Cue Points: O Ghettão

This is Cue Points, a series where DJs get granular with current tracks in their sets, giving us the low-down on what makes them work.

For the past few years, underground Lisbon label Príncipe affiliates DJ Nigga Fox, DJ Danifox and DJ Firmeza have been joining forces as O Ghettão, combining their eclectic tastes across kuduro, minimal povera jazz, Afro-deep-house polyrhythm and much more. Having played only a handful of shows at Lux Frágil, Dekmantel, Le Guess Who? and CTM Festival since then, this summer they’re reuniting in Lyon for Nuits Sonores whilst working on their debut album.

Ahead of the festival, the supergroup trio pick out five songs the songs they’re gravitating to in their sets right now.

DJ Firmeza – Pula Pula

We like to start with Pula Pula because it’s a track that gets the floor moving right from the start. The percussion is lively, loose and has that instinctive swing that forces the body to move. It’s an energetic intro, but without being aggressive – perfect for subtly getting the dancefloor going. It works well both in clubs and at open-air parties. Plus, there’s enough space to play around with transitions and build the set from there.

DJ Nigga Fox – Gás Natural

This track is a frontal attack. Gás Natural has a raw, disorganised force (in a good way) that turns the dancefloor upside down. We use it when we want to create that moment of chaos – where everything sounds a bit out of control, but with a clear direction. You can’t ignore it: the bass is heavy, the rhythms are fragmented, and the groove is almost wild. It mixes well with hard, industrial sounds, or with a fast beat.

Danifox – Xupetilson

Xupetilson is pure movement. It’s fast, playful and has a groove that seems to jump in several directions at once. The sound is direct, full of little rhythmic snippets, with a light but super danceable vibe. We use this track to lift the set and inject fun into the dancefloor. It works like a breath of fresh air after denser moments. It mixes well with funaná edits or looser Afrohouse joints.

Nuno Beats (RS Produções) – Bué de Bass

This is a heavy one. Bué de Bass does exactly what it promises – it’s deep, dense and with a swing that beats your chest. We like to use it as a tool to immerse the set in a darker, more hypnotic moment. It’s that track that makes your body vibrate, especially in sound systems with strong subs. Ideal for transitions to a more aggressive beat or moments when we want to slow down but keep the intensity low end-y.

DJ Lycox – Las Palmas de un Desgraciado

We’ll close with Las Palmas de un Desgraciado because it has a melancholic vibe, but with a otherworldly groove. Genius percussion, the melodic elements have a beautiful, almost cinematic nostalgia. It’s perfect for ending a set leaving emotion in the air, without completely breaking the rhythm. It blends well with more atmospheric sounds or with other Lycox tracks. It greets the dancefloor with that “classy end” feeling – a heartfelt, danceable finale.