Branko, the trailblazing Portuguese artist and producer, has been redefining the boundaries of electronic music with his Afro-diasporic and Lusophone influences. As a founding member of Buraka Som Sistema and the creative force behind Enchufada, Branko has carved a unique space in the global music scene, blending traditional rhythms with cutting-edge electronic beats. With albums like Atlas, Nosso, and his latest project Soma, he continues to push the envelope, crafting sounds that resonate across continents.
As a Tigre Selector, Branko takes us on a journey through his creative process and inspirations, and all roads lead back to his roots. From the vibrant streets of Lisbon to stages around the globe, his music speaks to the power of cultural exchange and the endless possibilities of fusion in the realm of electronica. Join Branko as he takes us through his world with his vibey playlist, Lisboa Enchufada.
TIGRE SOUNDS: Your music blends Afro-diasporic rhythms with electronic beats effortlessly. How would you define the core of your sound, and what drives this borderless fusion?
BRANKO: Defining a sound or musical path is always a challenge. For me, Lisbon is at the heart of it all. Growing up on the city’s outskirts, I gradually ventured into Lisbon for record digging, club nights, and eventually secured a residency at a bar in Bairro Alto. Everything else stemmed from the city’s influence and the vibrant artist community of the early 2000s.
TIGRE SOUNDS: As a Portuguese artist rooted in Lusophone cultures, how do influences from Angola, Brazil, and beyond inspire your creative process?
BRANKO: Spending a decade with Buraka Som Sistema profoundly shaped my creative approach. Getting to know about Semba, Samba, Funaná, Fado, and Morna, and reinterpreting them through a DIY electronic lens, became a daily mission. That way of listening to and creating music stays with me. I’m more intrigued by Dino d’Santiago’s musical evolution than by who’s dominating the global pop charts.
TIGRE SOUNDS: How have you evolved as an artist from Atlas to Nosso to Soma?
BRANKO: It took time to see myself as an artist. Hiding behind production software and Pioneer CDJs always felt easier. With Nosso, I felt I was building my own universe for the first time. Every step since has been about deepening that journey and ensuring the music I create feels essential. Soma took this further—I brought together some of Lisbon’s most influential musicians for jam sessions, which resulted in music that feels like a full-circle moment from when I started.
TIGRE SOUNDS: As a Tigre Selector, what kind of journey do you want to take listeners on through your curated playlist, ‘Lisboa Enchufada’?
BRANKO: I tried to showcase my musical journey with this playlist, including much of my own music and tracks from my label, Enchufada, while trying to establish connection points with broader club culture.
TIGRE SOUNDS: What’s your perspective on collaboration and cultural exchange in music?
BRANKO: To me, music doesn’t exist without cultural exchange. It gives me purpose and direction. When two artists from different backgrounds come together to create something new, it’s one of the purest forms of art. Especially within club and dance music, this exchange is what drives new genres, pushes boundaries, and brings people together.
TIGRE SOUNDS: Who are the artists or producers currently inspiring you, and are there any emerging voices we should watch out for?
BRANKO: We’re in an era where many talented artists and producers struggle to break through, often because they’re introverted or not skilled at leveraging social media. A few emerging artists I’ve been following closely are June Freedom, Tusabe, Vanyfox, Hagan, July 7, and Juniper—many of whom you’ll find on my playlist.
TIGRE SOUNDS: Your live shows are known for their energy and connection with the crowd. How do you craft performances that resonate with diverse audiences worldwide?
BRANKO: Global electronic music doesn’t lend itself easily to building a career. The genre lacks a unified industry and is spread across the world. Early on, I knew I had to make my live performances impactful if I wanted to sustain this path. Since releasing *Soma*, I’ve shifted from DJ-focused shows to a live format with two musicians. This approach helps showcase my latest work while revisiting older projects. One of my dreams for 2025 is to bring this new show to North America.
TIGRE SOUNDS: How do you see your role in amplifying Afro-diasporic music and bridging traditional sounds with the future of electronic music?
BRANKO: I don’t consciously think of it that way. Maybe it’s a byproduct of my work, but my main focus is always on making or facilitating the creation of the best music possible. I simply try to keep it fun and innovative. What I’m proudest of is having opened doors for other producers, vocalists, and artists from the Portuguese-speaking world. Before Buraka Som Sistema, the path wasn’t very clear.
TIGRE SOUNDS: Looking back, is there a moment or collaboration that shaped your creative direction?
BRANKO: Working on the TV series Club Atlas for Portugal’s RTP was transformative. I traveled to eight cities to explore the intersection of traditional and electronic music—essentially a global club music version of Anthony Bourdain’s work. It opened my eyes to how deeply club music intersects with culture. It’s not just about a 4×4 kick drum paired with the right vibe; it’s much deeper.
TIGRE SOUNDS: What’s next for Branko in 2025?
BRANKO: I’m excited to keep showcasing Soma around the world—it’s an album I’m really proud of, and I want as many people as possible to hear it. I also have a few collaborative production projects in the works that I’m really excited about, though I can’t reveal much just yet.
ABOUT BRANKO
Producer, Dj, Boss at Enchufada, 1/5 of Buraka Som Sistema, Host for Enchufada Na Zona on NTS Radio.
João Barbosa AKA Branko first became known on the International scene as the driving creative force in Buraka som Sistema, the worldwide phenomenon whose releases helped create a new attitude towards global sounds. The seminal collective is responsible for reshaping dance music culture and spawning a myriad of sub-genres that shaped the Global Club Music scene and were championed by the producer’s label Enchufada. Branko’s solo work has included several singles, a mixtape, an EP and most recently a debut album entitled ‘Atlas’ on his own label Enchufada, featuring collaborations with artists like Mayra Andrade, Princess Nokia, Mr. Carmack and Okmalumkoolkat, to name a few. While travelling and recording his debut album he developed a web series called Atlas Unfolded showcasing his travels in partnership with Red Bull Music Academy. Most recently the producer has been working on music for artists like M.I.A. and spreading his #EchufadaNaZona brand to the world via London radio NTS.