Continuing our spotlight series called Favourite Finds, we ask some of our favourite DJs, collectors and selectors to tell us the story behind how they came across one of their most cherished records.

For the next instalment, we’ve asked DJ and founder of Jazzy Sport London, Nina Yamada, to give us an insight into a special record from her collection.

Born and raised in Japan and currently residing in London, Nina has been quietly making a name for herself as an in demand selector across the UK, Europe, Japan and beyond. Influenced by her father, yet carving out her own sound, she has a love of deep house, but her style crosses genres digging between jazz, Latin, reggae and much more. She also heads up the London arm of Japanese independent record label ‘Jazzy Sport’, creating a bridge between the local scenes of London and Japan.

"This was the very first record I ever owned, given to me by my father when I was four years old. The sleeve still carries a handwritten message from him, along with traces of colouring that I must have added as a child. It’s truly a one-of-a-kind record, unique to me.

This record was played a lot at home when I was little. It features a floor-focused extended edit of Earth, Wind & Fire’s popular track 'Brazilian Rhyme’ from 1998 with added breakbeats, though the identity of the producer behind the remix is disputed online. It has never been officially reissued and remains a real hidden gem. The original chorus layered with the bassline underneath feels incredibly uplifting, and musically it’s such a beautiful piece.

When I was young, I simply loved the song without really understanding records or DJ culture. It was only after I started DJing and seriously collecting vinyl that I realised how rare and special this record actually is. Every time I listen to it, it takes me straight back to my childhood. Memories of the home where I lived until I was seven naturally come back through the sound.

Even now, more than twenty years later, this record is carefully kept on my shelf. Last year, when I played it during my set at We Out Here Festival, I almost felt emotional. It may sound slightly dusty, but it has never lost its energy and still feels very alive.

I was exposed to music from a very early age that many people would only discover decades later. I’m deeply grateful to my father for introducing me to this world of music."

Thanks to Nina for taking the time out to tell us her story, be sure to give her a follow to keep up with all her goings on.