Description
A limited-edition box set featuring a selection of Cuban records handpicked by DJ Koco, a globally acclaimed turntablist!
DJ KOCO aka SHIMOKITA's "CUBAN 45 BOXSET" is a project planned by Mr Bongo. Following a box set of Brazilian records, this time the focus is on Cuba, featuring tracks handpicked by the artist himself, along with exclusive edits.
DJ KOCO is known for his high level of skill and track selection as a turntablist, having utilized a wide range of music in live settings with a hip-hop sensibility at its core. This style is reflected in this release as well, with a selection that emphasizes strong rhythms and danceable elements.
The collection begins with Ricardo Eddy Martínez y Expreso Rítmico's "La 132", followed by a series of tracks by Juan Pablo Torres y Algo Nuevo, Farah María's "Ámame Y No pienses Mas", Orquesta Riverside's "En Casa Del Trompo No Bailes", and more, covering a wide range of styles including Latin funk, disco, and Afro-Cuban. With a groove-oriented arrangement, it also includes tracks where the rhythm changes dramatically throughout the song.
Furthermore, edits of Grupo Ismaelillo's "Amanecer" and FA-5's "Muévete Con Las Fuerzas Del Corazón" are also included. They have been arranged to make the most of the breaks and reconstructed into a format suitable for DJ play.
A collection that traverses the diverse rhythms and styles of Cuban music, compiled with a hip-hop break sensibility. A vinyl box set assembled from a live-performance perspective.
Disc 1
A. Ricardo Eddy Martinez y Expreso Ritmico - La 132
B. Juan Pablo Torres y Algo Nuevo - Rompe Cocorioco
Disc 2
C. Farah Maria - Amame Y No pienses Mas
D. Grupo Ismaelillo - Amanecer - DJ KOCO Edit
Disc 3
E. Grupo FA-5 - Muevete Con Las Fuerzas Del Corazon- DJ KOCO Edit
F. Grupo Los Yoyi - Paco La Calle
Disc 4
G. Juan Pablo Torres Y Algo Nuevo - Y Viva La Felicidad
H. Orquesta Riverside - En Casa Del Trompo No Bailes
Disc 5
I. Grupo FA-5 - Ya Tengo Un Amor Verdadero
J. Rembert Egues - Tema Para Un Amanecer
Two years after DJ KOCO aka SHIMOKITA curated his sold-out Mr Bongo Brazil 45
box set, he is back with another Record Store Day special, this time turning his
attention to Cuba. Following a meteoric rise to the top, the Japanese DJ / turntablist
extraordinaire has won the world over with his unquestionable humility, refreshing
positivity, and flawless skills. The DJ’s DJ, it’s as much about taste as it is technicality
for one of the world’s best showmen.
When the idea arose for a Cuban Classics 45 Boxset to mark RSD 2026, DJ KOCO
was top of the list. With a deep-seated passion for Cuban music, its melting pot of
cultures, its focus on rhythm, and its undeniable groove, DJ KOCO presents a selection
of his favourite Cuban cuts, as well as two exclusive edits for the boxset.
It kicks off with the Latin funk sounds of Ricardo Eddy Martínez y Expreso Rítmico’s ‘La
132’ from 1978, before rolling into one of two spellbinding Juan Pablo Torres y Algo
Nuevo cuts found on the boxset. Elsewhere, you’ll hear Farah María’s slow disco
‘Ámame Y No pienses Mas’, an unusual American-leaning production for Cuba at the
time, given the state of US-Cuban political relations in that period. Other highlights
include Orquesta Riverside’s ‘En Casa Del Trompo No Bailes’, taken from a rare
collectable 7”, channelling a low-slung Latin bounce which explodes into an Afro-Cuban
dancer as the track progresses.
In signature style, DJ KOCO has also served up two exclusive edits for the boxset.
These include a reworking of the Cuban children's band Grupo Ismaelillo’s quirky
‘Amanecer’, giving it a more DJ-friendly structure. You’ll also find DJ KOCO’s take on
FA-5’s much-loved funky dancer ‘Muévete Con Las Fuerzas Del Corazón’ with its
heavy b-boy/girl break from 1976.
Testament to Cuba’s vast and vibrant musical landscape, DJ KOCO has cherry-picked
some of the finest recordings to emanate from the country, spanning a wide range of
styles and rhythms. Yet what ties all the tracks on this boxset together, is a hip hop
sensibility and thirst for a breaks-heavy, danceable energy which radiates through DJ
KOCO’s masterful DJ sets.
The 7” DJ / turntablist maestro from Japan, presents a heavy selection of
his favourite Cuban cuts for Record Store Day 2026.
Featuring prized tracks from Ricardo Eddy Martínez, Juan Pablo Torres,
Grupo Los Yoyi and Farah María + many more alongside two exclusive
DJ KOCO aka SHIMOKITA edits.
5 x unique 45s in a limited-edition clamshell box.
