Afrobeat 1388 Items

Release: 2007 / UK – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves, Reggae & Dancehall

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12" | 2007 | UK | Original (Honest Jon's)

Tony Allen

Kilode Carl Craig Remix

Release: 2007 / UK – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves, Electronic & Dance

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Les Soeurs Doga & Viktor Marek

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Bayiri / Mashallah

7" | 2024 | EU | Original (Fun In The Church)

Release: 2024 / EU – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Haoua and Azera Doga, also known as Les Soeurs Doga, are twin sisters from Burkina Faso's capital Ouagadougou. The power duo, which has long been a household name in its home country, has been active since the early 2000s and surprises with its ability to switch seamlessly between traditional idioms, which are mostly sung in their mother tongue Mooré, and modern, almost rap-like songs. And in doing so, they address the most pressing problems of their country, such as terrorism, poverty or hunger, while at the same time transforming them into rousing call-and-response anthems that are 100% positive. Or, as the Burkinabe press put it: "A strong spiritual message coupled with festive optimism". We are delighted to be able to present these outstanding artists in Germany once again.

They will be accompanied by their Hamburg friend, beatmaker and sampling wizard Viktor Marek. The globetrotting producer and DJ is the manager of the infamous Golden Pudel Club in St. Pauli and is known for his involvement in projects such as The Kings of Dubrock, 8 Doogymoto and his dubstep/folk project Sufi Dub Brothers, which he runs together with Pakistani sitar virtuoso Ashraf Sharif Khan. A first taste of his collaboration with the mighty Doga Sisters appeared last year on his solo album "Mr. Subtitle".

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Garage Classics Volume 9

Release: US

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Onde Anda O Meu Amorgueri-G

Orlandivo

7" | 2020 | Original (Mr.Bongo)

Release: 2020 / Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Isaac Birituro & The Rail Abandon

Kontonbili EP

10" | 2023 | UK | Original (Wah Wah 45s)

Funky Biguine / Looking For You

Release: 2023 / UK – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Following on from the successes of their first two LPs, "Kalba" and "Small Small", Isaac Birituro & The Rail Abandon return with the "Kontonbili EP". A collection of seven tracks that trace the traditional West African roots of their sound whilst adding their unique touch, largely courtesy of Isaac's xylophone, Sonny Johns' folky embellishments and the vocal prowess of powerful Ghanaian songstress Wiyaala.

The lead single "Hado Deeli" roughly translates to "My Rival" and is a vibrant discussion between two rivals, one of whom is always making a fuss about anything and everything, even when things are all good! "Gargar", with its collaboration of xylophone, whistles, Wiyaala's effervescent vocals and relentless groove represents, quite literally, the band's "joining together" for this EP. In contrast, "I Know" sees Sonny Johns takes over lead vocal duties to lament the breakdown of a relationship accompanied by muted horns and Wiyaala's soothing backing vocals. "Nimmbalia" continues in a mellow and reassuring tone before emerging as one of the most uplifting and simultaneously fierce cuts on the EP! The traditional version of "Bawa" - the original take of which can be found on last year's "Small Small" LP - strips things back a little, before culminating in a battle of xylophone, whistles and choir. "Yeri Villa" has a wonderfully laid back, sun drenched feel with some truly beautiful vocal refrains, and finally - only available on the digital version - comes the deeply percussive and trance inducing "Darpeny", rounding off a rather stunning EP from this cross continental outfit.

All tracks feature Ghanaian singer, song-writer, model and actor, Wiyaala. With a strong fanbase in Africa and beyond, "the lioness" made her mark on Wah Wah 45s and BBC 6 Music last year when she featured on the A-listed "Senye", described as "perfection" by Annie Mac and "pure joy!" by Tash LC.

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Crystal / J.E.K.Y.S

7" | 2022 | EU | Original (Favorite)

13,29 €* 13,99 € -5%

Watch Out Now / Try Again HHV Exclusive Red Vinyl Edition

Release: 2022 / EU – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Favorite Recordings proudly present its new series of 7" reissues with the following concept: each side dedicated to one Funky French track coming with its original artwork. You just have to flip it! On the first side, you'll get the amazing track "Funky Biguine" by West Indies band Crystal. Originally compiled by Charles Maurice on French Disco Boogie Sounds Vol. 2, the original eponymous album still goes for crazy prices. And there's a reason for that: "Funky Biguine" will bring the heat on the dancefloor with its enchanting synth bassline, its West Indies influences and melodious Funk arrangement. Don't miss the synth solo in the end! On the other side, you'll find a reissue of "Looking For You" by J.E.K.Y.S from the island of Réunion. The song has just started and you're already overwhelmed by the strong bassline and the sirens of this French boogie anthem - despite this one has English lyrics. Originally, you'll find it compiled by Charles Maurice on French Disco Boogie Sounds Vol. 3. Expect lovely harmonic progressions and perhaps a more spacey groove, as in these beautiful bridges leading to chorus where the lyrics blend perfectly with the synthesisers line and Fender Rhodes.

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Heroes Of Limbo

7" | 2023 | EU | Original (Mocambo)

Release: 2023 / EU – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Hailu Mergia & Dahlak Band

Wede Harer Guzo

Tape | 2022 | US | Original (Awesome Tapes From Africa)

Funky Baby Love / Karukera C'est Comme Ça

Release: 2022 / US – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Hailu Mergia & DahlakBand's Wede Harer Guzois the third release onAwesome Tapes FromAfrica for Ethiopiankeyboard and accordionmaestro. In the yearssince Shemonmuanaye,Mergia has revamped histouring career, playingfestivals and clubsworldwide, including arecent tour supportingBeirut. By 1978, AddisAbaba's nightlife wasfacing challenges. Theruling Derg regime imposed curfews, banning citizens from thestreets after midnight until 6:00 am. But that didn't stop some peoplefrom dancing and partying through the night. Bands would play fromevening until daybreak and people would stay at the clubs untilcurfew was lifted in the morning.One key denizen of Addis' musical golden age, Hailu Mergia, waspreparing a follow-up to his seminal Tche Belew LP with the famedWalias Band. It was the band's only full-length record and it had beena success. But his Hilton house band colleagues were a bit tied uprecording cassettes with different vocalists. Still Mergia, amidstrecording and gigs with the Walias, was also eager to make anotherrecording of his instrumental-focused arrangements. So he went tothe nearby Ghion Hotel, another upmarket outpost with a popularnightclub. Dahlak Band was the house band at Ghion at the time.Together they made this tape Wede Harer Guzo right there in theclub during the band's afternoon rehearsal meetings, with sessionslasting three days.Dahlak Band catered to a slightly more youthful, local audience, whileMergia's main gig with the Walias at Addis' swankiest hotel had amixed audience that included wealthy Ethiopians, foreign diplomatsand older folks from abroad. Therefore, their sets featured lighter fareduring dinnertime and a less rollicking selection of jazz and r&b.Meanwhile, Dahlak was known more for the mainly soul and Amharicjams they served up for hours two nights a week to a younger crowd.Mergia released Wede Harer Guzo ("Journey to Harer," a city ineastern Ethiopia) with Sheba Music Shop, which was located in...

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Paul Fathy / Corail'

7" | 2022 | EU | Original (Favorite)

7" | 2022 | EU | Original (Four Flies)

Release: 2022 / EU – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Favorite Recordings proudly present a new series of 7" reissues with a simple concept: each side dedicated to one French funky track coming with its original artwork. You just have to flip it! Starting with "Funky Baby Love" by Paul Fathy, it could not get funkier! The French boogie track originally compiled by Charles Maurice on French Disco Boogie Sounds Vol. 3, is your perfect tool for the dancefloor. It brings together all the ingredients of a great production with irresistible disco strings, a catchy chorus supported by beautiful backing vocals and its final climax will bring the dancers to a point of no return. On the other side, you get an exclusive reissue of West-Indies band Corail', with their song "Karukera C'est Comme Ça" taken from their eponymous album. This under-the-radar, zouky and funky track will surprise every listener with its appealing arrangement and lyrics: "Ça va danser / Sur l'île aux oiseaux". Soon, you won't be able to get it out of your head. The bass is groovin', the rhythmic guitar is infectious and digital keyboards are on point: we're pretty much sure this one will become sooner or later a banger of its own.

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Giuliano Sorgini

Mad Town / Ultima Caccia

Riviera Drive / Genius Of Love

Release: 2022 / EU – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Four Flies is delighted to present a super juicy treat for all 7-inch vinyl devotees: the first 45 ever to feature tracks from Giuliano Sorgini’s masterpiece ZOO Folle. To ensure maximum DJing pleasure, we’ve picked two of the grooviest tracks from the original recording session, never before released in this format. The psychedelic funk number “Mad Town”, on Side A, drags you in with its infectious drum breaks and the rapid yet hypnotic flute of Nino Rapicavoli. “Ultima Caccia”, on Side B, is sheer afro-tribal bliss, with drums by Sorgini himself and massive funky percussion by legendary session player Enzo Restuccia. If you want an ace up your DJing sleeve, look no further

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Magic Source

12" | 2022 | EU | Original (Favorite)

7" | 2021 | EU | Original (Philophon)

Release: 2022 / EU – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves, Electronic & Dance

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French label Favorite Recordings presents the new 12" from Magic Source (from The Mighty Mocambos and Bacao Rhythm & Steel Band). Expect tropical disco and funk flavours, hypnotic percussion and a really well-produced cover of Tom Tom Club's "Genius Of Love". Tip!

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Florence Adooni

Mam Pe'ela Su'ure

7" | 2020 | EU | Original (Newentun Resistance)

Release: 2021 / EU – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Florence Adooni shares a long history with Philophon. Being part of Guy One's group she is the voice on his radio hit "Estre". Furthermore, she is a member of Alogte Oho's Sounds of Joy and can be heard on his smasher "Mam Yinne Wa". Last but not least, Jimi Tenor chose her to sing on his instant club classic "Vocalize My Luv". In addition to all these cooperations, Florence has locally released a series of albums under her own name and with no doubt she can called the queen of Frafra-Gospel.

"Mam Pe'ela Su'ure" is a typical Frafra-Gospel Hymn, sung during Sunday services accompanied only with shakers and hand clapping. Our version here is backed up by Kumasi's finest High Life players, who transform the song into a massive wave of groove. "Naba Aferda" is a homage to the Chief of Zuarungu, Florence's home village, which was also the home village of the legendary Christy Azuma, who became the first international Frafra-Star in the 70s. Christy was always a big inspiration for Florence and makes her proud to be from a small village called Zuarungu.

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Tito Pontet

La Fera Dub / La Fera

Disco Highlife Reedit Series Volume 3

Release: 2020 / EU – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves, Reggae & Dancehall

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One of the most successful bands in the Valencian Community who sing in Catalonia. It is an afrobeat song with a mix of rocksteady and its corresponding dub version by Roberto Sanchez, the most international Spanish reggae producer.

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Ebo Taylor & Pat Thomas

12" | 2020 | EU | Original (Comet)

12" | 2019 | UK | Original (Mother Tongue)

Release: 2020 / EU – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves, Electronic & Dance

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Comet presents the third release of its new Disco Highlife series, featuring remastered originals by Ghanaian legends Ebo Taylor & Pat Thomas and disco re-edits by Trus’me and Tiger Tigre. On Side A, “Yes Indeed” is a heavy afrobeat piece out of the legendary LP Super Sounds Namba recorded in Togo and released in 1981 on Abotar Records. This awesome synthetic afrobeat is featuring the two biggest stars of Ghana Ebo Taylor and Pat Thomas. Trus’me Version is cross Atlantic production between Trus’me from Lisbon and Benjamin Tierney from LA. An effortless collaboration of musicianship and production, using the seductive Simmons drums, Ensoniq Esq-1 on percussion, Casio Cz-5000 on the lead & a solid Moog rogue on the bass. The additional production complimenting the original direction, whilst intoducing it to a modern day eclectic dancefllor, courtesy of Prime Numbers Records. On Side B, “Yesu San Bra” is a strong funky disco highlife anthem by Ghanaian legend Pat Thomas. This disco highlife classic has originally been released in 1980 on the Ivory Cost label Pan African Records. Tiger Tigre’s rework is a mysterious secret weapon deployed to decimate dance floors. Adding with his characteristic bleepy twist, a punchy kick drum fully acoustic, an heavy liquid bass line and transforming this disco highlife classic into a euphoric and hypnotic piece of progressive house. Vincent Taeger aka Tiger Tigre is a french artist producer, drummer, a virtuoso who just released his debut album Grrr ! to his credit for numerous collaboration as producer with international artists like Allen, Oumou Sangare, Sebastien Tellier, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Franz Ferdinand, Chilly Gonzales, Gregory Porter, Saul Williams…

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Gin Tonic Orchestra

Stefania EP

Disco Highlife Reedit Series Volume 1

Release: 2019 / UK – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Gin Tonic Orchestra, a brand new band out of St. Etienne (France), debuts
on Mother Tongue Records with a lush soulful tribute to their native city.
Afro-latin grooves, juxtaposed elements of funk and ethereal flute solos
backed by a stunning remix by UK legend Kaidi Tatham.

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Ebo Taylor & Pat Thomas

12" | 2019 | EU | Original (Comet)

Moton Records Inc Presents

Release: 2019 / EU – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Comet presents the first release from its new Disco Highlife series, featuring remastered originals by Ghanaian legends Ebo Taylor & Pat Thomas and disco reedits by LeonxLeon and Leo Nanjo.
Founder of Comet Records, Eric Trosset, started working with those great heroes of West African music, back in 2010. Taking on the role of manager/publisher, Comet teamed up with Strut Records and musician/producer Ben Abarbanel Wolff to revive Ebo Taylor‘s international career with a string of album releases: Love & Death, Appia Kwa Bridge and Life Stories. In 2014, he collaborated with Pat Thomas & The Kwashibu Area Band on a new album, gathering together the old ‘pals’ (Ebo Taylor, Pat Thomas, Tony Allen) in producer Kwame Yeboah’s studio in Accra.
It is with great pleasure that Comet launches this new series. Let's make this beautiful and timeless music the soundtrack to an unforgettable summer!
On side A, comes “Enye Woa” by Pat Thomas, originally released in 1988 on Nakase Records and taken from the album Me Do Wiase. It’s killer disco cut, and as innovative a piece of highlife as it was 30 years ago. Paris-based producer LeonxLeon has been cooking up songs in his Parisian home-studio since 2013. He did a remarkable remix of Cerrone's "Funk Makossa" and more recently released his new Rokanbo EP on Cracki Records. His remix of “Enye Woa” is a classy modern disco cut with funky bass and spacey synths.
On side B is “Atwer Abroba” by Ebo Taylor, a stand out up-tempo track from the album Twer Nyame, originally released in 1978 on Philips West African Records. Tokyo-based multi-instrumentalist/producer/arranger Leo Nanjo formed the first Japanese afrobeat group, Kingdom Afrorocks. Since the band broke up in 2014, Leo has been producing and arranging music with various collaborations, such as DJ Muro, Pushim and Misia. This is a trippy afro-futurist, broken-beat reedit with highlife grooves flying to deep space.

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Morning Shunt

12" | 2018 | EU | Original (Moton)

10" | 2017 | EU | Original (Schema)

Release: 2018 / EU – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

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The next MOTON release comprises of three tracks carefully selected by Love Vinyl's Jake Holloway.
Jake co-owns the second hand department in the store with The Mighty Zaf. He also is a graphic designer working for one of the world's most prestigious labels Barely Breaking Even/BBE Jake DJs in around London with regular sets at Brilliant Corners, Spiritland, Servant Jazz Quarters and will be playing at The Southern Soul Festival this summer in Montenegro.
When label bosses Dave Jarvis and Diesel asked Jake to choose the tracks for the release he soon got to work and come up with these three under the radar gems...
"Morning Shunt" is a ferocious Afro/Disco/Reggae uptempo dancefloor bomb, hailing from London this fantastic genre crossing tune was ripe for an edit.
"Jaques Theme" is another off-radar Carib-Disco banger which will appeal to both the Disco and Balearic heads.
"The Bandit" with it's tuff breaks and Spanish guitar will also appeal to the Balearic fraternity as well as the B-Boys.
So three tracks, all of which fall into differing genres making this a very different and varied sounding release!

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The Afro Soul Prophecy

The Devil Made Me Do It

12" | 2016 | UK | Original (Sol Power)

Release: 2017 / EU – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Inspired by the music of Fela Kuti and his Africa 70 project feat. drummer Tony Allenl, “The Devil Made Me Do It” is pure downtempo afro beat in its original version; the first remix here included, the “Invisible Cosmic Echoes”, has a slower pace and is characterized - as the title suggests - by reverberations and space sound, while the “Invisible Astral Wave” is perfect for a DJ remix and has got a slightly accelerated pace, with an emphasis on the percussive / tribal element.

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Sol Power All-Stars

Djidjo Vide

7" | 2024 | EU | Original (Nordvis)

Release: 2016 / UK – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves, Electronic & Dance

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Just in time for summer, Sol Power Sound is proud to present its 4th release, the Djidjo Vide EP, a 1-2 punch of Afro house by label heads, the Sol Power All-Stars.

Djidjo Vide, the title track on the A-side, features DC (via Togo) Afrobeat band, Elikeh. It's a vibey slice of propulsive Afro house about finding joy in the face of hardship. Massama Dogo's commanding vocals (sung in Mina) combined with the driving bassline, and aggressive horns (performed by DC's Sticky Bear) make Djidjo Vide a summer sure shot for a roof-top jam, beachside dance floor, or nightclub near you.

The B-side, Tell Me Why is darker and deeper, chock full of percussion, a chopped vocal sample, and in-your-face afrobeat horns (performed by Matt Rippetoe and Joe Herrera of DC's the Harry Bells). It's a late-night beatdown that will set things off proper in a dark room!

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Undantagsfolk

Den Ondes Fingrar

Release: 2024 / EU – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

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12" | 2024 | UK | Original (Duploc)

Nahlith

Prowler EP

Release: 2024 / UK – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

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7" | 2024 | EU | Original (Sound Pollution)

Bhleg / Nechochwen

Split

Release: 2024 / EU – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

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7" | 2024 | EU | Original (Sound Pollution)

Prag 83

Enouement

Release: 2024 / EU – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Tape | 2023 | US | Original (Awesome Tapes From Africa)

Gibraltar Drakus

Hommage A Zanzibar

7" | 2020 | UK | Reissue (Lyskestrekk)

Release: 2023 / US – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

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No shortage of colorful characters emerged from Cameroon's bikutsi scene in the 1980's and early 90's. Gibraltar Drakus is one of the most enduring and enigmatic of the artists who helped transform bikutsi into a beautifully endless fabric of triplet rhythms that eventually reached ears around the world. Following the advent of Cameroon Radio Television in 1987, bikutsi began to supplant makossa and soukous for domination of the local airwaves and the attention of cosmopolitan, thrill-seeking residents of Cameroon's capitalYaoundé and beyond. Biktusi perfectly fused Beti traditional music and increasingly electronic, highly rhythmic guitar-based bikutsi. Mimicking the sound of village-based xylophone music by rigging a mute to electric guitar strings, bikutsi artists provided a relentlessly energetic dance format for those with a taste for music steeped in their hometown sensibility (countering the popular makossa that many felt sounded less indigenous). By the early 1990's, Les Tetes Brûlées were indisputably the most famous and influential artists in bikutsi, due in part to the innovations of their incendiary guitarist Théodore Zanzibar Epeme. Following their first European tour in 1987, the ba...

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Flammer Dance Band

Mer / Holder Rytme

12" | 2022 | EU | Original (Mawimbi)

Release: 2020 / UK – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Flammer Dance Band back with two new hip-shaking garage funk tunes! 2023 Repress edition in different sleeve artwork colourway Another essential from Lyskestrekk Records.

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Jally Kebba Susso

Freedom

Orchestre Poly-Rythmo De Cotonou Dahomey

Release: 2022 / EU – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Born in a Gambian griot family, kora virtuoso and afro-fusion pioneer Jally Kebba Susso has been active in the UK music scene for twenty years. While based in London, he has tirelessly, through both personal and collective endeavours, built a singular musical identity by working hard on making the timeless Mandinka kora, an instrument he's been playing since his youth, sound like never before, combining the ancient West African strings with forward-thinking aesthetics and myriad of musicians and producers from the thriving London music scene such as Onipa, Dark Sky and Kay Suzuki. Jally Kebba Susso has already released two albums as a solo musician ("Malaye Warr", 2012 and "Banjul - London", 2017), as well as a member of the successful afro-fusion band Afriquoi, whose latest EP has garnered a very wide support, culminating in several million streams and performances on some of UK's biggest festival stages (Boomtown, Glastonbury). Freedom! A heartfelt shout expressing the newfound joy of an African musician whose working conditions, despite his long-standing roots in the London music scene, have sometimes been precarious. A newfound freedom to be able to look ahead and fully persue one's need of self-actualisation. Hence this new EP, written with the help of Jally's accomplished band members (Yuval Juba Wetzler, Nim Sadot and Oli Arlotto) and produced by Tom Excell (Onipa, Nubiyan Twist), whose 4 tracks all deal with topics (identity, homesickness, family, social justice) which are dear to Jally's heart as a Gambian native and West African musician settled in Europe. A pleasant atmospheric opener, "Wulu Doula" rides on a classic Afrobeat groove, while Jally reminds us how we are only what we become, no matter where we come from and who we inherit from. "Justice" is a stomping mandinka funk hit, in which "freedom, equal rights and justice" are claimed by Jally for all fellow artists and musicians from the West African diaspora working in Europe. Clearly anchored in Gambian music tropes and reminiscent of the pioneering mandinka fusion of Ifang Bondi, "Fakoly" tells the story of Jally's family lineage, as a member of the 74th Susso generation. As Jally puts it, "being a griot is a way of life". Homesickness can be a bitter feeling. But you can turn it around. That is exactly what Jally achieves with "Banjul", a cheerful, funky tribute to the Gambian capital, in which Jally grew up, learning words of wisdom from his elders.

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Gbeti Ma DJro / Angelina II

7" | 2021 | EU | Original (Acid Jazz / Albarika Store)

12" | 1978 | EU | Reissue (Fleet)

Release: 2021 / EU – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

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More dancefloor dynamite from Benin's almighty Orchestre Poly-Rythmo de Cotonou Dahomey, this time in the form of 'Gbeti Ma Djro'. Confusingly described on the centre label of the 1971 original issue as ’Soul’, this is in fact a prime slice of Afro-psych-funk complete with wails and grunts over fierce drums and picked guitar. 'Angelina II’ is a much warmer affair that rides a shuffling mid-tempo pachanga groove. Both tracks were transferred, restored and mastered from the original 1/4 inch tape.

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Charly Kingson

Born In Africa

Release: 1978 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Charly Kingson, (ps. for Charlie Kingue Soppo) is a legend of afro-funk who managed to shake the entire continent up with his infamous 1978 LP, Born In Africa. Often forgotten when conversations turn to Afro-dance, and the likes of Tony Allen or Fela Kuti, he has been an incredible source of inspiration to many musicians exploring the funkier side of jazz-dance, and this album itself goes way beyond any traditional notion of tropical discotheque. "Born In African" itself is a funky groover for the dancefloor and here is the original 1982 Remix, made by Dutch legendary percussionist Eddie Conard available again, featuring “Nimele Bolo” on the flip-side. Released in 1982 on Ariola/Fleet, but also pressed on the original Fleet label. The latter (remarkably with identical catalog-number) never saw daylight. But, we got them all! All in all, this hard to find 12” (at Discogs copies on the Ariola/Fleet label go for around 250 euro) was recently re-discovered, and now you can finally enjoy it again.

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Garage Classics Volume 7

Release: US

Genre: Organic Grooves

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7" | 2021 | UK | Original (Mr Bongo)

The Toreadors

Thembi / Gwinyitshe

14,39 €* 15,99 € -10%

Release: 2021 / UK – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

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This deep soul-jazz double-sider, recorded on October 3rd 1972, was released as a seven-inch single on Motella, one of the many labels of the Mavuthela Music division of Gallo Africa (now Gallo Record Company). Mavuthela was founded by the talent scout and producer Rupert Bopape in 1964. This recording of 'The Toreadors', a one-off session group, was produced by Ray Nkwe who worked as an independent producer for several different companies and was responsible for organising many African jazz-oriented sessions in the 1970s and early 80s.

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LP | 2020 | EU | Original (Extra Muros)

Extra Muros - Kenya

14,44 €* 16,99 € -15%

CD | 2022 | EU | Original (Hot Casa)

Release: 2020 / EU – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves, Electronic & Dance

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Extra Muros - Kenya is the result of the creative residency program organized by Flee which took place in September 2019 at the Elephant Studio in Nairobi. For three weeks, seven musicians and producers from East Africa and Europe came together to experiment on new sounds, inspired by a large variety of artistic environments and soundscapes. Documenting from various perspectives the music production process, capturing those exchanges, this compilation celebrates vanguard sonic music characterizing the digital age.

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Roger Damawuzan

Seda

2LP | 2022 | DE | Original (Decca)

Release: 2022 / EU – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Since his introduction in the 60’s, he has lit stages on fire, whether it be with The Rickers Orchestra or with The Melo-Togo Orchestra (taking home 2nd place for the first National Festival of Tologese Music). His first seven-inch vinyl, “Wait For Me,” is a holy grail for diggers all around the world. It was such a hit that Togolese music is and will forever be stamped by Roger Damawuzan. He was principal in introducing Gazo, Akpesse and Kamou rhythms to modern day soul music. In Avépozo - a few kilometers from the capital, Lomé. Though Tropicana Hotel has been closed for years, the many European tourists who were lucky enough to visit have not forgotten the nights that Roger Damawuzan set ablaze throughout the years. Indeed, in their collective memory is nostalgic of his flaming spirit and the rawness of his rigorous funk. He is timeless: since 1987, the Tropicana is no longer but Damawuzan roars on. In response to requests from his studio and his label, “Tropicana Sounds”, which, during 80s, was responsible for releasing his work, Damawuzan also gave his expertise and was a major influence on the evolution of hip-hop and Tologese electro. Relentless and unstoppable, Roger Damawuzan is now making a comeback with Seda. Afro. Soul. Funk. Vaudou. This album may be described, but it cannot be explained. Only through listening to this disk at a high volume will one completely understand, at its full scope, Roger Damawuzan’s emotions, his complaints, his cries, and all his evisceration when he takes the mic. Such a force of nature, Roger Damawuzan could have been supported by only one group. Led by Peter Solo, the members of the Vaudou Game and Lomé’s most talented musicians are at Damawuzan’s disposal for this album. The bass thunders in his honor, the brass escorts his arrival through the drums' rhythmatic steps, and the guitars riff so perfectly to serve as the ideal bedrock. Such a force of nature, this album could have been only captured, if not mastered, by one studio. Such mission was accomplished by the legendary studio Otodi (Office Togolese of Disks) by utilizing solely analog equipment to translate and to breath all of Damawuzan’s soul into this album. In Mina, Roger Damawuzan’s native tongue, Seda means “listen.” And this is neither advice nor a suggestion - it’s an order!

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Salif Keita

Mouffou

Idrissa Soumaoro L'Eclipse De L'I.J.A.

Release: 2022 / DE – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

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"
After his many musical peregrinations, Salif Keïta made a salutary return to his roots with Moffou. Originally released in 2002, the album has since sold over 200,000 copies worldwide. To mark its 20th anniversary, Decca Records France is reissuing the album on CD (out of print) and releasing it on vinyl for the first time. Both formats include the bonus track Martin Solveig's famous remix of Madan."

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Le Tioko-Tioko

CD | 2022 | UK | Original (Mr Bongo)

12" | 2022 | EU | Original (Soundway)

Release: 2022 / UK – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Idrissa Soumaoro, L’Eclipse De L’I.J.A.’s sought-after album ‘Le Tioko-Tioko’ was originally released in the German Democratic Republic (gdr) in 1978 and has been a long-time favourite at Mr Bongo. Two tracks from the album were featured on our 2017 compilation ‘The Original Sound Of Mali’ (mrblp135), and we subsequently released the track ‘Nissodia’ on its own 12” (mrb12053) in 2020, complete with a blistering dancefloor re-edit by Mike D of The Beastie Boys.

‘Le Tioko-Tioko' is one of the rarest vinyl albums from the already scarce Malian vinyl discography, partly as the album was never released commercially, only independently distributed via the Malian Association for the Blind in Bamako. Though recorded at Radio Mali under the aegis of master engineer Boubacar Traoré; the album was originally released in East Germany. The tapes had been taken by some Malian students to East Berlin as part of a student exchange program. It was then manufactured and released on the East German state-owned label Eterna with only a few boxes of records being shipped back to Bamako.

A true masterpiece, this legendary LP offers some devastating songs such as ‘Djama’ (society), ‘Nissodia’ (joy of optimism), and ‘Fama Allah’ (an ode to god). Hypnotic organ riffs and breakbeats convey an unknown funk quality in Malian music, it now stands as a loving tribute to an unsung Malian golden age. Sadly, like many of the other now desired and prized vinyl rarities, at the time of release, it almost immediately disappeared without a trace due to a lack of promotion, and distribution. So, it feels fitting to share this gem of a record again, and hopefully it will reach the wider audience it deserved over 45 years ago.

Many thanks to Florent Mazzoleni for contributing sections of these notes.

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Pigeon

Yagana

CD | 2021 | EU | Original (Favorite)

Release: 2022 / EU – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves, Electronic & Dance

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Born out of an impromptu post-pub jam session in Margate, the 5-piece group Pigeon swoops onto the scene with their blistering debut EP Yagana.

As the tracks cross effortlessly between Afro-disco, grunge, no wave and jazz, the cohesive symbiotic relationship of the band members is obvious from the start. The powerful vocals of Guinean singer Falle Nioke are complemented by a wealth of talent from Graham Godfrey on drums, Steve Pringle on keys, Tom Dream on guitar and Josh Ludlow on bass.

Having moved to the UK from West Africa in 2018, Falle Nioke has recently been in the spotlight with EPs heavily supported by indie radio and BBC 6 Music playlisters. On Yagana, he continues to sing in a multitude of languages, but this time shifts towards a more organic musical direction, showcasing his incredible versatility as a vocalist.

This new path can be attributed to the pedigree of the rest of the group – veteran musicians Steve Pringle and Graham Godfrey are key members of Michael Kiwanuka’s band, the latter also performing with Little Simz, Cleo Sol and Sault, among others.

Furthermore, Tom Dream and Josh Ludlow are electronic artists in their own right – with a number of artistic projects in the works, as well as having performed together as ambient duo Soma World. Both used to play in metal and grunge bands in earlier years, an influence which has made its way into Pigeon’s distinctive sound.

The Yagana EP is an emotionally-charged offering, exploring themes of lust, saudade, homesickness, and hope for peace. The title track ‘Yagana’ translates to “it’s been a while”, and though its up-tempo disco rhythm and wild synth solos lend a cheerful disposition, the lyrics describe a melancholic yearning for Africa. Nioke sings in Susu, Wolof and Malinke – as he describes the struggle of being separated from one’s family, as well as hustling to support them financially from afar.

As a teenager, Nioke would train his voice by the great river Rio Nunez in Boké, among the remnants of the slave trade, pathways and crumbling buildings being swallowed up by the forest. While most Western teenagers grew up with traditional pets, Nioke disclosed to his band members that his closest animal friend in West Africa was the pigeon – and so the name of the group was chosen.

Moving through the record, ‘Nothing Grows’ follows on from the Afro-disco opener, bringing down the tempo and intensity. The heavily swung jazz rhythm is driven by the drums, while soft guitar tremolo picking and synth pads produce a delicate atmosphere over which the singer mournfully longs for a lost love.

But having lured the listener into a meditative and pensive state in ‘Nothing Grows’, feathers are suddenly ruffled by the entrance of “It’s You” - a sultry story of burning desire. Channelling grunge and elements of no wave, the song is defined by a rumbling bass that pulses alongside the kick, while an atonal synth riff and fuzzy guitar licks provide the minimal melody. Piercing through it all is the hypnotic spoken word of Nioke, switching between French and English, as he beckons – and at times even demands - a lover to enter his room.

Finally, ‘War (Jam)’ returns the record to its 4x4 disco pace, featuring rapid-fire hats and high-pitched guitar riffs seemingly nodding to Mugithi, a genre often associated with political commentary. This concept is built upon with lyrics sung in Susu, as Nioke condemns wars around the world and their ongoing futility, pleading for people to unite and create a better place. Running just over 7 minutes, ‘War (Jam)’ is an improvised long take which continuously evolves, allowing each musician an opportunity to shine.

Recorded in a single weekend, Pigeon’s Yagana EP is a clear testament to each member’s skilfulness and varied experiences, creating a fully-fledged being that is greater than the sum of its parts. With an opening hand like this, we await with bated breath to see what more the humble Pigeon can bring to the world.

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Voilaaa

Voiciii

12" | 2020 | EU | Original (Rare And Or Interesting)

Release: 2021 / EU – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Favorite Recordings proudly presents Voiciii, the 3rd and new album by Voilaaa, an immersive dip into its Afro-Disco universe spread across 14 tracks. Needless to say you’ll find in this new LP all the ingredients that made him famous: strong dancefloor-friendly festive bangers, irresistible funky arrangements and an undeniable sense of humor and irony. Bruno “Patchworks” Hovart, behind Voilaaa, is as often surrounded by amazing vocal featurings from previous LP’s regulars (Pat Kalla, Lass) but also new voices you may already have heard on its recent EPs (David Walters, Rama Traore, Ayuune Suule), as well as the saxophonist Boris Pokora. The LP is also an occasion to pay tributes to major artists of the African sound, such as Fela Kuti (on “Water No Get Enemy”), or Manu Dibango (“Manu Écoute Ça” and “Tenor Jam For Manu”). Since the release of Voilaaa’s previous LP’s Des Promesses and On Te L’Avait Dit and their massive international support, the Voilaaa Soundsystem did travel through the world to deliver its message of infectious joy and groove, from Equator to Thailand, from Kazakhstan to the infamous French “Fête de l’Huma”. Now you know: Voilaaa is everywhere and Voiciii (“here it is”) their new album.

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Joe Sembene

CD | 2020 | EU | Original (Mr Bongo)

Release: 2020 / EU – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Newborn french label Raoi Records is proud to release for the first time a remastered and fully licensed compilation of the two sought after records of Joe Sembene: Heart of Africa & Weur Di Dane/Le P’tit Quinquin. Side A is "Heart of Africa" with the songs "Gorelle" & "Autrefois", two timeless and unparalleled afro/electronic tracks. The first song on Side B is "Weur Di Dane", a perfect blend of afro and boogie vibes. The voice of Joe's wife, Josy Sene, stands out all along the track, a pure bliss! This is followed by a cover of a traditional song from the north of France called "Le P'tit Quinquin", but Joe gives it a strong reggae twist in the vain of Serge Gainsbourg’s "Aux Armes Et Cætera"! However, it had little success at the time... After recording these two remarkable and hard-to-find 7 inches at September Records in Lille (Fr), Joe suddenly disappeared… Who knows where Joe Sembene is right now?

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The Star Beams

Play Disco Specials

Release: 2020 / EU – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Ebo Taylor Jnr & Wuta Wazutu

Gotta Take It Cool

CD | 1978 | EU | Reissue (Mr Bongo)

12" | 1985 | EU | Reissue (Soundway)

Release: 1978 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Tough, mid-tempo Ghanaian funk & Highlife grooves from Ebo Taylor Junior, son of the mighty Ebo Taylor.
Originally released in 1978; now extremely difficult and expensive to find in its original form.
Today Ebo Taylor Jnr plays keys in his fathers band that continues to tour when he is able to.
Official Mr Bongo reissue. Licensed from Ebo Taylor Jnr.

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Free Youth

We Can Move

LP | 1976 | US | Original (ABC Records)

Release: 1985 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Soundway Records reissues Free Youth’s long sought-after 1985 single “We Can Move”, their only release - fully restored, remastered and available for the first time on digital and 12” vinyl. “We Can Move” is the first known iteration of Ghanaian hip hop, emerging at the dawn of ‘hip-life’ (hip hop meets highlife).
Free Youth comprised three main members: Terry “Sir Robot” Bright, Lenny “Nii Addy” Dimple, and Abednego “King Abed” Ayim Bright. In the early 80s they began performing in clubs and parties across Accra, with friends and other dancers occasionally joining them on stage – including Reggie Rockstone, who later went on to find commercial success.
In 1985, the band were approached by a producer and invited to record at a local studio. Without having written down any music, Terry, Lenny and Abed sang the parts and beatboxed the rhythms to the session musicians prior to recording. Out of this session came “We Can Move”, a blend of hip-hop and Afro-funk with a proto disco-boogie beat, punchy trumpet riffs and melodic rapping.
Included in the Soundway reissue is an exclusive instrumental cover version of “We Can Move” from Welsh ensemble Drymbago. This replaces the original B side track “Freedom Video Centre”, which was an advertising jingle for a business associated with their former producer. Soundway Records is pleased to deliver Free Youth the release that they were after, 34 years later.

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Eric Burdon & War

Love Is All Around

Release: 1976 / US – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Used Vinyl

Medium: VG+, Cover: VG+

Terre Haute Pressing.
Cover with faint ring wear.

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Ray Lema

Gaia

LP | 2019 | US (Mango)

Release: 2019 / US

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Garage Classics Volume 4

Release: US

Genre: Organic Grooves

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LP | 2019 | FR | Reissue (Buda Musique)

Zuhura & Party

Singe Tema

Release: 2019 / FR – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Used Vinyl

Medium: Near Mint, Cover: Near Mint

Venceremos & Scheiß Drauf Single Album Code

Malasaners

7" | 2023 | Original

Release: 2023 / Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Yoanson & Karamie / Prof Jah Pinpin 4tet

African Leaders / The Final Bird (Le Temps D'Une Vie)

12" | 2024 | EU | Original (Disques Messagers)

12" | 1986 | UK | Reissue (Mr Bongo)

Release: 2024 / EU – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

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New Parisian label, Disques Messager, presents its new and second release. As its name suggests, the label has a simple leitmotiv: to place itself among the best messengers for rarities and sought-after gems of the international rare groove. A mission which began like fire last year with a 7inch reissue release including two Brazilian Disco bangers by Cristina Camargo. For this second efforts, the label doesn’t deviate from the artistic and quality path taken, however also making quite a U-turn, this time presenting 2 underrated kind of musical UFO, both from the French scene. Not many info can be found about Yoanson & Karamie, two young artists from the French African diaspora, who randomly met with Nessim Saroussi and his label Ness Music in the late 80s. Nessim himself doesn’t remind much about the 2 guys, except that he quickly offered to produce them, which resulted in their only EP release, Kalimba (1988). Part of this EP, “African Leaders” is a stunning track melting Afro-Tropical percussions, Disco bass, Early-Electro beats and Leftfield vocals in a way that could remind of Doctor L or Arthur Russel productions. On the contrary, Philippe de Lacroix-Herpin (aka Prof Jah Pinpin) has a long musical career started in the mid-70s and became a renowned saxophonist playing and recording for many famous French acts such as Jean-Jacques Goldman, Alain Chamfort, FFF, or even rap band NTM. In 1994, he moved definitely to the Reunion Island where he quickly launched the Prof Jah Pinpin 4tet, in his own words willing to play “free/funk/jazz/rock/tropical” music… Quite a vast and large musical tag, but which immediately make sense when listening to the surprising “The Final Bird” track. Only released as CD in 1996, this instrumental production has indeed a unique sound and flavor mixing all kinds of elements together (even samples of Weather Report). Well as you can understand, words are not the best way to describe these 2 hidden treasures, so we strongly recommend the spinning to make your own view!

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Stimela

Rewind

LP | 2021 | EU | Original (Irfan (Le Label))

Release: 1986 / UK – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves, Rock & Indie

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Used Vinyl

Medium: VG+, Cover: Near Mint

Still in shrink but opened with hype sticker. 2022 reissue. Vinyl is close to NM.

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Les Ogres De Barback

Rue Du Temps

Release: 2021 / EU – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Garage Classics Volume 6

Release: US

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Garage Classics Volume 8

Release: US

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Garage Classics Volume 1

Release: US

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Garage Classics Volume 2

Release: US

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Garage Classics Volume 3

Release: US

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Garage Classics Volume 5

Release: US

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Basa Bongo / Black Pepper

Yoruba Singers

7" | 2023 | UK | Original (Soundway)

Linda Majika / Thoughts Visions & Dreams

Release: 2023 / UK – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Guyana folk music reinterpreted and infused with Afroroots and culture, reissued on vinyl for the first time. A year after their debut album ‘Ojinga’s Own’, the Yoruba Singers from Guyana released the singles ‘Black Pepper’ and ‘Basa Bongo’. These two songs were recorded in Barbados and released on the Green Shrimp label and became extremely popular throughout the Caribbean and South America. The music also became an integral part of the very beginnings of what was later to become the Champeta Criolla sound in the Caribbean coast of Colombia.

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Let's Make A Deal / Step Out Of My Life Feat. Ray Phiri

12" | 2020 | EU | Original (Rush Hour)

15,19 €* 15,99 € -5%

12" | 2020 | EU | Original (Banquise Records)

Release: 2020 / EU – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Double sider 12" including the bubblegum club track ''Let's Make a Deal'' by Linda "Babe” Majika, which was originally released on the rare 'Don’t Treat Me So Bad' lp in South-Africa, 1988. On the flip, you’ll find the deep late-night saxophone driven tune ''Step Out Of My Life'' which includes Don Laka on the keyboard and is produced by Ray Phiri, who also founded the popular South African group 'Stimela'. The song was originally released in 1989 and finally sees a reissue, pressed as a loud DJ-friendly 12-inch.

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Zogo

Please Please

15,19 €* 15,99 € -5%

Idrissa Soumaoro Et L´Eclipse De L´Ija

Release: 2020 / EU – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Rare Afro-Disco track originally released 40 years ago by Cameroon disco winner Zogo. This release includes two remixes by Gerd Janson and Bellaire.

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Nissodia Mike D Edit Black Vinyl Edition

12" | 2020 | EU | Original (Mr Bongo)

15,29 €* 16,99 € -10%

7" | 2023 | EU | Original (My Bags)

Release: 2020 / EU – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Legend' is lofty praise that is often used lightly, however, Mike D from the Beastie Boys certainly is one in the truest of spirits. We are delighted after over 30 years of being involved in music to finally release a project involving such a hip-hop pioneer and icon as Mike. In keeping with the maverick attitude of the Beastie Boys, you don't always get what you expect. For this release there isn't a hip-hop beat, instrumental-funk or hardcore-punk joint in sight, rather an electronic-African club banger. Mike took it upon himself to rework Malian artists Idrissa Soumaoro and L'Eclipse De L'I.J.A. and their track ’Nissodia', which is taken from the 'Le Tioko-Tioko' album originally released in 1978 on the German Democratic Republic (gdr) label Eterna. The song was also featured on 'The Original Sound Of Mali' compilation released on Mr Bongo back in 2017. It was November 2019 and the day before a Mr Bongo 30 years celebration event in Paris at the Pedro party in the 'New Morning' club, when out of the blue the remix landed in Dave Mr Bongo's inbox. We loved it straight away and decided to road test it the next night in the club. Whether it be a remix/re-edit/rework, it doesn't matter, what does matter is that it works spectacularly in the club and had people jumping on the stage to dance at the party. A sensational track and one which leaves a beautiful memory of good-times from a night out in Paris (and one which is in retrospect is even more poignant as the late-great maestro Tony Allen was in the club that night), and we are sure it will light up many more dancefloors to come.

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Medline

Azul

15,29 €* 16,99 € -10%

CD | 2022 | EU | Original (Officehome)

Release: 2023 / EU – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Following the success of Eric B & Rakim covers on 45, touching Hip Hop and rare groove fans, Medline explores new horizons. Well known to be free from styles boundaries, the French Chilean multi - instrumentalist unveil a two side Afro Funk killer.

Marked with the "universal power" title on the label, third 7 inch on My Bags catalog, this new 45 shows Medline's abilities to produce high quality music in a wide range of styles. The compositions are produced with a brilliant contrast. The uptempo "Run For Cover" is a huge Afro beat runner with a hardcore feeling while "Azul", is a heavy downtempo soul funk anthem, and shines like a massive solar energy boost.

Medline brings back the 70's West African sound signature, carried by a hot drum and bass couple, leaded by the Farfisa organ and harmonized with a powerful brass section. The rhythm is wild, mastered by dynamical arrangements when the breaks are hitting loudly around. And yes as always Medline is the ONE playing all.

The artistic fate offered beautiful colors and forms to the music. Clément Laurentin's elegant painting "Run For Cover" reminding Bob Marley and Lee Perry's records, baptized the first composition which includes a "Jamaican" surprise. "Azul" (Blue in Spanish) is the main color of Clément's creation which remind the look of the famous azulejos. The link happens without any previous consultation, all was here to be done this way, connecting cultural areas and eras. To end, the acrylic painting on linen canvas is the perfect organic mirror to this new 7 inch.

My Bags is happy to offer this "tratra" (Ivorian pancake), designed with all the elements of a ready to dig holy grail, Soul inspired, Afro beat to the core.

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Roforofo Jazz

Running The Way

A.P.P. (Accumulation Of Profit & Power)

Release: 2022 / EU – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

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The unbreathable air saturated with moisture, the soggy soil that swallows every step like a starving death, the hostile nature and, finally, the remote swamp. The one they invested in composing Fire Eater. The one they left a few traces in. Tracks that can talk. Six men heavily armed with instruments, a seventh fastest, only weighted by a microphone. They left the inhospitable vegetation, leaving behind a succession of footprints. As we try to follow them, the afrobeat that made it easy to spot them now dissipates into a floating mist. So, we have to connect the radars and try to capture the vintage waves of equipment that emit more than one point but several. Be attentive to jazz solos and funk scarifications, as much as to what could chant and tap on the times of these tight rhythms. Because their blending has become a personal style as much as hybrid, and it is to avoid being watched by asphyxiation that they left the stagnant waters. Escaped from the car sound systems or plastered on the walls announcing their many concerts, it is in the city that they are now detected. Infiltrating them is a daunting task. A track where you have to avoid the vigilance of the electric and venomous keyboards, escape the copper flames and the guitar shears. Enter the choking groove to finally enjoy a purely instrumental passage, sneak in and dance. Progress outside the Afro mangrove, Running The Way nevertheless retains many cables still connected. The bottom of the jeans still ‘Roforofo’. ‘Muddy’ in Yoruba. Just 2 years after the first EP Fire Eater released in 2021, Radio Nova’s crush (title Helelyos enthroned 3 months in playlist), the Roforofo Jazz returns with the LP Running The Way, 8 tracks even more ambitious, with careful production, marking a clear progression in its quest for an increasingly more personal sound and writing. Putting the listener immediately in the tone of his atypical afro jazz rap fury, Love In Time and its sharp rhythmic appeal to the power of the music, in an ultra-energetic piece yet smelling with jazz via well-felt keyboard surges. Side To Side is a rearrangement of a piece by Togolese artist Bella Bello and Manu Dibango, yet glancing towards Motown and resonating like a anthem to life and directions to take to counter the negativity of our modern societies. Then on Stand Up in a more deepfunk US style like Breakestra or The Greyboy Allstars, MC Days (aka RacecaR) switches between fast flows and downtempo in an injunction to all fight for what we believe in. An epic piece concluded with a nod to Master Hendrix… Gas punctuates the A side with a light but saving rhythmic lull, coming closer to a nu-soul atmosphere and punctuated with an explosive refrain in which rap, rock and jazz clash, tending to prove as Days chants that by being more realistic our differences can only fade…Title Shawarma has nothing to do with a Kebab sandwich, although…! Life unfolds like a menu, in which everything is not always to our liking but which teaches us to accept judicious and juicy mixes, and combinations. The result is a joint with an oriental touch, almost ethio, a rhythm that perfectly matches the hip-hop flow and the Roforofo Jazz style.The Big Hustle is a UFO. Articulated around a 20 bars loop that gives it a communicative energy, punctuated by a bass line reminiscent of Fela Kuti’s Colonial Mentality, this title sounds like a highway for frantic breakbeat dancers; epic! From Here To Benin brings us back to the group’s Afro-inspired origins, while injecting a slight dose of well-felt pop music. A piece that encourages travel to learn to share, universally. And finally, Mode For DD, a cover of the instrumental title of the obscure jazz funk of The Awakening, with added voice of Days telling the meaning of life and its mysteries, our beliefs and certainties, as human beings as well as artists.

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Muyiwa Kunnuji & Osemako

CD | 2022 | EU | Original (Officehome)

12" | 1990 | EU | Reissue (Isle Of Jura)

Release: 2022 / EU – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Continuing his journey, the former member of Egypt 80 and last trumpeter of the Black President Fela Kuti releases his second album: APP (Accumulation of Profit & Power). Muyiwa Kunnuji and his band Osemako, which has been extensively recasted since Moju Ba O - which had already laid the foundations of his afroclassicbeat - have had quite an evolution, and are eager to share a recipe that has been patiently elaborated and stewed, both on stage and in the studio. A complex mix of deep musical and cultural heritages as well as a claimed and combative Pan-African culture, APP sets the bar still one step higher in the message, but also and especially in terms of composition and polyrhythms. Inspired by Western African highlife as well as the purest afrobeat of the Afrika 70 era, and even incorporating elements of South African marabi or Central African soukous, the whole does not sound less perfectly personal, tailored, with a natural and disconcerting ease. But this easiness is only an apparent as Muyiwa devoted himself body and soul to the composition and harmony during the gestation of these tunes so widely inspired and yet intensely personal. APP will thus delight fans of African music in the broad sense as well as connoisseurs, and just as much fans of funk grooves or jazzy solos; it is a deeply plural album. Multi-influenced, multicultural, multilingual, a slice of life as much as an initiatory journey, on which hovers the spectre of Covid, which has also largely inspired this second ‘effort’. Standing against absurd sanitary rules or the accumulation of profits by the powerful of this world and other pseudo-philanthropists, APP, again, reminds us of the great Fela, as much by the use of an acronym to entitle the album as by the themes addressed or the mixing of genres. A warrior album, filled and full of revendications, but also of calls for open-mindedness. An intensely human, sincere, combative album, and however radically enthusiastic and optimistic.

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Novidade

Voaria

12" | 1986 | UK | Reissue (Mr Bongo)

Release: 1990 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves, Electronic & Dance

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Originally released in 1990 ‘Voaria’ was written by Benjamin Nhassavele and produced & arranged by the late Tata Sibeko, the revered South African producer and member of Kabasa. Taken from the LP of the same name ‘Voaria’ was released at a time when early house music was emerging as a key influence in the South African musical landscape, an evolement of the Bubblegum pop sound that had fused disco and boogie with township funk. Characterised by Roland kick drums, Yamaha DX7s and Juno Synthesisers the Kwaito sound is the musical heartbeat of ‘Voaria’.

As well as being in Novidade, Benjamin toured the world extensively as part of Alec Kaholi’s Umoja and ‘Voaria’ is a song about his desire to go back to Maputo, his hometown in Zimbabwe. Featuring Benjamin on lead vocals ‘Voaria’ comes in 2 versions, a main House mix on the A side and the Clubhouse mix on the flip which switches up the arrangement placing more emphasis on the magical groove. The 12” is housed in a full sleeve jacket by Bradley Pinkerton based on the original release design.

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Stimela

Rewind

CD | 2021 | EU | Original (Sounds Of Subterrania)

Release: 1986 / UK – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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The unique sounds of Ray Phiri's Stimela are showcased on this gem of a 12” EP from 1986. It was originally released only in South Africa on Gallo / CBS Records, although a 12" featuring the track 'I Hate Telling A Lie' was previously released on Plum Records in 1983. It has now become a sought-after item due to its addictive and original-sounding Balearic disco / cosmic boogie-esque nature.

Stimela were a popular and successful Mbaquanga / fusion outfit led by the guitarist, vocalist, songwriter, producer and arranger Ray Phiri; who was previously a member of the legendary band The Cannibals. The musicians would go on to gain global fame after featuring on Paul Simon's iconic 'Graceland' album and the mega tour that followed.

Kicking off the EP is a magical track that floored us from the first moment we heard it and one that has since become a Mr Bongo firm favourite. ‘I Hate Telling A Lie’ is a slow, infectious building groove that sits somewhere between lowdown jazz-funk, soul, reggae and gospel with shades of new wave pop and Balearic. It’s a truly stunning track that is hard to pigeonhole and all the better for it.

Another highlight from the EP is the monster instrumental, synth-boogie sound of 'I Love You'; championed by DJs such as Jeremy Spellacey (Crown Ruler). This hypnotic groove bubbles to perfection and is a slo-mo chugger extraordinaire.

We hope you dig it as much as we do.

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Ipek Yolu

Tropical Anatolia

Baba Ayoola / Carry Me Home

Release: 2021 / EU – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves, Rock & Indie

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Ipek Yolu is the Turkish name for the Silk Road which connected the East and the West. This band does not deal in silk but they connect flavors, smells and sounds from different corners of the globe, connecting the world.
The band merges bass-heavy electro-tinged cumbia grooves, saz riffs and surf guitar into a multicultural melting pot of South American rhythms, Anatolian folk music and 60s psychedelic rock. A unique universe of sound that bridges the tropical jungles and the dusty deserts in a kaleidoscopic blend of music. Ipek Yolu has used 2020 to write their debut album Tropical Anatolia and are ready to hit the venues and festivals.
The members of Ipek Yolu first got together for an improvised jam session during the Aarhus Roots & Hybrid Festival in 2018. The show was set up as a special one-time-only show merging members from the bands Hudna & Junglelyd. The show ended up lasting for almost three hours. It didn’t take them long to discover they were onto something special. If you know any of these bands mentioned you know you’re in for a body-shaking party, characterised by musical curiosity and improvisation.
The three members of Ipek Yolu have all been part of the Danish music scene for several years. The band leader, Orhan Özgür Turan, is a well-known and respected saz player all over Denmark, and has made a name for himself through his efforts in the Anatolian Folk band Hudna. In 2018 he won an award as Global Roots Artist of the year at The Danish World Music Awards. Olaf Brinch and Lasse Aagaard have worked together for many years making high energy cumbia with their band Junglelyd and Afrobeat with their band African Connection. Olaf is also an integral part of the Danish band AddisAbabaBand. In addition, Olaf and Lasse have toured and recorded with great musicians such as CC Yoyo, former drummer of Fela Kuti, in both Ghana and Denmark. All of the past experiences collided to create Ipek Yolu.

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Kokoroko

12" | 2021 | UK | Original (Brownswood)

Release: 2021 / UK – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

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12" | 1986 | EU | Reissue (Afrosynth)

Condry Ziqubu

Gorilla Man

12" | 1983 | EU | Reissue (Afrosynth)

Release: 1986 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Four tracks by one of the biggest names in South African disco: Condry Ziqubu. A regular on the local soul scene since the late 1960s in groups such as The Flaming Souls, The Anchors and The Flaming Ghettoes, by the mid-80s he had qualified as a sangoma (traditional healer), recorded with Harari (the biggest group in the country at the time), fronted his own group Lumumba, and travelled the world as part of Caiphus Semenya and Letta Mbulu’s band. In 1986 he ditched Lumumba and released his first solo hit, ‘Gorilla Man’. Opening with an audacious 20-second intro, the song tells the story of a man preying on women in downtown Johannesburg. It highlights Condry’s winning formula of lyrics that touch on everyday South African issues and places (without drawing the attention of apartheid censors). Musically the song draws obvious influence from Piano Fantasia’s 1985 Euro-disco hit ‘Song for Denise’. Also included on this new anthology is another song from the same album, the politically charged ‘Confusion (Ma Afrika)’, as well as ‘Phola Baby’ from his 1988 album Pick Six – a call to men to “stop pushing your woman around … what kind of man are you?” – and ‘Everybody Party’ from 1989’s Magic Man, a straight-up party song with no political or social intimations, other than as a brief escape from the harsh reality of the time, one that still resonates today. Gorilla Man will be released on vinyl and digitally in early 2021 on Johannesburg-based Afrosynth Records (afs047), distributed worldwide by Rush Hour in Amsterdam.

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Adaye

Turn It Up

Release: 1983 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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London Afrobeat Collective

Humans

CD | 2019 | EU | Original (London Afrobeat Productions)

12" | 2019 | EU | Original (Favorite)

Release: 2019 / EU – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Humans is the new album from sought after international touring band the London Afrobeat Collective. From Europe to Africa, Glastonbury to Nigeria’s annual ‘Felabration’ festival, LAC deliver party music born of their truly global DNA. The nine-strong collective from England, Congo, Italy, France, Argentina and New Zealand combine diverse influences such as Fela, Parliament Funkadelic and Frank Zappa to create an eclectic sound drawing on funk, jazz, rock, and dub to create something addictive and unique.
Their 2015 album Food Chain, received widespread radio support on stations such as BBC 6 Music, Radio X and BBC Radio 2, as well as glowing reviews in The Sunday Times, London Evening Standard, Blues & Soul and Songlines Magazine to name just a few. The new album Humans, (featuring artwork by Ben Hito, renowned for his designs for Parliament / Funkadelic), is a collection of anthemic songs with socially conscious lyrics, set to bold brass lines and hypnotic danceable grooves.
In 2015 the London Afrobeat Collective toured Nigeria, appearing several times on national TV and performing in front of ten thousand people at the New Afrika Shrine during ‘Felebration’. They are no less respected in their home town, having collaborated with the likes of Dele Sosimi and supporting legends such as Ebo Taylor, Fred Wesley And The New JB’s, Tony Allen, and Fela’s son, Femi Kuti.
LAC are now globally recognised for what they really are: not a tribute, but an ever evolving, international band of expert musicians, continuously inspiring each other as they create distinct, sincere and powerful music. Humans is an accomplished work with international flair and cultural relevance from London to Lagos.

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Esnard Boisdur

Mizik Bel

12" | 1975 | EU | Reissue (RCA)

Release: 2019 / EU – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

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“You don’t need to be a fan of Gwoka or even Antillean music in general to fall in love with the deep, expressive voices of the singers of the genre. Artists like COSACK, ANZALA and ESNARD BOISDUR have fascinated music lovers around the globe for decades. It’s not only the drumming style accompanied by their beautiful melodic intonation, but also the revolutionary spirit of these songs that make them a unique and powerful document of the culture and the history of the Antilles and the Caribbean.
I remember the first time I listened to this type of drumming and signing, live at the re-enactment of the slave riots, and being completely emotionally overwhelmed by it. Some of my record collector/DJ colleagues and friends – first and foremost Hugo Mendez and Émile Omar – shared the same fascination for the genre and kept inspiring me, and countless others, by their DJ sets at Tropical Discoteq in Paris, where I have had the pleasure to be one of the residents for five years and counting. At one of those nights, I met my friend Pascal Rioux from Favorite Recordings and told him about an amazing unreleased track I received months before, on a home-burned CD, from ESNARD BOISDUR. Among other beautiful songs, it contained one outstanding track, a mix of modern Gwoka and Zouk called “MIZIK BEL”.
When I started playing that track out, there were fierce reactions on both ends. The crowds loved it and after a while you could hear people cheer when they heard the first notes. Many DJs and labels wanted it, demanded it, and would even go as far as to block or unfriend me if I refused to comply. It became clear to me that the track had to be released on vinyl for the first time and made accessible to people who wanted to play it, while giving the original artist full credit. At the same time, I knew a remix version of the track that would pay respect to the original could only be created by getting the original stems, and not by editing the main track and pressing it into an “electronic dance corset.” Pascal agreed to the idea and started the licensing work and the search for the stems, which resulted in an ongoing three-year quest that was crowned by the finding of the ADAT containing the original tracks.
As AFRICAINE 808, Dirk Leyers and I spent considerable time trying to re-create the composition of the original, respectfully slicing and re-arranging it, adding new instrumentation, and recording additional percussion and talking drum with our percussionist ERIC OWUSU (Pat Thomas/Ebo Taylor). We stretched it, adding a krauty synth part without losing the focus of Esnard’s beautiful voice and lyrics, describing Caribbean music in all its diversity and beauty.
With this in mind, I hope you can now enjoy the beauty of “MIZIK BEL” as much as we have so far.” – (DJ NOMAD, June 2019).

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Buari

Karam Bani

12" | 1985 | EU | Reissue (Sharp Flat)

Release: 1975 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Official, remastered reissue of this disco tinged, afro funk treasure and the first time the ‘Karam Bani’ single has been cut to 12” – maximising every ounce of highlife soul from Sidiku Buari’s productions.

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Tata

It's A Mess

12" | 2018 | EU | Original (Jamwax)

Release: 1985 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Two sizzling South African boogie tracks from Kabasa’s Tata Sibeko. A killer producer, arranger and bass wizard, Tata channels the gloomy current affairs landscape of 1985 into a glimmering Afro-synth nugget. As South African pop embraced 1980s synth sounds, Maxi Singles on 12-inch vinyl became a new canvas of expression with wider grooves for fat beats and extended mixes that suited dancefloors.
The supergroups of the 1970s fragmented into solo recording artists with the likes of Harari’s Sipho ‘Hotstix’ Mabuse releasing his seminal “Burnout” single in 1984. Former Kabasa frontman Tata Sibeko dropped “It’s A Mess” in 1985, addressing the world’s Cold War climate with an appeal to “learn to love each other” and “save ourselves from catastrophe.” The B-side “Afro Breakdance” marked the evolution of Tata’s Afro-global sensibilities from “Afro Funkin’” that had appeared five years earlier on Kabasa’s self-titled debut in 1980. Tata Sibeko (RIP) passed away in 2017 after approving the restoration and reissue of this single. This release is dedicated to his kindness, charm and creative zeal.

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T.Z. Junior

Sugar My Love

Release: 2018 / EU – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Thandi Zulu known as T.Z. Junior was a young girl from Soweto. She started her musical career with Peter Moticoe who produced "Love Games" with The Young Five on Heads label in 1984. Then, Peter Moticoe brought her to Phil Hollis at Dephon Entertainment who then teamed them up with Attie Van Wyk who was the producer for Yvonne Chaka Chaka at that time.
Phil Hollis started Dephon Promotion (Dephon Entertainment) in the late 70's and developed into the largest independent record company in South Africa. He describes himself as the only person who has been involved in recording of major hit songs in nearly all genres of music in all the languages in South Africa. Phil Hollis was involved in all aspects of the Entertainment industry from production of recordings, recording company, distribution, marketing and promotion, events management, staging major events and filming.
"Sugar My Love" and "Are You Ready for Love" were produced and arranged by Attie Van Wyk. “Back in the 80's I was a songwriter for a band called Ballyhoo when I got an offer from the Dephon Record Company to join them as a music producer. So I quit the band and joined them, producing records mainly for music targeted at the black market in those days,” he says. Between 1982 and 1992, Attie Van Wyk produced over 120 albums, including many for Yvonne Chaka Chaka.

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12" | 2018 | EU | Original (Cree)

Tropical Tricks

Afro Latin Vintage Orchestra

Release: 2018 / EU – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

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We thought turning five this year would be a good reason to ask some friendly DJs and producers to go through our catalogue and select their favorite track to do an edit or remix on.
The first selection by DJ Nomad from Berlin is Barbara Hernandez' 'All Nite Tonight', written and produced by Leston Paul from Trinidad. Nomad's edit drives the song's dance floor ambition even further beyond the top. As a DJ Nomad does not necessarily put a label on his style, but always expresses love for Polyrythms, Soulful harmonies and the African drums and Percussion. He's notorious for finding fresh world music dance tracks all around the globe, before they become hits, and a massive collector of Tropical Soul, Funk and Disco.
His energetic and surprising , always fresh DJ set's earned him a residency in Paris's infamous ‚Tropical Discoteq’ Parties among the best Dj's of the genre. He is the founder of ‚Vulkandance’ Parties, Blog and Label in Berlin .. He's together with Edna Martinez cofounder of ’El Volcan’ - The first continental European Colombian Pico Soundsystem. As a Producer he's breaking ground and travelling the world together with Dirk Leyers and the transcultural Project Africaine 808, besides working as a master Editor for other artists around the globe. Keshav Singh who is part of Trinidadian/British production duo Jus Now put his hands on Trinidad's Mansa Musa's ’Beat The Drum’.
Being a percussionist in his own right he transformed the song into a housy Soca track and pure dance floor fiah! With his partner Sam Interface, he has produced soca music with EDM influence for Bunji Garlin, Machel Montano and 3Canal. Keshav commutes between Trinidad and the U.K.
The next two tracks are taken from our upcoming compilation ’Gotta Nice Buzz - The Funky Sound of Semp Studios Trinidad, W.I.’. French DJ & record collector Waxist gives Zodiac's ’I Believe’ a proper treatment. ’I Believe’, written by Francis Escayg, is an uptempo Caribbean Disco tune with a strong Giorgio Moroder influence with Denise Plummer on vocals.
Waxist, based in Lyon, France, started his love story with records as a teenager when he bought his first reggae 7 inches. If his love for Jamaican music has survived through the years, the DJ has progressively extended his interests to different, more dancefloororiented music genres like Disco, Modern Soul, Boogie or even a touch of House when needed... Being careful with the technique, as well as with the coherency of his selection, his sets are an invite to a dancing musical journey taking the audience from Disco to Modern Soul, through more Caribbean or Brazilian sounds.

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Morpheus

LP | 2017 | EU | Original (Officehome)

12" | 1980 | EU | Reissue (Jamwax)

Release: 2017 / EU – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

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After two hip-hop albums (Got To Get Down in 2016 and Impact in 2017), the unpredictable Afro Latin Vintage Orchestra comes back to its fundamentals with a new instrumental album: MORPHEUS which repositions the band in the spirit of their previous spatial, almost cosmic albums Last Odyssey (2012) and Pulsion (2015), both released on Ubiquity Records and acclaimed by spiritual and fusion jazz lovers, library music fans, as well as rare grooves diggers (ALVO’s first 4 vinyl albums now being out of stock).
Each new ALVO new release is a millesimal which evolved and learned from its predecessors. Masta Conga, who’s still leading the herd, has for main purpose to explore the musical space-time, gaining ground on never before revealed tracks, followed by his now faithful team of atypical and farseeing musicians.
Compared to Miles Davis and his On The Corner by Wax Poetics, the band dives again in this “realm of psychedelia and beyond”, in particular with the contribution of Indian musicians. Twirling around violins, superimposed patchy keyboards and effects, just as if their conductor wasn’t already sufficiently influenced by Pierre Boulez and others such as Hiroshi Murakami…
The result is however more uncluttered and loaded with multiple vibes than its predecessor Pulsion, which already carried the ceremonial characteristics of cult movie soundtracks. Tracks “Moksha”, “Air” and “Morpheus” are the perfect demonstration, and far beyond their names. Simple grooves, lunar, but terribly efficient, emphasized by a mix that puts focus on these fiddly contributions of ethnic instruments, on percussions and horns on a drip of delay, reverbs and other space-echoes.
On the other side, the very rhythmic “Descarga Uno”, “Descarga Dos” and “Super Dopamine” show that the Parisian crew hasn’t lost its good habit to look around latin, ternary, and syncopated rhythms, in the ALVO only style!
A new millésime, a Grand Cru maybe, but for sure to taste and appreciate in all weathers including space ones.

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Shadow

D'Hardest

لا إلآ إلاّ الله = La Ila I La La / Oye Mama

Release: 1980 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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After Sweet Sweet Dreams album, Jamwax is very proud to finally release D'Hardest on its original maxi 12'' format.
“D'Hardest” was recorded at K.H. studios in Trinidad in 1980 and another version/mix was released on the Wake Up album. This song is everything, thanks to Winston Bailey aka Shadow and all his team.

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Osibisa

7" | 1973 | FR | Original (Buddah Records)

LP | 2013 | UK | Reissue (Voodoo Funk)

Release: 1973 / FR – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Used Vinyl

Medium: VG+, Cover: VG+

tiny tear

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Nath & Martin Brothers

Money

John Foxx & The Belbury Circle

Release: 2013 / UK – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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The Martin Brothers are pioneers of the Nigerian Funk and Afrobeat scene. Besides many releases under their own name, as the Tabansi Studio Band they lit up innumerable recoding sessions — it's them on Pax Nicholas' Na Teef album, for example; and the same team is behind the legendary Saxon Lee & The Shadows International LP.

Money is the Martins at their deepest and heaviest — tearing, wailing, mid-seventies funk, heady with spirituality. Superbad from start to finish with no let-up.

Original copies are amongst the most sought-after of all African and funk records on the international collectors' scene. It seems there is just a tiny handful of copies at large.

The tracks were originally laid down at Ginger Baker's ARC recording studio in Lagos and later mixed down at London's Tin Pan Alley Studios. The audio restoration and remastering for this re-issue was done at Abbey Road.

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Empty Avenues

10" | 2013 | UK | Original (Ghost Box)

Release: 2013 / UK – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Ray Stephen Oche And His Mutambo

Interpretation Of The Original Rhythm

LP | 1970 | EU | Reissue (Favorite)

12" | 2009 | US | Original (Sacred Rhythm Music)

Release: 1970 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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High on everyones afro-jazz wishlist!

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Amadou & Mariam

Baara

Release: 2009 / US – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves, Electronic & Dance

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LP | 2008 | EU | Original (Oriki)

Amadou Balake

Senor eclectico

Release: 2008 / EU – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

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I Don't Have The Heart & Flicker

Tiny Habits

7" | 2024 | US | Original (Mom+Pop)

Release: 2024 / US – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

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12" | 1995 | UK | Reissue (Soundway)

Papillon

Moulongo

Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey & His Inter-Reformers Band

Release: 1995 / UK – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Ferdinand "Maréchal" Papillon was part of the makossa wave that moved from Cameroon to France and across the African diaspora in the 80s and 90s, bringing the sounds of rhythms of Douala and Yaoundé to the clubs and dancefloors of Paris. Although best known for his Sakissa style - his own uptempo take on the makossa of Cameroon - Papillon also regularly featured zouk and reggae influenced tracks on his albums, combining Caribbean and African influences into a unique sound that has stood the test of time."Moulongo" originally appeared on Papillon"s highly sought after 1995 album "Homme fort....je suis sérieux" and was recorded at Studio de la Madeleine in Paris. The Moulongo session features a who"s who of the Paris scene of the time - Aladji Touré and Toto Guillaume from Cameroon as well as Congolese guitar greats Ngoma Lokito and Nene Tchacou - and combines dancehall, zouk and makossa elements for a pan-African dancefloor sureshot.

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Eyi Yato Remixes

12" | 2024 | UK | Original (Sol Power Sound)

12" | 2024 | UK | Original (Razor-N-Tape Reserve)

Release: 2024 / UK – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves, Reggae & Dancehall

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Sol Power Sound is back in a big way with a reissue and remix EP from the legendary Nigerian Ju-Ju king, Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey. The double A-side EP features 'Eyi Yato' a tune from 1981 that captures Chief Commander and his band at their absolute funkiest, with a driving drum and bass groove, wah-wah guitar, and signature call-and-response vocals. Remixers include the legendary dub producer Mad Professor, the disco don Eddie C, and the Sol Power All-Stars themselves.

The Sol Power All-Stars keep things organic with chugging drums, heavy analog synth bass and sequences, as well as Daniel Meinecke’s additional keys and solos. The Canadian disco don Eddie C goes a little electro and a little acid with his analog bass-heavy flip. Like a good dub should, Mad Professor’s version accentuates the drum and bass groove and drenches everything in vintage sounding Mad Professor delay, reverb, and filtered dub-sauce, live and direct from his classic mixing desk. Alongside an extended edit of the original, the Eyi Yato EP is sure to find a permanent spot in DJ record bags around the world.

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Pahua

Habita

Water Get No Enemy / The Revolution Will Not Be Televised

Release: 2024 / UK – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves, Electronic & Dance

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Mexican sensation Pahua comes to Razor-N-Tape via a huge remix project featuring some of the hottest producer names in current outer-national dance music.

Remixers on this 12” includes both staples and newcomers to the RNT production stable. Label co-head JKriv turns in a late-nite bass mix of the exceedingly popular ‘Porque Yo,’ Captain Planet delivers a percussive & thumping afro-house flip to “‘Espantapajaros’, Tigerbalm brings her chugging international disco flair to ‘Pa’lante,’ Prince of Queens digs deep with a housey dub of ‘Calla,’ and Londoner Clive From Accounts takes ‘Cana Brava’ into moody nu-disco meets amapiano territory.

With a collection of remixes as prolific and solid as these, RNT opted for an expansive 12” and 7” package which features seven of the remixes across two slabs of vinyl, with gorgeous artwork that flips the moonrise eclipse motif of the original Habita album cover perfectly in a slick device that reveals a crescent moon as the record is removed from the jacket.

This package honors the essence of the original music, while flipping it in quintessential RNT club-ready fashion.

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Snips

7" | 2023 | UK | Reissue (Barbershop)

LP | 1977 | EU | Reissue (Unknownunknown)

Release: 2023 / UK – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Snips returns on Barbershop Records for a limited run of 7"s consiting of two classic remakes. Snips enlists Brazillian Yoruba artist Eduardo Brecho for a remake of Fela Kutis classic "Water Get No Enemy" on side A. An Uptempo take sung solely in Yoruba. On Side B Snips is joined by London poet Juno for a remake of a Gil Scotts clasic "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised". A Modern take on topics that seem as relevant today as they did at the time of the originals release.

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The Headquarters

Sweetie / Moshate

CD | 2010 | FR | Original (Comet)

Release: 1977 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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2 tracks taken from the "Sweetie" LP by South-African group, The Headquarters. Originally released in 1977 and very hard to come by in it's original form. The album tracks are loudly pressed on one side each in it's original length. "Real solid deep disco for the heads!"

Mastered by The Carvery.

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Tony Allen

Black Voices Revisited

Release: 2010 / FR – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Used Vinyl

Medium: Near Mint, Cover: Near Mint

12" | 2023 | UK | Original (Bacalao)

Bosq & Kaleta

Meji Meji / Sonayon

7" | 1992 | EU | Reissue (Hot Casa)

Release: 2023 / UK – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Bosq & Kaleta return for the second single off their forthcoming full length album. Uplifiting Afro Disco & Funk are the name of the game on this beautiful release with artwork by Amanda Lobos from Brasil.

It's not possible to pick an A & B side between these two quality cuts, recorded between Bosq's Medellin Studio, NYC & Cotonou, Benin (one of Kelata's hometowns).

Sonayon is a midtempo summertime Afro Disco burner that almost doesn't need a translation from it's Gun (A language native to Benin and some parts of Southern Nigeria) lyrics for you to understand that it speaks of overcoming hardship & brighter days ahead.

Meji Meji, loosely meaning something akin to "two heads are better than one" in Yoruba takes a similarly positive stance, with Kaleta singing about unity over division on a heavy Disco Funk groove with blistering horns and heavy percussion.

Both sides already getting heavy support on dancefloors worldwide.

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Lutchiana Mobulu

Eki Bis

LP | 2019 | EU | Original (Soundway)

Release: 1992 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Reissue of one of the Ultimate Soukous banger! Originally recorded in 1992 in Paris , « Eki Bis « is a party classic. The chorus « 100 % 100% » became a common expression all over the world helped by the hypnotic guitars of the maestros Diblo Dibala and Rigo Star and a smashing uptempo electro acoustic drum beat. Le Cobra de Sundama is a famous singer from Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of Congo ) who composed more than 12 albums backed by great band such as Empire Bakuba , and was considered as The voice like Kofi Olomide or Papa Wemba mixing lingala and French street expressions. After many concerts and tours allover the continent , he finally settled in Angola . The B side features a Dj / radio edit with the addition of few electro synths . Produced in Paris by the great producer Jacky Toto and now officially licensed . Remastered by The Carvery and pressed on limited 500 Deluxe vinyl copies.

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Dexter Story

Bahir

16,19 €* 17,99 € -10%

LP | 2022 | EU | Original (Egoli)

Release: 2019 / EU – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Dexter Story is an artistic spirit in the truest sense of the phrase. From his work as a multi-instrumentalist for acts like the Sa-Ra Creative Partners, to his management role with Snoop Dogg and his turn producing Daymé Arocena’s 2017 album Cubafonia, Story understands the business from every conceivable angle.
Initially inspired by the music and cultures pervasive throughout the Horn of Africa, Story translated his experiences there into his previous album Wondem, followed closely by the single Wejene Aola featuring jazz luminary Kamasi Washington, both on Soundway Records. If Wondem was a brief glance into Story’s new creative vision, Bahir is a pinpoint refinement of that purpose, the fine-tuning and expanding of the world he created on his Soundway debut.
On Bahir, Story steps in front of those influences and melds his world into the one he fell in love with so strongly while in Africa. One way in which he’s done so is by incorporating musicians from both sides of this coin. LA luminaries are featured throughout, as are African contemporaries he encountered throughout his travels. Sudan Archives gives a show-stealing vocal performance on “Gold”, while the Ethiopian producer Endeguena Mulu adds impenetrable and psychedelic texture to the album’s title track.
So Bahir finds the polymath musician not stuck between two worlds, but as a member of both. We get Ethiopian jazz tonalities, Tuareg grooves, ekista dance rhythms, Afro-funk, Somalian soul and forays into more contemporary jazz rhythms, too. Angelenos like Miguel Atwood-Ferguson and Josef Leimberg give the record its backbone, while African artists like the Ethiopian singer Hamelmal Abate give Bahir its glimmer and shine.

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Eddy De Clercq & Friends

Afrotronic

16,24 €* 24,99 € -35%

Tape | 2023 | US | Original (Sahel Sounds)

Release: 2022 / EU – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves, Electronic & Dance

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Afrotronic is the new album by legendary Dutch dance pioneer and producer Eddy de Clercq, inspired by African rhythms and atmospheres.

All songs on the Afrotronic album are influenced by music from Southern to North Africa. Largely recorded in South Africa, not only electronically but also with an instrumentation of typical African instruments played live, such as the mbira (kalimba) and traditional drums and percussion. Exotic instruments adding a fresh characteristic sound to the music, not programmed via any existing electronic soundbank.

The plaintive vocals of a muezzin on 'Ibrahim' and the melody of 'Topaz' are unmistakably North African. The funky dance track 'Miss Ghana (Afro Baby)' is sung by the Ghanaian singer Consular. Although not typically African in origin, the didgeridoo, perhaps the oldest wind instrument on earth, plays the leading role in the North African-inspired instrumental 'A Track Called Africa'.

Inspired by his travels through South Africa and his love for the African languages of that country, Eddy wrote texts that he had translated into Xhosa. 'Coral Reef' was the first song recorded with South African singers Yemu Matibe and Alungile Sixishe, supplemented with classical arrangements for cello and piano. The original English text describes the loss of coral reefs worldwide due to climate change.

Afrotronic has ultimately become an adventurous, electronic, jazzy album, in which influences can be heard from Afro-pop, Dub Step, Deep House and South African Amapiano.

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Babsy Konate

Tounga

16,99 €*

Tape | 2022 | US | Original (Awesome Tapes From Africa)

Release: 2023 / US – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Coming from the city of Gao, on the edge of the Saharan desert,Malian producer Baba `'Babsy'' Konate is one of the key figures in thedevelopment of "Gao Rap", a regional genre of modern autotunedSonghoi music.Tounga is Babsy Konate's debut mixtape, collecting a decade oftracks that merge sweet autotuned vocals, crunchy drum loops andplucked digital harpsichord, in a playful testament to 2000s PC music,with the sample packs of a modest FruityLoops project. The result isfamiliar yet otherworldly, drawing from an abundance of distinctcultural expression: folkloric takamba from the Songhai, Hausa filmsoundtracks from Northern Nigeria, Hip Hop from Bamako andRagga from Niamey.

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Dur-Dur Band

Volume 5

16,99 €*

12" | 1989 | EU | Reissue (Chineurs De House)

Release: 2022 / US – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Dur-Dur Band emerged in the 1980s, during a time when Somalia's contribution to the creative culture in the Horn of Africa was visible and abundant. Seeking inspiration outside the impressive array of Somali traditional music that was encouraged at the time, everyone from Michael Jackson and Phil Collins to Bob Marley and Santana were fair game. This recording, which was remastered from a cassette copy source, is a document of Dur-Dur Band after establishing itself as one of the most popular bands in Mogadishu. The challenge of locating a complete long-player from this era is evidenced bythe fidelity of this recording. However, the complex, soulful music penetrates the hiss. In a country that has been disrupted by civil war, heated clan divisions and security concerns, music and the arts has suffered from stagnation in recent years. Incidentally, more than ten years after Volume 5 (1987) was recorded at Radio Mogadishu, the state-run broadcaster was the only station in Somalia to resist the ban on music briefly enacted by Al-Shabab. Dur-Dur Band is a powerful and illustrative lens through which to appreciate the incredible sounds in Somalia before the country's stability took a turn.

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Amedee O Suriam

Tension Hot-Shot

16,99 €*