Visionary Swiss artist Michel Cleis, best known for his global dance anthem “La Mezcla”, returns with a magnetic new release that bridges Latin tradition and modern club culture. His latest single, “La Tortuga,” out 25th July via Altra Moda, breathes new life into Joe Arroyo’s beloved Afro-Caribbean classic, reimagining the 2009 salsa hit with a deep, percussive pulse made for contemporary dancefloors.
Three years in the making and long-awaited by industry tastemakers like Keinemusik, Luciano, and Bob Sinclar, Michel Cleis’ rework of “La Tortuga” delicately preserves the heart of the original. Arroyo’s organic percussion and hypnotic rhythm shine through as Cleis enhances the groove with subtle hi-hats, soft kick drums, and a deftly minimal club arrangement. The result is a seamless translation of the song’s Afro-Colombian spirit into a sultry, late-night dance weapon.
“La Tortuga was my first love in terms of traditional Colombian songs,” Cleis reflects. “Joe Arroyo’s music became part of my soundtrack during a long journey between Bogotá, Santa Marta, and Cartagena. We never cleared the sample until I met the Altra Moda boys four years ago and told them, ‘If you clear it, it could be fun to finally release it.’ And here we are—with a kind of rebirth and two new edits.”
Born and raised in the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland, Michel Cleis grew up surrounded by jazz, soul, Latin rhythms, and rock, shaping his signature genre-blurring sound. After a basketball injury ended his time as a practicing psychologist, he shifted focus to music production—an unexpected pivot that ultimately led to his breakout hit “La Mezcla”, a tribal-infused, Spanish vocal anthem that became a defining Ibiza staple in 2009. Since then, he’s released on heavyweight labels including Cadenza, Rekids, Defected, and Pampa, and remains a sought-after remixer and international DJ.
With “La Tortuga,” Michel Cleis continues his journey as a cultural bridge-builder, honoring tradition while pushing sonic boundaries. Already tipped by some of the world’s biggest DJs, this vibrant tribute to Joe Arroyo is poised to become a summer anthem with global resonance.
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