Secreted amongst the gas holders of Bethnal Green, the Oval Space proffers 6000 square feet of party space and sun-kissed terrace, providing the perfect backdrop for the medley of flavours that was Global Rhythms. Recurrent collaborators Just a Little and Tremors curated a who’s who of world, soul and house music aficionados, and each and every one delivered.

We arrived early doors, securing a spot in the midst of the sunny terrace action. Smiling revellers supped on cocktails and chowed down happily on ever-superb White Men Can’t Jerk BBQ goodness. The WMCJ boys were on hand for the duration of the day and night, keeping hungry hip-swingers fuelled for the night’s gyrations.

Resident Pool Tax and Tudor Lion held down the main room warm-up duties until 7pm, at which point Channel One took the helm. Initially sheepish dancers were coaxed to the centre of the room by Ras Kayleb’s throaty summons, and Mikey Dread’s bass-heavy reggae cuts kept them there.

Werkha was up next, with his full live band in tow, and Tom Leah’s signature jazz and soul-inflected grooves had the movers moving from the outset. A particular highlight was the souped-up bass frenzy variation of ‘Dim the Light’, a track from his recent Tru Thoughts LP Colours of a Red Brick Raft.

Gilles Peterson followed Werkha, demonstrating why he’s still one of the most esteemed selectors around. Meandering through his unparalleled record palette, his eclectic selections kept smiles plastered on all of the faces.

In the wake of Gilles, Auntie Flo and Romare took to the buttons for a 5-hour bout, both individually and back to back, genre-hopping as they do between African-influenced beats and soulful, chunky house.

Warren Xclnce closed the proceedings with his trademark new school/old school blend of sample-heavy joints, rounding off a truly sweaty, satisfying, and encyclopaedic journey through sound. Hats off.

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