Léve Léve Vol. 2: Sao Tomé and Principe Sounds 70s-80s

Following Léve Léve Vol. 1, this second volume continues a long-term exploration of the popular music of São Tomé and Príncipe, with a clear focus on rhythm, movement and dancefloor energy. Curated by Tom B., Léve Léve Vol. 2 brings together emblematic recordings from the 1970s and 1980s, carefully restored and remastered, designed as much for close listening as for DJ use.

The compilation deepens and completes the first volume by returning to key groups such as Sangazuza, Conjunto Equador, Africa Negra and Pedro Lima, while also unveiling previously unreleased or hard-to-find tracks. Across the record, puxa and socopê rhythms unfold with remarkable intensity, capturing these bands at the height of their powers: tight arrangements, driving grooves and a strong sense of collective momentum.

Beyond celebration, Léve Léve Vol. 2 also reflects a precise cultural and political context. Several songs reference Luso-African independence struggles, spirituality, love and everyday life, anchoring this music in a history shaped by resistance, circulation and hybridization. Recorded in São Tomé, Luanda or Lisbon — often with the involvement of key figures from the Lusophone diaspora — these tracks reveal a modern musical landscape that has long remained under-documented.

Conceived as a living record rather than a static archival object, this compilation speaks equally to DJs and curious listeners. It once again affirms Bongo Joe’s approach: bringing powerful, popular and complex music back into circulation, without nostalgia or exoticism, and making it fully present today.

Sangazuza - Mário bi cedo 
Conjunto Equador - Maia da môle 
África Negra - Apoiámos a luta dos nossos irmão 
Sum Alvarinho - Cacau 
Sangazuza - Zon fada non 
Tiny das Neves e Conjunto Sol d'África - Áfriaé 
Pedro Lima e Conjunto Popular Os Leonenses - Sossegado (Puxa) 
Conjunto Equador - Pecado dy mundo 
Sangazuza - Sono sá kuá de téma 
África Negra - Simoa 
Conjunto Mindelo - Queima roupa 
Sangazuza - Luiza antê kedja 
Bulawê N'Guli Fala, Quinta das Palmeiras - Tira a mão da minha xuxa
Os Úntuès - Feça non chigá-zá 
Pedro Lima - Mêm de mina mue