In a season overflowing with familiar jingles and predictable reworks, Nunan delivers something refreshingly different: a Christmas song that feels drenched in sunlight rather than snowfall. His version completely reimagines the holiday classic, and it works beautifully. With his latest release, a rhythmic reimagining of Felix Navidad, Nunan gives us a breath of warm ocean air we didn’t know we were suffocating for. For Nunan, this is not just another seasonal cover to pad a discography.
Released on December 6th, which happens to be his birthday, the track is a personal love letter to his childhood in Rio de Janeiro. While the rest of the world is bundling up in wool, Nunan remembers a different kind of December: one defined by blazing sun and the heartbeat of Brazilian streets. This version of Feliz Navidad is his way of inviting us into that memory, an undeniably joyful celebration.
The opening of the song is thrilling. The opening groove bursts to life with a vibrant blend of samba and bossa nova, instantly setting a festive, tropical tone. Every element feels intentional and culturally rooted, giving the song a warm, modern sound that remains deeply festive. Leopold Nunan clearly understands the weight of José Feliciano’s groundbreaking original, and rather than overshadow it, he treats it with genuine respect. At the same time, he confidently weaves in his own cultural identity, resulting in a version that feels both timeless and deeply personal.
Leopold’s Voice is the star of the show and it radiates a Host with the most type of energy. He sings with such charming confidence that makes you lock in to the music. As the groove deepens, the instrumentation takes over. Catchy flutes wind through the air like a breeze, followed by a percussion section that taps and shakes with infectious momentum. Then comes the horn—warm, celebratory swells that pushes the track into a full-on-revelry. It’s the musical equivalent of a spontaneous dance floor breaking out in the middle of the sand.
What strikes me most about this release is the balance. It’s a respectful nod to Jose Feliciano’s groundbreaking original yet it is soaked in Nunan’s cultural identity. In a musical scsne often cluttered with “copy and paste” holiday covers, Leopold’s topical take stands out in honesty. A showcase of heritage and rhythm that proves how universal Joy is regardless of the temperature outside.
This track is an addition you’ll love in your holiday playlist. It is timeless and strikingly new.
Listen to Felix Navidad
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