Pura Vida by Tigerbalm

Rose Robinson AKA Tigerbalm takes another step towards the release of her hotly anticipated sophomore album, Bubblegum Discos, via the release of a second teaser single – the sun-soaked tropical nu-disco fusion of ‘Pura Vida’, featuring London-based singer-songwriter (and sometime Afriquoi performer) Andre Espeut.

Bubblegum Discos, which is set for release in the spring of 2026, sees Robinson further develop her trademark kaleidoscopic global fusion sound – a colourful and vibrant mixture of synth-powered disco and boogie sounds combined with rhythms and instrumentation shot through with references to musical cultures and movements from Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and Central and South America. Expressly inspired by Robinson’s desire to showcase her love for Afro-Latin disco, the album boasts contributions from an eye-catching range of collaborators and guest vocalists.

Andre Espeut, a recognisable voice within the nu-disco scene thanks to his work with Situation, Ilya Rudman, Los Charly’s Orchestra and Juan Laya and Jorge Montiel, makes his presence felt on ‘Pura Vida’, a song and single inspired by Robinson’s experiences DJing and dancing under the stars at secret events held on small islands around Europe.

Espeut wrote and delivered the lyrics in Lingala, a ‘lingua franca’ best-known for being the official language of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Learning the language through his experiences performing with London Afrobeat/Afro-Electronica fusionists Afriquoi, Espeut’s lyrics explore “the rhythm of connection” found when we “move together under one sun”. Espeut says he wanted to capture “that moment when you realise that we’re holding each other up, even when we don’t see it”.

Combine this with Robinson’s inspired musical backdrop – a decidedly tropical disco vision informed by Soca and South American rhythms – and you have something genuinely special: a Lingala anthem for mutual connection, learning and shared experiences, whose composition pays tribute to a similarly minded annual island retreat. Rich in musical details, from intricately programmed percussion and flashes of sun-soaked guitar to vibrant synth sounds, mazy organ solos and Tango style accordion flashes, ‘Pura Vida’ is another strong single from the fast-rising Robinson.

Alongside her original mix and instrumental, we’re treated to a pair of club-ready remixes by Razor-N-Tape co-founder JKriv. Nailing the brief, the Brooklyn-based producer reaches for a tougher, percussion-laden Afro-disco rhythm onto which he adds choice elements of Robinson’s original production, from ear-catching synth flashes and undulating organ motifs, to glistening tropical disco guitars and infectious bassline. Infectious, summery, and celebratory, JKriv’s mix is presented in both full vocal and instrumental forms.

Tigerbalm's music production is a kaleidoscope of global influences; ranging from deep tribal sounds to disco-driven dance floor grooves. She makes movement inspiring dance music, combining electronic elements and organic instrumentation, stemming at large from African & Latin American music.

tigerbalmmusic.com
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