Luizga & iZem – Yemamaya

Following the success of the song “YEMAMAYA,” which became something of an instant classic thanks to its inclusion on one of Europe’s most important compilations – Straight from the Decks, vol. 3, by French curator and DJ Guts, as well as its adoption by numerous European radio stations and its growth on streaming platforms, the Franco-Brazilian duo Luiz Gabriel Lopes (aka LuizGa) & Izem releases the long-awaited full album of their partnership.

This edition, released on vinyl by French label Elis Records, brings together the five emblematic tracks from the EP 2022, alongside four unreleased creations, including a bold interpretation of Destiny’s Child’s “Say My Name,” and a unique collaboration with São Paulo artist Curumin, as well as appearances by Minas Gerais rapper Oreia (formerly of DV Tribo) and indigenous leader Txana Tuin Huni Kuin.

Also featured on the album as instrumentalists are Brazilians Juninho Ibituruna, Mateus Bahiense, and Afrogame on percussion, Dandara Modesto, Luiza Brina, Nina Oliveira, and Selma Fernandes on backing vocals, Kito Siqueira (formerly of Funk Como Le Gusta) on saxophone and flutes, and Portuguese singers Anais Thinon and Beatriz Nande also on backing vocals, as well as Portuguese musician Diogo Duque on trumpets and flutes. Dutch musician Jori Collignon (formerly of Skip Die) plays keyboards and is responsible for the mixing.

A remix by French-African artist David Walters brings the ten-track album to a perfect close, with cover art by Espírito Santo visual artist Amanda Lobos.

Between trip-hop sounds, soul influences, and Afro-Brazilian rhythms, this hybrid album perpetuates the uniqueness of the project, updating the rich Brazilian acoustic tradition with delicacy and contemporary electronic production techniques.

YEMAMAYA was produced between 2021 and 2025. The recording sessions took place in Montpellier (France), Palmela and Lisbon (Portugal), São Paulo and Belo Horizonte (Brazil) during this period.