Philly’s Records Forever Announces ‘Sounds of the World’ Live DJ Series During FIFA World Cup

Five Thursdays of Global Music Celebrating the 2026 FIFA World Cup and United States’ 250th Birthday

Records Forever, the beloved independent record store in Philadelphia, is proud to announce "Sounds of the World," a five-week, happy-hour DJ series celebrating two once-in-a-generation events happening simultaneously in Philly: the FIFA World Cup and the 250th anniversary of US independence. 

Beginning Thursday, June 11, 2026, and running through Thursday, July 9, the series brings top-tier DJs to the Records Forever floor, each spinning music rooted from a different corner of the world, all free of charge. Themes include a tour of Africa to Brazilian funk, Middle Eastern club sounds, Philly soul, and a salsa-vs-cumbia showdown. The series offers something for every ear and provides a unique opportunity to expand one’s music listening palate into new genres. Snacks and beverages will be provided. (See below for schedule/dates.)

Records Forever welcomes locals and visiting soccer fans alike. The shop is conveniently located in the Fairmount neighborhood near the Philadelphia Art Museum, across the street from Eastern State Penitentiary, and a stone’s throw from the FIFA-sponsored fan village (Philadelphia’s FIFA Fan Festival) at Lemon Hill in Fairmount Park.‍ ‍

Event Schedule & DJ Bios

All events at Records Forever, 2036 Fairmount Ave. (at Corinthian), Philadelphia, PA. 

6–8PM. Free admission.

Week 1 — Thursday, June 11, 2026

A Tour of Africa

DJs: Foxy Nora & IRIE

Foxy Nora is a Philly DJ, producer, and educator, known for blending funk, soul, hip-hop, and club music from across generations. A torchbearer in the truest sense, Foxy has dedicated her practice to shining light on the people, sounds, and stories that deserve to be heard. She selects records the way griots tell stories; with intention, with lineage, and with the full weight of everything that came before and everything still becoming. When Foxy plays, the room remembers something it forgot it knew.

From Philadelphia, IRIE is a genre-spanning DJ bringing a global perspective shaped by her family roots in Mali, West Africa. Known for playing all kinds of music, her sets move fluidly across sounds. and for A Tour of Africa, she will take listeners on a journey through music from across the continent.

Week 2 — Thursday, June 18, 2026

Brazilian Funk/Samba/MPB

DJ: Cosmo Baker

With over 30+ years behind the turntables, Cosmo Baker is universally regarded as a world-class DJ / selector and widely hailed as an integral figure of the already rich Philadelphia DJ legacy alongside legends and contemporaries, such as DJ Jazzy Jeff, Questlove & Rich Medina. With a decades-long love affair with the music and culture of Brazil, Cosmo has integrated the vibrant sounds of that country into his already massive musical repertoire in a way nobody else has, which has allowed him to play sold out shows in Sao Paolo, Rio De Janeiro, Bela Horizonte and more, playing alongside Brazilian legends like Zegon, DJ Marky, DJ Nuts, and opening for legendary acts like Marcos Valle, Azymuth and others. For World Cup 2026, Cosmo brings that sound and vibe to his home of Philadelphia.

[Note: Brazil plays Haiti in Philadelphia the day after this event.]

Week 3 — Thursday, June 25, 2026

Habibi Bounce

DJ: Dirty South Joe

Palestinian-American, Joey "Dirty South Joe" Massarueh  is a veteran East Coast DJ known for his early influence in pushing Baltimore Breaks and Jersey Club. After moving to Philly in 2002, Joe became the buyer for Armand's Records, the city's "hip-hop DJ mecca" and was instrumental in the rise of Diplo’s Mad Decent label.

Habibi Bounce is a collective of SWANA talent joining in their diverse expertise in arts, culture, and music to curate spaces that, during our distressing times, can bring us all together as a multifaceted diaspora. 

Week 4 — Thursday, July 2, 2026

Philly Soul

DJ: Blaak the 9th Man

Blaak Tha 9th Man (aka "Philly's Best Kept Soulful Secret") is a West Philadelphia DJ, producer, and vinyl historian with over 43 years of professional experience. Blaak has graced the decks at some of Philly's most iconic venues, including Philadelphia Museum of Art, The International Bar, and The Kimmel Center, and holds five monthly residencies across the city. His motto says it all: “Play for the people. Educate while you entertain. Dare to be different. Always have fun.”

Week 5 — Thursday, July 9, 2026

Salsa vs. Cumbia

DJs: Leon City Sounds

Washington, D.C.- based husband-and-wife duo, Claudia and Charles Lawrence spin Latin American styles like psychedelic cumbia, chicha, salsa, and boogaloo, all on vinyl. They have performed internationally in Lima, Bogota, Colombia, NYC, Miami, and more. The duo hosts regular parties Tropical Beat, Tropical Heat Dome, and Ritmo Enfermedad.