(very rare): Swakacha Summer
06.17.26
(very rare) harkens back to the early days of the internet before streaming services, algorithms and feeds. A time when music discovery was a haphazard, meandering journey through file-sharing services, Tumblr, Blogspots and message boards — a labor of love. From meditative new age to cosmic jazz, enveloping shoegaze to dream-pop, underground hip-hop to psychedelic R&B, hazy house to groovy techno, (very rare) strives to bring you hand-picked selections across genres that expand your musical world.
This week we have a very special guest (and my good friend) all the way from Nairobi. Ally Fresh is a DJ and Producer bringing his own East African flavor to the rich tapestry of contemporary African dance music. He’s one of the most sought after DJs in Kenya and his 2025 debut album Swakacha, which combines traditional Chakacha music with elements of contemporary Afro-House, has been making global waves.
Ally’s mix is a celebration of music from across Africa, an education on sub-genres from Kenya to Cape Verde to South Africa and a preview of his forthcoming deluxe album. On the second half, I drop in with some Gqom before closing out with deep, classic house. A perfect summer episode, in my humble opinion.
Tracklist:
Hour 1: Ally Fresh Ally Fresh, Mura & Tina Ardor – Sumbua Ally Fresh, CheffK – Samba Ally Fresh – Lounge Flute (unreleased demo) PDJ Moma – Party Starter (feat. Jillz, K-Zaka & MustBeDubz) Hagan – Mfantsefo Dance (feat. M.anifest & RCEE) Dlala Thukzin & Goldmax- VAR DJ IV – 6:58 AM (feat. LHarrey) Ally Fresh, Nes Mburu – Keki Zakente, Studio Bros – Kutura Ally Fresh, DJ IV, Braines – Kadenge Kakalika – Dope Nation Campira – Ta Danca Ta Danca Dadiinho – Fuck That Shit DJ Lag x Ape Drums – Gqtech Naak – Sho! State Offf, QUE DJ, Kwamzy, DBN Gogo, General C’mamane – Right! General C‘Mamane – Money Tree (Gqom) Hour 2: ash. Hagan – Pull Up (ft. Griffit Vigo) Mak 10 & Scratchclart – Smoke Signal Mxshi Mo – Orphans Prince Kaybee, Chymamusique, Mk Productions – Drum & Bass (Original Mix) PPP (Piezo, Plead & Python) – Wisco ART NO LOGIA, Joëlla Jackson – Solo Contigo (Ollie BC Remix) Leo Pol – Chantal Rhemi – Warning (Rhemi Main Mix) ft. Lynn Lockamy Retromigration – Half Fried Presence – Work On Me (2022 Remaster) musclecars – Ha Ya! (Eternal Life) (AmFlow Remix) TUCCILLO – I’ve got my soul Toro y Moi – Say That (DJ Raff Remix) Justin Bieber – Yukon (Tom VR Tech Trip Mix) Chiati – Cairo Traffic Acid Arab – Habaytak (feat. Ghizlane Melih) (DJ Gregory Africanism Remix) Sin Plomo – African Stomper (Main Mix)
