Raidaa | London

The Bass of Bengal session was a vibrant, genre-fluid space, and Raidaa's set was its perfect soundtrack: a smooth, savvy blend of R&B, afrobeats, and hip-hop that felt both contemporary and timeless. This wasn't a club slammer but a backyard party vibe, all low-slung grooves and recognisable hooks that spark singalongs rather than mosh pits. Averaging 104 BPM and using 12A as a harmonic touchstone, the energy was beautifully balanced, with the mids carrying the melodic and vocal weight that defined the set's emotional core.

The mixing was slick and respectful, often letting tracks play out to their full, extended versions to savour their structure, a nod to the original album-listening experience. For the selectors, opening with Amaarae's 'Princess Going Digital' set a futuristic, alt-R&B tone that's impossible to ignore. Weaving in Odeal's 'ONOME' and Rema's 'Dumebi' showcased the rich, rhythmic pulse of modern Afropop, while the inclusion of Lauryn Hill's 'Doo Wop' was a timeless crowd-pleaser that never loses its power.

Dropping Kendrick Lamar's 'hey now' and the KAYTRANADA remix of Teedra Moses' 'BE YOUR GIRL' highlighted a sharp ear for soulful, left-field hip-hop edits. The journey from that futuristic opening track, through the soulful peak of the Teedra Moses remix, and closing with the undeniable, goofy joy of Cali Swag District's 'Teach Me How To Dougie' was a masterclass in curating a vibe that's cool, inclusive, and relentlessly fun.