Two years since DJ Koco aka Shimokita curated his sold-out Mr Bongo Brazil 45 Boxset, he is back with another Record Store Day special, this time turning his attention to Cuba. Following a meteoric rise to the top, the Japanese dj / turntablist extraordinaire has won the world over with his unquestionable humility, refreshing positivity, and flawless skills. The dj�s dj, it�s as much about taste as it is technicality for one of the world�s best showmen. 
when the idea arose for a cuban classics 45 boxset to mark rsd 2026, dj koco was top of the list. with a deep-seated passion for cuban music, its melting pot of cultures, its focus on rhythm, and its undeniable groove, dj koco presents a selection of his favourite cuban cuts, as well as two exclusive edits for the boxset.
it kicks off with the latin funk sounds of ricardo eddy mart�nez y expreso r�tmico�s �la 132� from 1978, before rolling into one of two spellbinding juan pablo torres y algo nuevo cuts found on the boxset. elsewhere, you�ll hear farah mar�a�s slow disco ԇmame y no pienses mas�, an unusual american-leaning production for cuba at the time, given the state of us-cuban political relations in that period. other highlights include orquesta riverside�s �en casa del trompo no bailes�, taken from a rare collectable 7�, channelling a low-slung latin bounce which explodes into an afro-cuban dancer as the track progresses. 
in signature style, dj koco has also served up two exclusive edits for the boxset. these include a reworking of the cuban children's band grupo ismaelillo�s quirky �amanecer�, giving it a more dj-friendly structure. you�ll also find dj koco�s take on fa-5�s much-loved funky dancer �mu�vete con las fuerzas del coraz�n� with its heavy b-boy/girl break from 1976. 
testament to cuba�s vast and vibrant musical landscape, dj koco has cherry-picked some of the finest recordings to emanate from the country, spanning a wide range of styles and rhythms. yet what ties all the tracks on this boxset together, is a hip hop sensibility and thirst for a breaks-heavy, danceable energy which radiates through dj koco�s masterful dj sets.