested in various interviews. “It’s about knowing where we come from, even as we create something new. We wanted to honour our roots while showing how far our sound has travelled.”

The album’s international collaborations add another layer to its narrative. Voices and instruments from across three continents come together in seamless harmony, symbolising the global dialogue Afro House now fosters. This inclusivity not only broadens the reach of Angolan music but reinforces its role in shaping the modern electronic scene.

As Afro-house continues to rise on the global stage, Raízes positions itself as both an anchor and a beacon. It reminds listeners that the genre’s power lies in its ability to tell stories, of migration, resilience, memory, and celebration. Through intricate production and cultural reverence, DJ Satélite and DJ Gálio have crafted an album that resonates deeply within dance floors while asserting a profound sense of place.

With Raízes, the duo completes a trilogy that charts their evolution while reaffirming their position as torchbearers of a new African sonic movement. It is a testament to Angola’s vibrant cultural legacy and to the enduring relevance of its rhythms in the global conversation of music.

Artists: DJ Satélite and DJ Gálio
Album: Raízes 
Year: 2025