Sakidila

Pongo has been on the Lusophone music scene since rapping on Buraka Som Sistema’s megahit “Kalemba (Wegue Wegue)” as a 15 year old, and has since become the face of modern Kuduro, the high-octane Angola style that mixes elements of zouk, house, techno and other regional styles. On her second album, Sakidila, takes a decidedly modern and eclectic approach to her zouk roots. There are some slower moments, like the soulful “Doudou,” but mostly this is full of irresistibly catchy and high-energy rhythms Pongo is known for, and the whole record is infused with a wealth of different, mostly African styles. “So Amor” for example has that familiar upward progression and log drums of amapiano, while “Amaduro,” with Pongo’s rapid fire delivery and dark basslines, is a nod to the harder sounds of Gqom.