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Hey folks, it’s Kono again here, and I’m thrilled to bring you something that’s been spinning in my head lately. I’ve always been that guy digging through crates of old records or losing myself in a sweaty dancefloor, chasing sounds that tell a story. So when I got the chance to chat with Melbourne’s own Rami Imam about his new Safara EP on Ponda Records, I knew we were in for a treat. This six track journey blends Middle Eastern vibes, North African grooves, and disco heat into something that feels like a time machine and a party all at once. Rami’s dropping wisdom on the ten tracks that shaped him, and trust me, it’s a ride across cultures and eras that’ll hook you from the first beat, let’s get into it!
I opened the most recent Ponda Presents event with this absolute banger, and the response was incredible. I picked this track as the opener to try and solidify my identity and make a statement. It’s the kind of song that demands attention and sets the tone for a night. Playing it reminded me of the power of cultural influences on the dancefloor and how music like this bridges worlds. Zahouania’s voice has this raw power, and the track is just packed with energy—an Algerian rai anthem!
Goosebumps. The Juno 106 bassline that loops throughout the track is so beautifully hypnotic and a fantastic example of how something so simple can still be incredibly engaging with only subtle modulation. That’s what I’ve been focusing on more in my recent productions—less is more. The dreamy vocals, warm pads, and synth textures create the most gorgeous, euphoric, ethereal landscape.
Cinema plays a big part in my music, and I love tracks that sample or integrate cinematic elements. The sampling of Jennifer Grey from the 1987 movie Dirty Dancing is absolutely genius. It adds a touch of romance and vulnerability to a song already so rich in emotion, with its immersive soundscape. This track also gave me early inspiration for the last song on my upcoming EP, Why Did You, which samples Kate Winslet from the 2008 film Revolutionary Road. It’s a reminder of how a track can take you on a journey, and that’s something I try to capture in my own work.
I had a sweet moment in Florence last year when we got chatting with a local man at a bar, who told us he was from Aswan. I played him Mabruk by Ali Hassan Kuban, knowing he was a Nubian artist from that area, and there was nearly a tear in his eye. He said he used to listen to this music back when he was living in Egypt. It was such a nostalgic moment that made him think about home, and now, every time I play this song, I think of that memory.
I have always loved this track but I knew it was elite when it connected with my entire friendship group – even the ones who aren’t into dance music. Closer has this warm, open energy that just pulls you in, and the lead synth melody feels like it’s having a conversation within itself, like two voices bouncing back and forth in perfect harmony. I absolutely love that. It’s the ideal track for any condition – whether you’re at home, on a late-night drive, or chilling by the beach… it just works. And no matter how many times I listen, it blows my mind every time. An absolute classic!
The groove in “Wanting You” is unreal—it’s smooth, sensual, and full of lush 80s funk. The Moog Model D bassline is a standout—so fat and warm, it practically carries the entire track. Paired with shimmering synths and those soulful vocals, everything feels perfectly in place. Starpoint had an incredible way of making their arrangements feel both polished and effortless, and that’s something I try to channel in my own work.
I first heard this masterpiece at Houghton Festival in 2022, played by twin brothers during their debut vinyl set at the Giant Steps tent. The way Frankie Knuckles reimagined Lou Rawls’ soulful classic into a deep, emotive house groove is incredible. The strings and piano lift you up while the vocal anchors you. It’s truly soulful and a beautiful house track by a connoisseur of the game. That moment at Houghton really stuck with me—it’s the kind of track that makes you fall in love with music all over again. RIP Frankie.
Son of two musical savant geniuses, Fairuz and Assi Rahbani, it’s no surprise that their offspring became a musical wizard. I love how Abu Ali is a fusion of disco, jazz, and Arabic melodies. Its hypnotic melody and upbeat tempo are driven by an underlying disco beat with jazzy piano riffs and brass flourishes played in an Arabic style, creating an irresistible blend of Eastern and Western musical traditions. This track is a bomb!
Pure Afro-disco brilliance. The groove is infectious, driven by tight percussion, soulful vocals, and a bassline that feels like it’s dancing on its own. It’s a track that transports you to another place—uplifting, vibrant, and deeply rooted in African funk traditions. This is the kind of music that makes dancefloors come alive.
“Kidda” is the second track off the Safara EP and holds a special place for me, as it represents the direction I want to take my music. I sampled a 90s Nubian classic, Keda Keda, introduced to me by my brother Moataz from Disco Arabesquo. It’s a combination of everything I love from the music world—organic percussion, disco elements, synths, Middle Eastern instruments, strings, and North African vocals. It’s about bringing together different cultures, rhythms, grooves, and melodies—a reflection of what excites me most about making music.
And there you go, ten tracks that light up the path to Rami Imam’s Safara EP. Big love to Rami for taking us on this global spin, those picks stirred up some serious memories for me, and I hope they vibed with you too. Safara is out now on Ponda Records, a six track masterpiece packed with euphoric house, disco flair, and cross cultural magic, you’ve got to hear it! Stream it, grab it, dance to it. Tell me your favorite track in the comments, and let’s keep the groove alive, catch you next time!
DJ | MUSIC CURATOR & SELECTOR | PODCAST MAKER | BLOGGER Professional online interpreneur. Coffee practitioner. Electronic music culture maven. Total music guru. Infuriatingly humble problem solver. Food & sports fanatic.
Hello there, it’s Kono, and I’m buzzing to share this one with you. Music’s always been my escape, ever since I was a kid fumbling with my dad’s old guitar […]
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