CD Review: Kuku's 'Ballads and Blasphemy'

Kuku
Ballads and Blasphemy
Buda Musique

Steeped in Yoruban traditions and Western arrangements, Kuku creates an engaging and thought-provoking mix of Afro-pop gold and roots music. The famous Tony Allen lends his talents on "Waya" and "Owo." The album revolves around Kuku's own agnosticism when it comes to religion, which is relatively pronounced here. Still, the melodies and rhythms are great and never boring. The sparkling guitar tones and heady percussion suggest West African influences with a little Afro-Latin action, too. Nevertheless, the album shines on all cylinders--even if you cannot understand the lyrics or song origins. "La Derniere Fois" is rather bluesy with languid vocals and steady percussion. Some of the songs are in English, but Kuku breaks language barriers here. This is another high-quality release from Buda Musique! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Beautiful Nubia and The Roots Renaissance Band's 'Soundbender'

Beautiful Nubia and The Roots Renaissance Band
Soundbender
EniObanke

Beautiful Nubia is Segun Akinlolu, a Nigerian folk and roots musician that bridges together lilting reggae-like grooves with Afro-soul and Afro-pop melodies. The mix of Yoruba and English lyrics provides a truly world music result with magnificent percussion, strings, and contemporary beats throughout. There are beautiful melodies and rhythms that highlight both Beautiful Nubia's voice and the instrumental backing. Every track is diverse, but very engaging and catchy. The backup vocals are sparse, but appropriate where added. The jazzy, somewhat neo-classical strings adds a nostalgic, European musical presence, while hanging onto African roots and influences. Anyone with an interest in contemporary African grooves and roots music will love Soundbender. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Dexter Johnson & Le Super Star De Dakar's 'Live a l'Etoile'

Dexter Johnson & Le Super Star De Dakar
Live a l'Etoile
Teranga Beat

Nigerian-born with ties to Dakar, Senegal via Bamako, Mali, Dexter Johnson & Le Super Star De Dakar, was a talented performer on saxophone. The Afro-Cuban jazz concoctions are steeped in sax, percussion, and rollicking good riffs, licks, and chords. The giddy guitars are somewhat Congolese-related, but the music is inherently West African with a good dose of North American jazz similarities. There are thirteen tracks that span Dexter's playlist from the early 50's and 60's style of jazz to Afro-Cuban classics and boogaloo compositions. Anyone familiar with Dexter's work should obtain this recording. It was the last recorded performance before their departure to Abidjan, Ivory Coast in 1969. There are a few singers, including John Gomis and William & Maissa Ngom, which add a good level of diversity to the tracks. This is primarily an Afro-jazz recording, so if you are seeking traditional West African music, you should look elsewhere. Overall, Dexter hits some high notes here with nothing to complain about. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: C.S. Crew's 'Funky Pack'

C.S. Crew
Funky Pack
Cultures of Soul

Funky Pack is a reissued album from the late 1970's group, C.S. Crew, which are based in Nigeria. There are nine tracks in all featuring some of the funkiest funk to ever come out of Nigeria. "Bread Power" is littered with funky beats and raw sounds that get the body moving. The growling vocals are mostly throaty, but some of the vocals are a little lighter. The music is produced from drums, gonga, bass, guitar, alto sax, tenor sax, trombone, trumpet, moog, and string synth. "Doin' The Good Thing" continues in the funky vein with throaty vocals and fluid bass-lines for a truly aural fixation. The ballad-esque, "Living Together," cements the group's reputation for creating reflective tunes with funk, rock, and blues all rolled into one, satisfying concoction. Afro-funk fans will love C.S. Crew's reissue, but anyone with an interest in Nigerian music will love it. African music rules! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Offiong Bassey's Nigerian/American Self-Titled Release

Offiong Bassey
Offiong Bassey
Moonlit Media Group

Nigerian-American, Offiong Bassey, presents us with a soulful, R&B, jazz, and funk-imbued compilation of heady, rhythm-driven songs on her self-titled release. The soft vocals are matched by the effervescent electronica, jazzy percussion, and Afro-Cuban connections throughout. The soulful melodies and lyrical displays are enriched by her native Efik and Nigerian Pidgin English vocals amidst a background of traditional Ekombi dance styles. The soulful and percussion-heavy, "Legitimate Child," awakens the spirit with a vibrant, yet smooth bass line and swishy percussion sounds. "Edidem" is a scintillating melody with traditional instrumentation and vocal styles all held together by a little acoustic guitar and a few additional instruments. "Mistaking Chivalry For Chauvinism" is an uppity tune with some poetic vocals and punchy keyboard sounds in a tame sort of urban composition that is not quite rap or hip hop. Offiong knows how to combine jazz, R&B, funk, psych, and African rhythms for an enjoyable listening experience. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Bongos Ikwue & Double X's 'Wulu Wulu'

Bongos Ikwue & Double X

Wulu Wulu
Bik Records
 
Nigeria’s Bongos Ikwue personalizes African music and combines a mix of traditional Afro-pop rhythms with highlife, reggae, Congolese rumba, Afrobeat, soul, funk, jazz, and rock. The sauntering “Wulu Wulu” reflects a bluesy-soul rhythm with charming vocals. “Mustapha and Christopha” is a folk guitar song that describes the conflict between Christians and Muslims in Northern Nigeria. The sparkling guitar work, great vocals, and exceptional instrumentation make Wulu Wulu a rewarding album that is monumental, memorable, and organic. The pleasant melodies and inspirational tunes make the listener feel good. Moreover, the incredible variety of musical influences is not to be missed here. Fans of African popular music, Nigerian music, world fusion, and Afro-Caribbean music will love Bongos Ikwue and his band, Double X. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Edzayawa's 'Projection One'

Edzayawa
Projection One
Soundway

The Ghanaian funk of the 1970's is captured brilliantly on Edzayawa's first and only LP. The newly release CD and LP versions showcase a heady, contemporary mix of funk 'n' roll music with a nice vocal range throughout. The eight long tracks incorporate rhythms and styles from Ghana and Togo, which infuse less rock elements than other regional music. However, Edzayawa knows how to kick in the beats with rousing percussion and groovy bass lines. The psychedelic elements of reverberating B3's and steady, but languid guitar stylings, signify a great range of musical enjoyment. Despite the few tracks, the music is top-notch and a vital release for any funk, Ghana, Nigeria, Togo, and West African guitar fans infatuated with 1970's Africa. Step back in time with our friends, Edzayawa! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: The Funkees' 'Dancing Time: The Best Of Eastern Nigeria's Afro Rock Exponents 1973-77'

The Funkees
Dancing Time: The Best Of Nigeria's Afro Rock Exponents 1973-77
Soundway

Nigeria's premier funk music group, The Funkees, were purveyors of contemporary music and a formidable force for hey-day, Lagos-based bands, MonoMono and BLO. Eighteen happy grooves sweating with killer tunes selected by Miles Cleret from their two full-length albums and several 45s. The Funkees were also featured on Soundway's Nigeria Special and Nigeria Rock Special recordings within the last few years. The writhing and raw melodies are produced by some of the finest guitar work and percussion examples to come out of Nigeria in years. The extended instrumental pieces are especially evocative. The pulsating grooves and Nigerian styles are funk-driven, rock-driven, and percussion-laden. Fans of Joni Haastrup, Femi Kuti, Lijadu Sisters, Prince Nico Mbarga, MonoMono, Chief Stephen Osita Osadebe, Sir Warrior and His Oriental Brothers, and Tirogo will probably already know about The Funkees. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Wole Alade's 'Olodumare'

Wole Alade
Olodumare (The Creator)
AAA-Ro-Meta Records

The groovy infections of Afro-beat master, Wole Alade, can be described as pure joy. The Nigerian-native infuses a wide variety of jazzy percussion and gospel elements with a host of vocalists adding their talents. The tracks are distinctly African with American jazz and roots elements. The long instrumental sections flow evenly throughout without any rest for the weary. Wole plays the sax, algaita, bata drum, udu drum, sakara drum, djembe, fender rhodes piano, piano, and acoustic guitar. Wole's wide-ranging repertoire joins some electric guitar, strings, and other horns to create a fascinating listening journey Fela Kuti and other Yoruban Afro-beat stars would be proud of. The Nigerian and Yoruban traditions are well-represented in Wole's music, but they are perfect for people of all ages, cultures, and places. The guitar and percussion-driven "Wanderer" is a nice Afro-pop melody in the vein of Zimbabwe's Oliver Mtukudzi. At any rate, Wole's musical creations are diverse enough with various vocals, percussion, and rhythms that keep it all interesting. The sounds of Lagos are not that far away from any of us now. ~ Matthew Forss 

CD Review: MonoMono's 'The Dawn Of Awareness'

MonoMono

The Dawn Of Awareness

Tummy Touch

The second release by Nigeria's MonoMono was originally released on LP in 1974. Thankfully, the folks at Tummy Touch Records revived the music of MonoMono, which features the work of Joni Haastrup and his friend, Baba Ken Okulolo. The original six songs are presented on this rerelease. The blues, rock, psychedelia, and funk elements are quite pronounced throughout. The instrumental segments are especially intriguing, as they set the stage for a perfect soundtrack to lounge around, dance, or trip-out. The down-tempo elements of 'Make Them Realise,' cnojures up comparisons to the North American group, Action Figure Party. The soul of Yoruban funk emanates from the tracks without causing boredom or sleepy episodes. The Dawn Of Awareness is a little more blues and rock-driven than the previous release. Still, MonoMono knows how to move those feet with rewarding results. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: MonoMono's 'Give The Beggar A Chance'

MonoMono

Give The Beggar A Chance

Tummy Touch Records

Nigeria's Joni Haastrup created his band called MonoMono back in 1971. Though not truly a solo sojourn, Joni's friend Baba Ken Okulolo, who is also a bassist, added to the funk arena of West Africa. Initially released as an LP on the Odeon label in 1973, Give The Beggar A Chance featured seven tracks of funky rhythms and Latin infusions amidst an instrumental repertoire of organ, piano, synthesizer, percussion, and drums, set the stage for a new kind of jazz-rock-funk. Joni is joined by guitarist Jimmy Adams, and percussionists Candido Obajimi and Friday Jumbo. At the very core of its being, the soul of the 70's shines through in MonoMono's work. The bluesy-funk of 'The World Might Fall Over,' showcases a nice blend of bass, organ, and synthesizer with strong vocals. If you are seeking Afro-funk music from a living icon, then sample MonoMono today. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Joni Haastrup's reissue 'Wake Up Your Mind'

Joni Haastrup

Wake Up Your Mind

Tummy Touch Records

Nigerian-born and US-based funk king, Joni Haastrup, released a wicked LP on the Afrodesia imprint back in London in 1978. The LP titled Wake Up Your Mind contained the same six tracks on the current reissue from Tummy Touch. Joni's funk-driven form of music contains the classic bass-lines, instrumental grooves, and lively vocals characteristic of other performers of the time. 'Greetings' is a jazzy, funk-riddled song with equal amounts of down-tempo and African elements. The title track, 'Wake Up Your Mind,' is more of a social concern song with all the funk one can stand. 'Champions & Superstars' is a jazzy, bass-heavy, and funky song with more of an American musical feel. 'Do The Funkro' is littered with funkisms, glorious harmonies, and Fela Kuti-like similarities. In fact, Fela Kuti might be the most influential musician here. The last track, 'Watch Out,' is a bit of classic funk with rock thrown in to keep the mood high. Fans of Tirogo, Psychedelic Aliens, and other African 70's funk music will find Joni's latest reissue very satisfying. English vocals are present on all of the tracks. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Nigeria's Tirogo

Tirogo

Float

Normal Records

Tirogo was a 1970's Afro-psych-funk group from Nigeria. First recorded in 1977, the songs of Float feature the best in psychedelic-guitar music to come out of West Africa. Rock guitar, lounge beats, and funky organ sounds emanate from all of the tracks. As an added bonus, an interview with bassist, percussionist, and vocalist Wilfred Ekanem is included in the liner notes. Float soars with Heavenly Afro-rock beats, swirling organ sounds, and groovy English vocals. The swaying sounds of Afro-funk are particularly noticeable on "Gypsy Girl" and "Let's Feed The Nation". The band members include Wilfred Ekanem, Elvy Akhionbare (lead guitar, percussion), Wilfred Iwang (drums, vocals, percussion), Fumi Onabolu (keyboards, percussion), and Godwin Debogie (conga, percussion, vocals). Anyone with a passionate interest in 70's Afro-funk and psychedelic music should seek out the groovy sounds of Float. Float doesn't sink! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Ekow Alabi - 'Going For Gold'

Ekow Alabi

Going For Gold

Piranha

Ghana's Ekow Alabi is joined by a plethora of backing musicians on vocals, horns, guitars, flute, kalimba, keyboards, organ, and others. Going For Gold is essentially an Afro-pop release with contributing musicians from Nigeria, Ivory Coast, and Kenya. All of the songs feature vocals. A few tracks, notably 'Oye Kor', 'Accra Jumping', and 'Asante Sana', include great rap lyrics. However, Going For Gold is not particularly a rap or hip hop album. In addition to Afro-pop and Afro-beat, Going For Gold touches on a few reggae-infused tracks, including 'Wonsa Beka' and 'Rasta Efutu'. Most of the songs are sung in Akan, Ga, Swahili, and English. The complex instrumentation and expert lyrical delivery presents listeners with a very good musical package. Ekow Alabi's latest release is good as 'gold' to all who listen. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Soundway Records Sampler

Various Artists

Afro Tropical Soundz Vol. 1

Soundway

The funk-ladened sounds of the African continent and Afro-Caribbean regions are highlighted on this sampler. In fact, only tracks culled from a few of Soundways recording catalog are included. In short, this sampler is an excellent introduction into the pulsating sounds of the African diaspora from classic recordings. All the vocal songs were originally recorded in the 1960's through early 1980's. You will hear music from Colombia, Ghana, Panama, Nigeria, Benin and beyond. Eleven songs comprise the entire album, though it will leave you yearning for more. Despite it's length and repetition of two different tracks from the same full-length release, Afro Tropical Soundz Vol. 1 is a perfect addition to any collection of Afro-Caribbean and African funkadelica. ~ Matthew Forss