Various Artists, “It Didn’t Ruin Anything”
ALBUM OF THE DAY
Various Artists, “Não Estragou Nada”
By
Joseph Francis
·
June 03, 2025
At Príncipe, a soothing celebration of Lisbon’s vibrant music scene has flourished for over two decades. With the captivating rhythm of batida—an enchanting blend of Angolan sounds like kuduro and kizomba—this musical journey invites you to explore its soulful depths. In recent times, a wave of creative producers has emerged, each adding their unique touch to this evolving style, creating a diverse tapestry of sound.
“Não Estragou Nada” is Príncipe’s most expansive compilation to date, showcasing a harmonious collection of 37 tracks across generations. Young artist Helviofox, at just 19, shares the spotlight with seasoned producer DJ Nervoso, whose contributions extend back to a time before Helviofox was born. This album beautifully captures the evolution of batida while honoring the inventive spirit of its pioneering artists.
With its warm embrace of instrumentation and ethereal echo effects, the influence of dub gently weaves through the fabric of “Não Estragou Nada.” Some tracks evoke a sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of the early works by UK techno producers. A.K. Adrix’s “Glitch [IIIII]” captivates with its sinewy synths and deep bass, while the atmospheric echoes in Mixbwé’s “Beat 2” create an intriguing ambiance, balancing between familiar batida rhythms and a more mysterious tech house essence.
At times, the exploration into tech house—seen in tracks like Mano Jio’s “Party In The Jungle” and DJ Doraemon’s “G.A.Z”—shifts the focus from the core batida beats to a minimalist sound that invites introspection. Such innovations reflect the richness of this genre, allowing new expressions to emerge while still honoring its roots.
The heart of batida pulsates through each track, playfully inviting listener engagement. DJ Firmeza’s “Beats das Piriguetes” captivates with its joyous hand drum rhythm, and DJ N—a Fox’s “Na Casa da Mana” combines playful elements that evoke warmth and laughter. DJ Bebedera’s “Fodência The Scratch” introduces lively vocals that bring joy, reminding us of music’s power to uplift our spirits.
This compilation elegantly nods to the history of batida by featuring kuduristas (MCs), who add depth and reverence to its legacy. Dama Pink and Dama Kriola’s verses over DJ N.K’s “Bo Ta Rebola” flow effortlessly, embodying a blend of energy and relaxation that invites listeners to bask in the rhythm. Similarly, DJ Bboy’s unique vocal approach on “Latona” draws connections to contemporary styles, bridging the past and present with grace.
The blend of R&B’s sensuous undertones with batida has become a hallmark for emerging artists, offering fresh perspectives within the genre. Nuno Beats’ “Micasibi” creates a soothing landscape with its gentle bass, while DJ Danifox enhances this with rich, harmonious arrangements. These tracks foster a sense of exploration, calling forth the spirit of free jazz that infuses batida with a sense of freedom and possibility.
Embracing a myriad of influences—from tarraxo to dubstep and beyond—batida expands its reach, welcoming the essence of various musical styles into its embrace. In the light-hearted spirit of the compilation’s notes, “Call it House Music,” the album beautifully articulates that Casa de Batida is on a path to universal connection, one joyful beat at a time.
