“The Connection is a collective idea,” explains Bobbito. “Back in 2003 I did the Earthtones compilation for Kyri at R2 and I felt ridiculously proud of the art work (by HVW8) on that album and how it all came together. For years, we’ve talked about doing a follow up and when I found out that he was talking to Rich it seemed like a good idea to do a collaborative project that tied into some of things that we are doing together.”

As DJs they are both doctors in every genre that’s soulful and positive and relish the element of surprise in what they do. Shaping a compilation can be a treat but it’s also an art. “As a collector it makes you a little bit vulnerable,” reflects Rich. “We’re not the first guys in the world to do a compilation, there’s some very smart things been put out there over the years and there’s a bar to be met. You’ve got to hit a certain standard, a certain depth. So, firstly, we were very focussed on the idea of how we differentiate ourselves from other albums of a similar style and, secondly, we made sure that we complemented the theme we’d agreed to.”

Modern Explorations in Afro-Beat and Afro-Latin

“I’ve never seen another compilation album that attacks modern releases in Afrobeat and Latin simultaneously.” adds Bobbito. “Most comps tend to be rooted in the 60s and 70s, which is everybody’s favourite time ‘cause it was such a vibrant era. We wanted to focus on groups that are out there now and making dope shit and then throw in a couple of nuggets from the older era for the collectors.”

The lynchpin of this comp is that they have straddled a space that a lot of people have missed the boat on. Just listen to tracks from bands like Aiff, Grupo X,The Daktaris, Ruth Tafebe and Afrorockerz, Candela All Stars, Franck Biyong & the Afrolectric Orchestra and Sir Victor Uwaifo. Add to the mix Rob Swift’s ‘Salsa Scratch’ and Elenita Ruiz con Conjunto - with a song featuring Bobbito’s father – and we get to savour the diversity.

Both Bobbito and Rich love deep diggin’ comps like the Soundway offerings but they also feel that it is part of their responsibility, an essential part of the job, to research and support that new generation of musicians. Following an era of “microwave superstars when there was no more slow cookin’” the future lies with those players and producers who thrive in the cross currrents that unite the diaspora.. “We need to understand what’s going on and keep our nose to the street,” stresses Rich. “Years ago, in the States, DJs were revered for breaking music and I think that's become a lost art. People are afraid of becoming maverick but I think that’s something neither of us have ever lost.”

According to Bobbito it is essential to keep redefining yourself. “Right now, it’s looking to what’s happening beneath the radar. We speak with the records that we play out. When we’re spinnin’ out together there’s still a kind of, ‘listen to this… ha, ha, I know you don’t have this record…..’ It’s a friendly thing…yeah, playful competition, that’s what happens and that’s what is manifested in the compilation as well. I definitely wanted to kick his ass with my selections. I’m not even gonna front. I wanted to listen to his disc and be like, ‘What? Where did you get that?!’ And then for him to listen to mine and be like, ‘wow, I only know one song!’

The room fills with laughter at this point and as it subsides Rich Medina, in that deep baritone voice of his, says: “And vice versa! There is no ego in our relationship. We both come to the table guns blazing.”

Paul Bradshaw – Straight No Chaser

Bobbito