VARIOUS ARTISTS - LÉVE LÉVE - SAO TOMÉ & PRINCIPE SOUNDS 70S-80S

Léve-Léve is the first compilation devoted to the music of São Tomé & Príncipe, tracing the islands’ rich musical heritage through 16 tracks from its golden era. At its core is puxa, a distinctive style shaped by semba, merengue, soukous, coladeira and Caribbean rhythms, driven by deep grooves, melodic interplay and communal energy.

Spanning the years around independence in 1975, the collection reflects a culture where music soundtracked social life and expression. Early groups like Os Úntués fused local rhythms such as socopé and dança-congo with international influences, while Conjunto Mindelo and Africa Negra expanded the sound with electric intensity and wider African inspiration.

Alongside artists including Os Leonenses, Conjunto Sangazuza and Sum Alvarinho, Léve-Léve captures a scene that thrived in clubs and open-air gatherings, uniting communities through music. Long overlooked beyond the islands, this compilation brings São Toméan sounds into wider focus.