DA LATA

DA LATA

Da Lata is the brainchild of Chris Franck (founding member of London-based trip hop band Smoke City) and DJ Patrick Forge. They have blazed a trail for the progressive fusion of Afro/Brazilian rhythms with a London twist since 1997. In 1998 they recorded the song “Pra Manha” and were subsequently signed to Chris Blackwell’s Palm Pictures label. Their debut album “Songs from the Tin” was released in 2000 to great critical acclaim. The live band went on to tour Europe, US and Japan which included a line up of drummer Tristan Banks (Steve Winwood), keyboard and vocalist Mike Lindup (Level 42) bass player Andy Lafone (Negrocan), vocalist Liliana Chachian and percussionist Oli Savill.

2002 saw the next release for Palm Pictures - “Remixes”, a compilation of their re workings of tracks by other artists including Femi Kuti, Bebel Gilberto, Carlinhos Brown, Sly and Robbie, Marisa Monte, Arto Lindsay and Virginia Rodrigues which showcased their unique ability to create a synthesis of organic and programmed elements. 2004 saw the release of the album “Serious”. A record which leaned more towards the electronic side of the band's sound - the Afro-house groove of the title track featured west London singer Bembé Segué and Malian singer Mamani Keita. Baaba Maal, Jhelisa Anderson, Pedro Martins, Nina Miranda and Syren Rivers are also featured as guest vocalists.

The second incarnation of the Da Lata live band once again toured extensively to support the release of “Serious”. Festival highlights included Coachella, Summer Stage (NY), Glastonbury, North Sea Jazz, Womad, Blue Note Tokyo and Roskilde. 2006 Da Lata released “Ronco Da Cuica”, a radical reworking of Joao Bosco’s song which first appeared in Japan on the Kyoto Jazz Massive 10th anniversary compilation, and later on Danny Krivit’s “In The House” (Defected). Another big dance floor release soon followed entitiled “This Is Not Your Job” on Papa Records. A full blooded Afro-House excursion featuring the voice and kora of renowned Senegalese musician Diabel Cissokho.

A 6 year hiatus followed from 2007 - 2013. Although remixes were still being produced for other artists, this period mainly involved Chris focusing on other writing and production duties. Some of these projects and artists include Zeep, Vieux Farka Toure, Africa Express, George Clinton, Bernie Worrell, Mayra Andrade to name but a few.

The album "Fabiola" was released in 2013 on Agogo records. This featured artists such as Rich Medina, Luisa Maita, Mayra Andrade, Luiz Gabriel Lopes, Finn Peters, Jandira Silva, Marcelo Jeneci and Diabel Cissokho. Once again, touring extensively with a live band fronted by brazilian singer Jandira Silva, Da Lata were able to spread the word with their live shows across Europe and US.

A one off track released in 2016 entitled "Asking Eyes" described by Gilles Peterson as "a summer anthem" bridged the gap between Fabiola and their next album “Birds” which was released in Nov 2019 on their own label - DLM (Da Lata Music). Birds again featured some of the nearest and dearest members of the extended Da Lata family such as Luiz Gabriel Lopes, Diabel Cissokho, Syren Rivers, Bembe Segue and Vanessa Freeman as well as some incredible horn arrangements by Brazilian maestro Rafael Martini. 2022 saw the release of their version of the classic Manfredo track “Jungle Kitten” featuring Kaidi Tatham, which was so popular that they had to repress the vinyl twice.

2025: NEW ALBUM AND TOUR TITLED 'EDGE OF BLUE'

Da Lata’s Edge Of Blue not just a return, but a new beginning, North London tropicalia born out of the alchemy of longing. Never before have Da Lata woven their many strands so sweetly, blending their diverse influences with the musical personalities of their extended family into a collection of songs that speak of struggle, survival, and ultimately hope.

BOOKING NOW! - 2025 / 2026

Booking & tour management by
eduardolemos.music@gmail.com
nicola@solarmusicbox.com