Melbourne-based producer Rami Imam unveils 'Safara', the latest release on his own label Ponda Records, which he founded in 2020 as a platform for his cross-cultural sound explorations. Drawing from the rich traditions of the Middle East, North Africa, and the Mediterranean, 'Safara' is a six-track odyssey of energetic and euphoric house and disco house, deeply rooted in both nostalgia and innovation. 'Safara' is the culmination of Imam's immersion into the golden eras of global music, channeling the soulful rhythms and melodies of Afro-Funk, West African Highlife, Arab Disco, Bollywood, Afro-Cuban Jazz, Libyan Reggae, and Algerian Rai. By blending these timeless influences with a modern, dancefloor-oriented focus, Imam creates a sound that is both steeped in history and refreshingly new.

With a sonic palette that includes iconic synths such as the Juno 106, Super 6, SH 101, Moog Model D, and the 303, Imam weaves the analog warmth of these instruments into lush, modern productions. Piano and strings-his favorite classical instruments-add an organic layer of emotional depth, connecting the pulse of the dancefloor with the timeless elegance of traditional composition.

'Safara' is more than a collection of tracks; it is a journey across continents and eras, where the pulse of the past meets the driving force of the present. Recorded in Melbourne but influenced by sounds from around the world, 'Safara' invites listeners to traverse vast musical landscapes-from the hypnotic grooves of North African rhythms to the sun-drenched melodies of Mediterranean shores-culminating in a transportive experience that lingers long after the final beat fades. By balancing the ancient with the futuristic, Imam has crafted a record that feels both comfortingly familiar and daringly innovative. 'Safara' is a testament to the endless possibilities of blending cultures, genres, and eras into something that is not just heard but felt-music for the soul as much as for the dancefloor.

Tracklisting:

A1. Yale Yade

A2. Kidda

A3. Bombay Sundown

B1. Dabo Ahes

B2. Jungle Voyager

B3. Why Did You