Afro-Colombian rhythms with analog electronics.
With acid-drenched synths and deep grooves, the Colombian electro-folk duo Indus blends ancestral Afro-Colombian rhythms with analog electronics. Formed by producer Oscar Alford and percussionist Andrés Mercado (aka Doc Keyta), the Bogotá-based project reimagines traditional sounds through synths and live Afro-percussion.
Their explosive live performances take the listeners through Colombia’s rich musical heritage. Sounds ranging from Champeta-inspired Techno to Downtempo by way from Currulao and Afro-pop, strongly influenced by the numerous elements of African and Afro-descendant cultures permeating Colombia: Mapalé rhythms, the Picotera culture surrounding Champeta and even the sung dances of San Basilio de Palenque.
Since their 2020 debut album Indus, the duo has released three singles and two EPs on the Afro-Colombian label Palenque Records, featuring collaborations with folk icons like El León Pardo, Las Alegres Ambulancias, and Sexteto Tabalá. Alford, a Caribbean-born producer, has worked with artists including Sidestepper, Ghetto Kumbé, and Nidia Góngora. Indus has performed at major festivals like Colombia al Parque and Mutek Montreal. In 2024, their second album Negra dropped. It was a powerful confirmation that Indus is here to stay – their mission to forge new sonic paths rooted in Colombia’s vibrant, diverse musical traditions is not done.
