Hugh Hardie and Etherwood Infuse Afro Vibes in ‘TARANGA’
Released on DnB Allstars, the tune has arrived just in time to dominate the upcoming festival season.
Released on DnB Allstars, the tune has arrived just in time to dominate the upcoming festival season.
Over the years, Hugh Hardie and Etherwood have built their legacies under the same record label, carving out production styles that share a certain aesthetic and emotional depth. It’s easy to assume they’ve collaborated before—it seems almost natural, as if their creative paths had already crossed multiple times. You could be forgiven for swearing they’d already worked together multiple times, as their styles align so seamlessly.
Yet, until now, it remained a dream unfulfilled. That changes with ‘TARANGA,’ their debut collaboration, and the result is nothing short of spectacular.
Etherwood’s signature atmospherics—those sweeping, cinematic textures—merge effortlessly with Hugh Hardie’s precision drum programming, creating a track that’s as hypnotic as it is rhythmically sharp. Released via DnB Allstars, ‘TARANGA’ takes things a step further by infusing Afro-inspired elements, creating a warm, sunshine-drenched vibe that feels tailor-made for both festival stages and late-night headphone sessions.
The vocal sample featured in ‘TARANGA’ might strike a familiar chord, especially if you’ve been keeping an ear on the broader spectrum of electronic music. It was originally popularized in the Afro house scene through the globally acclaimed track ‘Mwaki’ by Brazilian DJ and producer Zerb, in collaboration with Kenyan vocalist Sofiya Nzau. Her stunning performance, delivered in the Kikuyu language, one of Kenya’s indigenous tongues, captivated millions with its haunting beauty and deeply rooted cultural significance.
With ‘TARANGA,’ Etherwood and Hugh Hardie reimagine these vocals in a completely new context. Rather than simply replicating their previous usage, the duo takes a more nuanced approach. They weave Sofiya Nzau’s ethereal voice into a vibrant tapestry of liquid drum & bass, combining the emotional depth of the original performance with the genre’s trademark kinetic energy.
The result is something that feels both familiar and entirely new. The vocals retain their cultural authenticity and emotional gravitas but are now propelled by rolling drums, warm sub-bass, and melodic flourishes that bring them to life in a fresh and exhilarating way. It’s a testament to the producers’ sensitivity and creativity, paying homage to the source while crafting a brand-new experience that’s uniquely their own.
‘TARANGA’ is a collaboration we didn’t know we were waiting for, but now that it’s here, it feels essential. Better late than never.
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