The results of a true culture clash, ‘Mala in Cuba’ marries the intricate rhythms and deep, spiritual roots of Cuba with Mala’s own roots in South London and his dedication to bass culture. Travelling to Havana with DJ / broadcaster / record collector Gilles Peterson and fellow producer Simbad in 2011 – where they were recording sessions for Gilles’s ‘Havana Cultura: The Search Continues’ album at Abdala Studios – Mala installed himself in a small studio across the corridor from the main hub. With a constant stream of gifted local musicians and vocalists passing through, from diva Danay Suarez to the legendary percussionist Changuito and acclaimed pianist Roberto Fonseca, this was a true journey of discovery for everyone concerned. Mala is universally respected as an innovator and leader not only within the global dubstep movement but also within the broader electronic realm.

For Brownswood Recordings boss Gilles Peterson, who famously curated excursions in the spaces between jazz and electronic music whilst at Talkin’ Loud (namely Kenny Dope Gonzalez’s and Little Louie Vega’s Nuyorican Soul project in 1996 and Roni Size Reprazent’s ‘New Forms’ the following year) this is a record that he has dreamed of making: This is the record that reevaluates and realigns the dubstep movement within sound system culture.