Fela Kuti – Expensive Shit

The closest we can get to time travel is music, in my opinion. You can listen to a tune or a record and be pulled back into a time where you listened to that same song. Vague memories can become almost tangible. The same happens to me everytime I listen to Fela Kuti’s Expensive Shit. Whenever I hear this song, I am back on the backseat of a car, driving in the Go Slow in Lagos, Nigeria. 

David Byrne & Brian Eno – My Life In A Bush Of Ghosts

Incredibly groovy album made by David Byrne (Talking Heads) and Brian Eno. The first collaboration between these two musicians, who also excel in many others art disciplines. This album is super funky, experimental, tribal, danceable, meditative at times, full of tape manipulations and samples. You hear a Lebanese mountains singer, electronica, preachers, exorcism ceremonies, Egyptian pop. Listen to the track The Jezebel Spirit!

Sun Ra – Singles

It’s in the costumes, artwork, song titles, cinematic music and sounds. The multi-disciplinary elements and influences that are still visionary today, taking you on a crazy trip around the moon. A true MOMO spirit, I love it!

Aretha Franklin came from a very difficult background and her story is beyond inspiring. Her music has always moved me in so many ways, you can’t not react to her incredible voice. Despite the extreme difficulties she had to face she managed to have an extraordinary career and to put her permanent mark on the history of soul music with songs like ‘Say a little prayer’ or ‘Think’.

Nina Simone – Silk & Soul

You will recognise her voice from thousands, her music is timeless, her lyrics are spot on and yet always seem open to multiple interpretations. Because of this, her work remains a voyage of discovery for me, and I can’t get enough of it. Her life was a struggle, and you can hear that in her music. I have deep admiration for how she was able to translate that struggle into such beautiful and pleasant music.

Orchestra Baobab – Pirates Choice

I recently discovered Orchestra Baobab’s “Pirates Choice,” and it instantly resonated with my soul, uplifting with its seamless blend of Senegalese Afro-Cuban rhythms and jazz. The warm analog sound enhances the authenticity, creating a rich, culturally immersive experience. This album isn’t just music; it’s a celebration of diversity and creativity, reflecting the enduring power of music to inspire and connect. It’s a soulful choice for my collection.

Skee Mask – ISS009

This record is an absolute masterclass in contemporary electronic music production. Skee Mask’s stylish sampling, unmatched drum grooves, and studious sound design reaffirm his legendary status in the canon of electronica. This specific record, the 9th installment in an EP series with German label Ilian Tape, highlights his versatility with 4 tracks that can both ignite a club or provide the soundtrack to a solitary journey. Additionally, I chose this record because Skee Mask serves as my personal role model as a musician, embodying the highest achievable form of unapologetic musical expression.

Bettie Serveert – Palomine

When I was 14 I found Palomine in my parents’ CD collection and snuck it into my room. I grew to really love it and related especially to ‘Tomboy.’ One time as I was playing it my dad walked past and recognised it: “This song always reminds me of your mom.” A week after my 21st birthday my mom and I saw them perform it live for the Palomine 30 year anniversary tour – it was beautiful.

Yussef Kamaal – Black Focus.

If I could hear one song for the first time again it would have to be Strings of Light from this album. Hearing this song and album opened a door to a whole new world of music for me. It felt like this was the sound and style I’d been craving without knowing it existed. Also, to connect it to MOMO, I discovered this festival because Yussef Dayes was on the line-up, so he might be the reason I’m here today.