Dadifox [PDDG] - "Chinchiví (Afro Latino 2014)"

September's end was prolific for the Piquenos Djs do Guetto. So far the same can be said for October. For one, Dj Firmeza, debuted two songs. The first track was something of a funana experiment, followed by a return to the patented Firmeza style batida. But the plot to War Games, PDDG is an entity extending beyond one man's desktop. By way of collaboration with Liofox, Dadifox too shared a new beat with the start of autumn proper. This latest song, though, is not entirely original. Much like "Joana (Edit 2k14)," the song below is a remix. But the difference lies in inspiration. Rather than interpret another kuduro Dadifox has turned far west of Angola for inspiration.

What follows is an old Afro-Peruvian number refashioned in the style of modern Lisbon. Written by Pepe Villalobos, "Chinchiví" is originally a festejo; albeit one that was brought up to date in 2005 by Afro-Peruvian revivalists Novalima. Not coincidentally, this is the same source - not to mention the same sample - used by Dj Willicox and Puto Baba five weeks ago. Truthfully, though, the two songs, though, are hardly identical; Dadifox delivering a more polished.

In addition to being slightly quicker "Chinchiví (Afro Latino 2014)" is marked by purpose. The kick drum and snare gives the beat a sense of assertion. Two miscellenous drums and a shekere provide the additional rhythm. But the where fringe elements are concerned, this song is all about whistle action. Used in the chorus, the whistle raises the  song's over all energy level. So although it is intriguing that the chorus would be looped so quickly, it does avoid a monotonous four minutes. And, if nothing else, this brings to light Dadifox's exemplary sample manipulation. Heard predominantly in the fifty second introduction (which includes the head from 0:00 - 0:15 to be fair) and the second 'verse' just past 2:00, the bassline is cut-up to the benefit of the song. Ultimately the song goes out as the effects begin. But much like the whistle, the effects are used more for effect that style or technological prowess. "Chinchiví (Afro Latino 2014)" is more than simply serviceable; it a remix, and a quite successful one at that.

- John Noggle