Diafrix is a relatively new Melbourne hip hop collective that brings testament to the multicultural melting pot that is Australia. They are fronted by two African political refugees; MC Momo from the Comoros Islands and Eritrean born Azmarino, with Haitian vocalist Nadee, Ptero Stylus on beats and production, and Wax Vandal on turntables rounding out the group. After five years of touring and supporting the likes of the Stereo MC’s, the Black Seeds, Butterfingers, Tzu and The Herd, Diafrix finally release their debut EP ‘In Tha Place’.

The sound of Diafrix fuses together elements of hip hop, reggae, dancehall and African tribal sounds to create a distinctly international flavour. And on this EP, they pull out all the stops to showcase their truly diverse musical influences. The title track ‘In Tha Place’ is a tight, catchy joint that makes use of an accordion and beats, that all come together to leave any punter nodding their head. While on ‘One Love’, they slow things down with a saxophone led beat, sounding like a cross between jazz and hip hop. The message of the song is clear. “One love for hip hop / We love it so bad / We’re gonna keep it real / Bless the mic right / With true technique and skills / And that’s when you get the real deal”.

Vocalist Nadee makes an appearance on ‘Stop @ This’, her vocal stylings complementing Ptero Stylus’ funk laden beats. ‘Shake Ur Body’ showcases a dancehall influence, with instrumental strings that wouldn’t sound out of place in Asian kung fu cinema. ‘Kanakasi’ features guest Jali Buba Kuyateh, who raps in his native Senegal tongue of Mandingo. Diafrix, with this song, hark back not only to their roots, but to the roots of all world music. Never forgetting their culture has helped them forge a sound unique to the hip hop scene in Australia. Rounding out the disc is a remix of ‘In Tha Place’ from Sydney beatmaker Chasm of Astronomy Class.

With influences ranging from Congolese rhythms, The Temptations, The Righteous Brothers, Chaka Demus & Pliers, Mos Def and Talib Kweli, Diafrix aim to show that hip hop isn’t all about rhymes spit over a simple drum beat. Hip hop can be a musical journey, and Diafrix’s ‘In Tha Place’ takes the listener on a worldly ride. This is just the tip of the iceberg for them.