Shakes & Les are giving fans two sides of their musical world with the release of Funk Series 2 and Groovinho’s Kitchen 2. Released on Friday, 13 November, the projects pair the Amapiano and Afro-tech duo’s energetic dance-floor sound with a softer, soulful approach.
Known as the “real Groovinhos”, Shakes & Les bring together an extensive cast of collaborators across two albums that explore different moods while sharing their unmistakable love of groove.
Funk Series 2 Turns Up the Energy
On Funk Series 2, the duo lean into upbeat percussion, playful basslines and a sound that connects nostalgic influences with modern dance-floor energy.
Rooted in nightlife and groove culture, the album brings together collaborators including Zee Nxumalo, Uncool MC, Royal MusiQ, Mdu aka TRP and Mellow & Sleazy.
The project builds on the success of the original Funk Series, offering another chapter in the sound that helped establish Shakes & Les as a force in Amapiano.
A Soulful Offering from Groovinho’s Kitchen
While Funk Series 2 raises the tempo of the occasion, Groovinho’s Kitchen 2 moves into a more relaxed setting.
Here, the duo approach each sound as an ingredient and each track as a recipe, shaping a softer, soulful soundscape that highlights their growth as producers.
The album features Djy Biza, Jay Jayy, Boohle, Mphoet, Mashudu, Smaki and Mangoli, among others. Its contrasting mood gives listeners another perspective on the duo’s production style, extending the experience beyond the dance floor.
Giving Back to the Fans
For Shakes & Les, the double release is also a gesture of appreciation to the listeners who supported the first Funk Series.
“The love for the first ‘Funk Series’ album was beyond what we imagined, and it would have been an injustice to our fans to not show appreciation,” says Shakes.
“The release of these double projects is our way of doing that. Funk Series 2 is for the moments that make you move, and Groovinho’s Kitchen 2 is for everything in between. We made it to be felt, and we think our fans will feel it.”
The duo are best known for the five-times platinum “Funk 55”, featuring DBN Gogo and Zee Nxumalo. Their previous collaborations also include work with Kabza De Small and Uncle Waffles.
Setting the Mood for December
The albums arrive as South Africa heads towards the festive season, with the duo selecting music to accompany its different moments.
“We picked every song with that in mind, from the pre-drinks playlist to the memorable long drive home,” says Les.
Together, the projects offer a broad expression of the Groovinhos sound: energetic and playful on one side, soulful and mellow on the other.
Stream Both Albums Now
Funk Series 2 and Groovinho’s Kitchen 2 are available on all major streaming platforms.
Listen to Funk Series 2 and Groovinho’s Kitchen 2.
