Gato Preto collaborates with Kenyan singer Iche on new single

On the single, they feature up and coming Kenyan singer, Janice Iche. ‘Take a Stand’ represents one of Gato Preto’s main issues: love and the respect for one’s self. The Germany-based duo of producer Lee Bass and rapper/singer Carmen Brown aka Gata Misteriosa, are known for their multicultural musical influences.

In an email to Music In Africa, Brown says: “issues raised by the song is a part of my identity and part of how I express myself. As an artist, it is a way to show and express this specific world in various ways for people who don’t know.”

A hybrid of different styles—including Moombahton, a fusion of house music and reggaeton, and electronic genres combined with Afro drums and rhythms—is the basis for this heavy and driving groove, and the futuristic atmosphere of the song. The video for the song was released on 16 November and was shot in Uganda during Gato Preto and Iche's stay at the Nyege Nyege International Music Festival.

Of the song, Brown says: “It is a constant force in our music and a network that we can´t live without; the traditional craft of African music especially its rhythms and the avant-garde influence of the electronic sounds.”

The original version of the song was produced by Crooked Bois, but Gato Preto have roped in different from around the world to produce the remixes of the song. The song has attracted remixes from around the worl and to date there are seven different remixes which the duo have compiled as an EP.

New album

Commenting about their forthcoming album the duo say they will continue to address issues that affect the society. “We are going to say it like we mean it; talk about the actual serious social problems like police violence, domestic violence and child abuse,” Brown remarks. But the album will not just be about serious issues. Brown further says they will have songs that target those having heartache as well as love issues.

Lee Bass who produces the duo’s songs, on the other hand, says Afro-futurism will be a strong force behind the album.

“We want to make people dance and have a good time too. You can hear and see it in our videos and tracks.”

'Take A Stand' which is off the new album offers a glimpse as to what fans should expect. Tempo will be released in February 2017, after which the duo will embark on a tour of Europe to promote the album. Among the countries they will tour include Germany and Brussels.

The EP containing the remixes of Take a Stand is available for free from the duo’s bandcamp until 22 November.