The project is a collaboration between Putamayo World Music and United for Colombia, an organisation which works to rehabilitate child victims of land mines in the Putamayo Valley. Colombia is now the country with the highest incidence of landmine victims behind only Afghanistan — $1 from the sale of each Radio Latino CD will go to the charity.

The collection is a lively, upbeat celebration of Latin rhythms, form the pulsating electro-beats that provide the backing to Bebe’s soaring vocals to the more traditional sounds of ‘Rock en Espanol’ courtesy of Cuba’s Raul Paz. Costa Rica’s ‘Por Essos Mares’ is a fusion of Brazilian inspired beats with flamenco influenced vocals, a powerful and effective combination while Top of The Groove’s mix of hip hop beats, traditional Cuban vocals and some nifty turntablism is employed to similar success on ‘Mulatica Mia’.

The highlight of the album is Orishas’ ‘Reina de la Calle’ a fusion of son and guajira Cuban sounds with hip hop rhythms and funky R&B samples. The album acts as a roll call for the future stars of the international Latin scene and with their unique sound it seems like Orishas will be leading from the front. Another track which deserves mention is Princessa, Sacha Nairobi’s catchy Venezuelan pop rendition that opens the CD.

Radio Latino showcases many of the leading lights in Latin music yet remains easily accessible to those new this area. It slides effortlessly between a range of genres and seamlessly mixes the traditional and contemporary sounds of the Latin world.

V/A - Radio Latino is out now on Putumayo