Kampire announces debut compilation, 'A Dancefloor in Ndola'

As part of its 25th Anniversary, Strut Records has announced new compilation 'A Dancefloor In Ndola', curated by Kampire.

Set for release on August 2, the V/A - which features names including Princess Aya Sarah, Pembey Sheiro, Di Groovy Girls, Tshala Muana, Lady Isa and more - is inspired by artists and tracks that formed Kampire's soundtrack growing up in Ndola, Zambia.

It simultaneously marks an evolution in Strut's approach to V/A compilations, intending to showcase emerging DJ talent on an international level.

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“It is important for me to continually reference Africa’s own musical history,” Kampire explains on curating the V/A. “At 17, I didn’t pick up on my Dad’s music, but now I love and collect those records. I’m constantly referencing them in my music sets today. I love that feeling of shared nostalgia where people recognise a song they haven’t heard in a long time. It is a touchstone for me when I’m playing.

"There are styles of music on the compilation which are often considered unsophisticated from rural areas," she continues on the compilation, which flows through various East and South African genres, from Congolese rumba and soukous, to township bubblegum and guitar-led sounds of Zambian kalindula. "I and other contemporary African artists and DJs draw inspiration from them; it is part of what makes us ourselves.”

The compilation is set for release on 2LP and CD, featuring a new edit personally from Kampire, alongside personal linear notes sharing her links to the music.

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You can pre-order 'Kampire Presents: A Dancefloor in Ndola' now here, and check out lead track 'Naughty Boy' by V-Mash here.

Niamh Ingram is Mixmag's Weekend Editor, follow her on Instagram