Jungle Funk is the sound of borders dissolving. Emerging from the collision of UK breakbeat culture and the rhythmic heat of Brazil, it’s a hybrid that feels both fiercely local and unmistakably global. As producer and DJ Janaway explains, the term captures the fusion at the heart of his work. Jungle, Footwork, 160, Funk Carioca and Bossa Nova intertwining into something raw, kinetic and utterly contemporary.
Born to a Brazilian parent and based in Bristol, Janaway has witnessed the greatness of Jungle Funk first hand. It’s a style shaped as much by sweaty UK club basements as by Rio street parties. Where breakbeats, Baile Funk drums and carnival-ready melodies spark together in exhilarating new ways. With his new EP International Luv exploring these cross-continental currents, we asked Janaway to spotlight some of the mixes and musicians pushing Jungle Funk into fresh territory.
G-SHOCK Radio – RudeBoy Records – Guido YZ
Starting off strong, our friends at G-SHOCK Radio were blessed with serious heat by the RudeBoy Records. The spotlight falls on DJ and producer Guido YZ who delivered a mix ready made for late night raving. Inflections of Brazilian vocals and rhythms bounce off the stonking bass and drum patterns that encompass UK Garage, Speed Garage and Breakbeat. Full of energy and all the best musical turns, Guido’s selection encompasses the spirit of Jungle Funk to the fullest.
DJ Patife – Artcore/Intelligence Jungle
Taking it back to 1996 when Jungle music was still in its original form and a creative peak. These times, you were never too far away from a life-changing mix. Here, Brazil-based DJ Patife unlocks the vaults, unearthing a DJ Marky mix recorded for him at his house. Talk about good service! All shades of Jungle are present, from Ambient inflections to your trademark Breakbeat-led grooves. Atmospheric yet heavy hitting, DJ Marky didn’t let Patife – or us – down!
VENENO – Eram EXP
VENENO is a Sao Paulo-based online creative platform and radio station dedicated to discussing music and culture in its different formats and manifestations. With disparate influences and references, the music on show is colourful and jumpy. The proof is in the pudding with rounds of exciting cuts, vocals and chops that carry the spirit of Jungle, Baile Funk and other forms of club music.
NTS Radio – Up Ya Archives w/ Janaway
Giving a quick preview of his newly released EP, Janaway stepped into the NTS booth in June 2025 for an hour of madness for the Up Ya Archives record label’s residency. The result? A sample of Rio Carnival! Janaway’s selections are brimming with all the heat and fun of a kickabout at the Copacabana Beach. It’s designed for bodies to move and speakers to shake.
Crack Magazine – Crack Mix 415: Tim Reaper
London-based DJ and producer Tim Reaper is consistently pushing the boundaries of what jungle can be as a genre, by working fresh sonic ideas and a contemporary flair into its foundations. In his mix for Crack Magazine, the head honcho of the Future Retro London record label lays out his philosophy. Pumping out old and new Jungle bangers, classic breakbeats meet intoxicating jazzy sections and soulful vocals, making for a truly unique listening experience.
Follow Janaway on Instagram and check out his new EP International Luv, out now.