Chakachas - Stories / Judas Kiss

Year Released: 1972
Genre: Latin Funk / Funk / Jazz-Soul

Description:
Following the international success of “Jungle Fever,” Belgium’s Latin-funk ensemble Chakachas released “Stories / Judas Kiss” in 1972 — a deep-grooving double-sider that continued their fusion of Afro-Cuban percussion, funk rhythms, and sensual brass arrangements.

The A-side, “Stories,” rides a mid-tempo groove with tight conga patterns, syncopated bass, and sultry wordless vocals. The band’s signature percussion interplay and jazzy horn riffs make it a standout example of European-funk exotica.

On the flip, “Judas Kiss” ups the tension — darker and moodier, with cinematic strings and dramatic chord progressions that hint at spy-funk soundtracks. Both tracks showcase the Chakachas’ impeccable musicianship and flair for rhythmic storytelling without relying on lyrics.

These songs have become staples for rare-groove DJs and crate diggers, prized for their production quality and infectious rhythm work — the kind of records that sound equally at home on the dancefloor or in a hip-hop producer’s sampler.