Voilaaa

Voilaaa is the brainchild of prolific French producer Bruno Hovart, better known as Patchworks. Based in Lyon, the project serves as a deep-dive exploration into the golden era of African disco and funk, specifically referencing the sounds of Nigeria, Ghana, and the French Antilles from the 1970s and early 80s.

Hovart’s sound identity is built on a foundation of authentic analog hardware, utilizing vintage compressors and tape saturation to achieve a 'dusty' but hi-fi aesthetic that bridges the gap between crate-digger nostalgia and modern club culture. The project is notable for its collaborative nature, frequently featuring vocalists like Pat Kalla and Sir Jean, which adds a layer of authentic storytelling and linguistic diversity (French, English, and various African dialects). Critically, Voilaaa is praised for avoiding the pitfalls of pastiche, instead contributing a genuine evolution to the 'Afro-European' musical dialogue. By focusing on the intersection of highlife, disco, and early electronic music, Voilaaa has become a staple for DJs seeking organic, high-energy tracks that resonate across both world music and house music dancefloors.