Picture this: you’re at a festival, the sun’s setting, and the crowd’s buzzing with energy. Then, a track drops with infectious kawina drums, brassy Dutch-Caribbean marching band vibes, and a Baltimore club kick that hits you right in the chest. That’s RITMO, the latest single from Amsterdam’s genre-blending maestro Jarreau Vandal, featuring Baltimore club legend Rye Rye and Ritmo Entertainment. This dance pop banger is a cultural mash-up that’s as vibrant as it is unstoppable. Let’s dive into why this track is your new summer obsession!
A Melting Pot of Sounds and Stories
RITMO is a masterclass in uniting diverse influences from the Diaspora. Jarreau Vandal, a Surinamese-Dutch producer and DJ, grew up surrounded by the rhythmic pulse of Amsterdam’s Caribbean community. His love for Surinamese kawina drums—think high-energy, call-and-response percussion—shines through in this track. Layered over a Baltimore club beat, those drums create a relentless groove that’s impossible to resist. Add in the bold brass and organic energy of Ritmo Entertainment, a Dutch-Caribbean marching band, and you’ve got a sound that feels like a street parade colliding with a late-night club set.
Then there’s Rye Rye, the Baltimore club icon whose rapid-fire vocals slide effortlessly over the beat. Her verse is pure fire, channeling the nostalgia of her childhood marching band days. “This took me back to parading the streets of Baltimore, dancing to the drummers,” she says. That personal connection adds a layer of authenticity to RITMO, making it more than just a club track—it’s a celebration of shared roots and memories.
The production is crisp yet chaotic in the best way. The kawina drums drive the track forward, while the Baltimore club kick keeps it grounded in dancefloor territory. The brass from Ritmo Entertainment adds a festive, almost cinematic flair, like you’re marching through a Caribbean carnival. It’s a bold fusion that feels fresh yet familiar, perfect for fans of dance pop, world music, or anyone who just wants to move.
Who Is Jarreau Vandal?
If you’re new to Jarreau Vandal, here’s the scoop: he’s a versatile Dutch producer and DJ with music in his DNA. Raised in a musical family—his grandfather was a producer, and his parents were dancers—Vandal’s earliest gig was playing drums in a church band. That foundation in gospel, soul, jazz, and house informs his genre-blurring sound. He’s known for remixes like Dua Lipa’s New Love and Mahalia’s Sober (18M streams and counting) and edits like Rihanna’s Work. But Vandal’s not just a remix guy—he’s evolving into a full-fledged album artist.
His last single, Ganga Riddim, fused Moroccan gnawa and Nigerian fuji, hitting #3 on Spotify’s viral charts in Nigeria and Morocco. RITMO continues that global approach, blending Surinamese, Dutch-Caribbean, and Baltimore influences. Vandal’s live sets are just as dynamic—he recently tore up Amsterdam’s Lentekabinet festival and is gearing up for Glastonbury 2025. If his Boiler Room set is anything to go by, his shows are a sweaty, joyous celebration of rhythm.
Why RITMO Matters in Today’s Music Scene
Dance pop is having a moment, with artists like Charli XCX and Troye Sivan dominating charts with hyperpop and club-inspired sounds. RITMO fits right into this wave but stands out by weaving in cultural storytelling. In an era where global sounds are crossing borders—think Rosalía’s flamenco-pop or Burna Boy’s Afrofusion—Vandal’s fusion of Diaspora influences feels timely. It’s a reminder that dance music can be both a party starter and a cultural bridge.
Plus, the track’s marching band roots tap into a growing trend of live instrumentation in electronic music. From Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter incorporating brass to Fred again..’s use of organic textures, producers are blending the raw energy of live bands with electronic beats. RITMO nails this balance, making it a track that works as well on a festival stage as it does in your headphones.
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Final Thoughts
RITMO is a vibrant, drum-heavy anthem that celebrates the power of rhythm and community. Jarreau Vandal, Rye Rye, and Ritmo Entertainment have crafted something that’s equal parts dancefloor banger and cultural love letter. Whether you’re into dance pop, world music, or just need a track to get you moving, RITMO delivers. What do you think of this global groove? Drop your thoughts in the comments and share this post with your music-loving friends!
