Afro-Brazil 2014: Gilles Peterson Collective Sonzeira's 'Brasil Bam Bam Bam'

Gilles Peterson is many things: a British DJ, label head at Brownswood Records and, most recently, the founder of Brazil's new and popular collective supergroup -- the Sonzeira collective. Last January, Peterson took a brief pause from the life of a label executive to visit Brazil where he would create the Sonzeira Collective. This collective represented more than just the artistic ambitions of Peterson; other notable Brazilian artists ranging from Seu Jorge to Gabriel Moura joined to craft the group's unique sound: a style that exists somewhere in between tropicália, bossa nova and baile funk.

Thankfully-- starting May 19th-- Sonzeira will be available in our own homes with the release of their debut album, Brazil Bam Bam Bam. Beyond Sonzeira's commercial presence, the group's debut album also marks several important cultural moments. Not only is the albumTalk Loud's (Gille's original label) first release in 10 years, but the album demonstrates how diverse, nuanced and accessible Brazil's music is.

Sonzeira-- a group founded by a British DJ, formed of a variety of distinctly Brazilian musicians that exclusively play Afro-Brazilian music-- perfectly represent Brazil. A sound that doesn't just span coast to coast; it runs continent to continent. Sonzeira's sound just can't be pinned down, and that's what makes it so appealing.

More information on Sonzeira's debut album can be found at Okayafrica. Brazil Bam Bam Bam is available to pre-order now. Check out the album trailer below.