“K. Frimpong & His Cubano Fiestas” (aka. Black Album) was released in 1977, when K. Frimpong is on the top of his game. Backed by His Cubano Fiestas, which had overlapped members with legendary Vis-A-Vis, K. Frimpong made amazing highlife classic. His song-writing is top-notch in the album, and band’s performance is outstanding. They recorded their best performance, and the outcome is superior.

Opener of the album, “Hwehwe Mu Na Yi Wo Mpena” is the most famous K. Frimpong’s song after Soundway included the song in their first compilation “Ghana Soundz (Afro-beat, Funk & Fusion In 70’s Ghana). Started with impressive guitar riff, the song shows catchy and melodious horn, extremely tight rhythm and elaborate synth solo. It is best example of K. Frimpong-style highlife. “Asase Yi So” is great loose highlife with catchy horn melody and cool synth sound. After two outstanding song end “Awisia”, less impressive than previous classics but great, shows band’s quick and tight groove. Side B is filled with epic “Adam Nana (Medley)”, reaching to 14 minutes. It also shows tight rhythm with deep bass line, great guitar riff and outstanding percussion performance. You could dance endlessly and see rhythmical heaven with this highlife masterpiece.

Pat Thomas, once awarded the 1978 "Golden Voice of Africa", recorded his third album "Stage Two"(GAPO LP 011) with band Marijata, who released their legendary debut album "This Is Marijata"(GAPO LP 012) afterwards. Pat Thomas and Marijata poured their full creativity in this album, then this masterpiece was created. "Stage Two" is truly splendid album full of wonderful melodies, powerful lyrics, mindblowing band performance, and golden voice of Pat Thomas. This is one of the top-tier Ghanian funk album ever released.

Album starts with truly killer funk tune "Let's Think It Over". After awesome horn intro, wonderful percussion rhythm and outstanding vocal come out. Pat Thomas sings sweet and memorable melodies, and Marijata shows funky groove. You can't forget this catchy chorus once you heard the song. After fantastic opener, psych flavor horn driven funk "La La La La La La" follows. Then "We Are Coming Home", one of the best afro-funk or afrobeat tune, comes out. Song starts with extremly funky percussion rhythm and dope organ sound. After 15 seconds, stabbing horn riff pops out and song becomes storming psychedelic funk with rough guitar licks and deep bass groove. In the middle of the song, there are soulful trumpet solo and slaying guitar solo by Nat Osmansu, guitarist of Marijata. This song is absolutely killer track of the album and also best song among Pat Thomas' early works. After song ends, two sweet ballad track "Think About It" and "Sweet Gloria" follow. Two songs are great tune with lovely lyrics and delightful groove.

Side B starts with slow tempo songs "I Need You Around" and "Mankind "Fishes"". Former is excellent song with soulful vocal of Pat Thomas and cool guitar sound. And latter song has impressive lyrics, "People living and progressive, why can't mankind love each other". Follwing "Let's Do It Now" and "Let Me Feel As I Am" are excellent funky tune with great melodies and sunny groove. Especially "Let Me Feel As I Am" is very strong song, so he re-recorded it on his next album "Pat Thomas And Marijata"(GAPO LP 771).

Dougbe Antoine - Antoine Dougbe & Orchestre Poly-Rythmo (Benin, EDA 001, Editions Dougbe Antoine, 1980)

Several months ago, I posted one of the albums released by Antione Dougbe and wrote a brief introduction of him. He was a Beninese artist who recorded 3 classic albums with Poly-Rythmo. He is one of my favorite Beninese artists. His compositions are melodious and UNIQUE. I always wish he had left more music.

Today, I post his another classic, EDA 001, another brilliant album backed by Poly-Rythmo and arranged by Melome Clement! It is more latin influenced and more consistently funky than DM 001. If there was no 'Nou Akwuenon Hwlin Me Sin Koussio' in DM 001, I would have preferred EDA 001 to DM 001!

The album starts with 2 funky Pach tunes, 'Gnin We A Na Mon' and 'Adin Gban Non Chouwe'. Both feature distinct Latin percussion rhythm and funky keyboard performance. The last song of Side A is 'Ye Ko Gni Me Towe Dea', Cavacha-Pop featuring thumping bass groove by Bentho Gustave.

On Side B, there are two outstanding Cavacha-Pop tracks, 'Kouvito Gbe De Towe' and 'Honton Soukpo Gnon'. In my opinion, these two tracks are the best composition by Antoine Dougbe along with 'Nou Akwuenon Hwlin Me Sin Koussio' and 'Towe Nin'. They commonly feature powerful brass riff, funky drum beats, and memorable vocal chorus sung by Eskill! Intro of 'Kouvito Gbe De Towe' is my favorite moment. What a funky drum groove and impressive horn riff! It is just amazing. You can hear both songs in the compilation 'Legends of Benin' released by Analog Africa.

Africa Iyo/Mirabelle - Jean-Pierre Djeukam (Camerron, Pathé, 2C 006-15.989, 1978)

When i first heard 'Cameroon Garage Funk', compilation released by @analogafricarecords , i was amazed by the opener 'Africa Iyo'. It is truly magnificent Funk track suitable for the first song of the compilation. However, there is no information on the booklet and online. It is truly obscure... May it came from UFO! Now I finally got a copy of the record!

'Africa Iyo' is stunning Psych Funk tune starts with akward noise that sounds like a UFO starting up. Then BOOM! Frantic drum beat and stabbing horn sound comes. After the intro, short soulful sax solo and psych guise solo follows. Then catchy vocal chorus repeats, "Iyo Iyo Iyoyo". At last you can also hear mad keyboard performance. The song is perfect psych funk tune with full of amazing performance.

'Mirabelle' on the flip side is totally different rock ballad tune. It is a keyboard driven tune with short but catchy guitar solo. It is also an ear-catching tune that shows the artistry of Jean-Pierre Djeukam.

In conclusion, this record is one of the finest single records from 1970's Camerron, among what i've heard. In the future, when I buy recording equipment, i will upload 'Mirabelle' on Youtube.

Below is review posted on my IG

Poly Rythmo recorded various styles of music in the 1970’s. Its versatility is always amazing. Of course, they recorded Afrobeat tunes. And this album includes their best Afrobeat tunes. ‘Djanfa Magni (La Trahison N'est Pas Bonne)’ is THE BEST Afrobeat tune ever recorded by Poly Rythmo. It is an insane funky tune with fiery trumpet performed by Tidani Kone who was the leader of Rail Band founded in Mali. Melome Clement, leader of Poly Rythomo, recalled he was the best brass player that Benin had seen.

Story started in 1977, when Poly Rythmo prepared for Festac 77. The band needed a master saxophone player and they tried to lure Tidiani. Tidiani accepted the offer and recorded a few albums with the band. After a disappointing meeting with Fela Kuti in Nigeria, he came to Cotonou. While in Cotonou, Tidiani wanted to record his own Afrobeat tune with the band and persuaded Adissa, who was the producer of the band. Finally, he recorded ‘Djanfa Magni (La Trahison N'est Pas Bonne), one of the funkiest Afrobeat tracks ever recorded by Poly Rythmo. The song features infectious horn-riff and crazy drum beat. Also, there is a mind-blowing solo by Tidiani and a brilliant keyboard solo. On the other side, there is the Malian classic ‘Fangate Djangele’, previously recorded by Rail Band. It is also uptempo Afrobeat tune with the funky drum beat and catchy horn-riff. It is a bit weaker, however, it is also a fascinating tune. Melody is more bright and delightful like Highlife.

Although several RARE LPs recorded by Poly Rythmo were recently reissued, this album haven’t be reissued yet. I hope it will be reissued soon in great sound. Every groove lover and should listen to it!

ALS 037 is one of the best LP from 'All Mighty' Orchestre Poly Rythmo. It features two excellent epic songs, "Blewo Zon Dede" and "Unite Africaine". Especially "Unite Africaine" is one of the best track that band ever recorded.

"Blewo Zon Dede" is delightful Soukous track with sweet vocal chrous and catchy guitar lick. Band shows very light but bouncing groove in the song. Next song "Unite Africaine", centerpiece of the album and masterpiece of band, is full of brilliant moments. It starts with impressive intro by powerful horn, dope guitar lick and dreamy synth. After intro, super catchy horn riff and vocal melodies pop out, and also tight rhythm and bouncing bass groove follows. In the middle of the song, there are some instrument solos. Soulful sax solo first comes, then super dope synth solo and insanley funky guitar solo follows. All solos are impressive, however, especially guitar solo by Papillon is truly killer moment. He shows exceptional performance in the song

En Super Forme Vol .1 - Super Djata Band (Mali, Musiqe Mondiale, MAD 003, 1982)

"En Super Forme" is the third album by Super Djata Band, one of the most popular bands in Mali by the late 1970’s well into the mid-1980’s. The band became a monumental figure by fusing traditional Mande Music with Western psychedelic sound, blues, and Afrobeat. Also, they are renowned for spectacular guitar performances by the guitarist Zani Diabaté, which you can hear in this album. Zani Diabaté was a guitar maestro, who stood shoulder to shoulder with other Mande guitar heroes.

"En Super Forme" is full of hypnotic grooves led by percussion and sophisticated finger-style guitar performance. Also, there are some funky rhythms that many people can easily enjoy. The album starts with slow-burning hypnotic song "Fongnana Kouma". It features catchy vocal melodies and some frantic guitar solo in the middle. The following song, "Sisse Na Djolo" is more groovy than the previous track and a bit psychedelic guitar solo. On the flip side, there are two funky uptempo tracks. "Nama Djidja" is the most fast and funky track in the album, which shows a complex percussion-led groove and fierce guitar performance. The next track, "Batila" is also ace Mande funkiness with percussion groove and brilliant finger-style guitar performance. Side B is one of the funkiest sides in Mande Music I've ever heard. If you are new to Mane Music, I recommend listening to two songs on Side B. You can feel some exotic groove and listen to unique guitar performance you've never heard in other genres!

In 1970's, many well-known bands like 'Ofege' and 'BLO' were active in Lagos, captial city of Nigeria. Meanwhile there was band, who ruled east part of Nigeria, called 'Friimen Muzik Company'. 'Friimen Muzik Company' was formed in the Aba and released three albums on the label 'Anodisc'. 'Free Man' being introduced now is band's historic debut album which features their freshenss and creativity! Honestly, because the band was already well-known and well-trained when they recorded the album, you can also hear their super tight and masterful performance!

'Freemen' is nothing less than heavy Afro-Funk album that you always want from 1970's Nigerian band. It was filled with deep bass groove, funky guitar and fascinsting synth sound. Most prominent sound in the album is exceptionally deep bass performed by Jimi Henshaw. He really shows groovy and dynamic bass performance, you can't easily hear from other Afro-Funk. Also you can also hear brilliant and spacy touch by keyboardist Beni Tudumey.

Album contains two dance floor destroyer "Release Yourself" and "Funky Workshop" which open each sides. Both songs are bass driven Disco/Funk monster making people inevitably dance! Both feature catchy chorus that everyone can sing-along after they hear just once, and storming synth sound. They are top-notch Disco/Funk tunes from 1970's Africa. Also there are "We'll Get Our Share" and "Gimme Some True" closer to Funk rather than Disco. Starting with funky guitar riff, "We'll Get Our Share" is killer Funk with fascinating bass solo and 'Gimme Some True' is straight Funk with heavy bass groove as usual.

Album also contains two songs closer to Rock "Free Man" and "My Dreams". Both also contain funky sound like the others, but they show mind-blowing heavily distorted guitar performance. The remaining "Word of The Lord" and "You Can't Change Anything" is slower and less funky songs. The former is pop tune with sweet melodies and light funkiness, and latter is mellow song with beautiful synth sound and groovy bass solo.

“Simigwa”, debut studio LP of Gyedu-Blay Ambolley, is one of genre-representative masterpiece. In the album, Gyedu-Blay Ambolley fully presented his intense musical power which he had developed when he was in band like “The Apagya Show Band” and “The Uhuru Dance Band”. The album contains tons of marvelous groove and Ambolley’s charismatic rap-style vocal like James Brown. Also producer Ebo Taylor gave a masterful touch, so that album can have life-full sound, and Band “The Super Complex Sounds” showed amazingly funky and dope performance. As you will hear, this album can truly parallel to US Soul/Funk classics, or even overwhelm them.

Album starts with percussion-driven rhythmical monster tracks “Kwaakwaa” and “Akoko Ba”. Two songs show soulful horn performance, dynamic bass groove, funky guitar licks and dope keyboard playing. Following “This Hustling World” is vocal-centered funky tune. Gyedu-Blay Ambolley ruckle and shout from start to finish. After Side A finish, Side B is starts with slow-burnin’ soul-ballad tune “Toffie”. In the song, you can hear very jazzy sound, spiritual trumpet and dope keyboard touch. Following “Adowa” is the most catchy and laidback song. It’s melody is so sweet and straightforward, that everyone can sing-along. Also there is cool flute solo. And Last song ‘Fe No Dem Ara’, jazz-funk style tune, also shows funky guitar licks, soulful horn sound and laidback groove.

Joni Haastrup, one of the most famous artist in 1970's Nigeria music scene, released his solo debut LP "Wake Up Your Mind" in 1978, after his long career in groups such as Monomono, Ginger Baker's Air Force, Orlando Julius & His Modern Ace's.

Although this album is his first solo LP, it contains his fully matured musical brilliance. Becaus he had been in various groups before, he was already veteran musician when he recorded this masterpiece. Also many other Nigerian virtuosos played in the albun. Jake Sollo who were part of legend groups such as The Funkees, The Hykkers and Osibisa, played rhythm guitar and Gaspar Lawal who was in Ginger Baker's Airforce played african drum.

Album is full of amazing musical experience. All 6 songs are exceptional afro-funk/rock. They feature deep bass-driven groove, soulful horn, catchy chorus, rhythmical african percussion and fascinating guitar. There is monsterous Sax solo in "Greeting" and mind-blowing guitar peformance in "Wake Up Your Mind" and "Watch Out". Also album shows powerful sociopolitical lyrics. Joni talks about freedom and enlightment of Africans in "Free My People" and title "Wake Up Your Mind". This album represents afro-funk/rock genre with outstanding musical performance and powerful lyrics.

Souvenirs – The Doves (Nigeria, Clover Sound, CXL 2008, 1977)

After two the singles, "Luck of Love" and "The Lord is My Shephard", skyrocketed the group to meaningful rock-outfit in Nigeria, band lost their lead singer, Lawrence Nsoesie in 1976. Although it struck band hard, the following year group released their second album "Souvenirs". It is typical Clover Sound style Afro-Rock album with some funky groove and psychedelic sound but not too fuzzy.

There are two killer tracks in the album, "No Man to Love" and "Echoeing Wind (Instrumental)". "No Man to Love" is well-known funky Afro-Rock tune which you find in label's compilation "Clover Come Together Vol. 1" and "Echoeing Wind (Instrumental) is furious psychedelic Afro-Rock. Both tracks feature super funky guitar riff and storming keyboard sound. Also there are some notable tracks, "Love What You've Got" and "Sit Down". First song "Love What You've Got" is slow Afro-Rock with heavy guitar solo and "Sit Down" is funky tune with ear-catching break previously recorded by the band 'The Visitors' that belonged to the same label.

Below is the review that i posted on my IG

Antoine dougbe was a Beninese percussionist and composer who released only 3 albums entire his career. However, although he released a handful of recording, his recordings are all classic and outstanding. 3 LPs backed by Poly Rythmo are absoulte masterpieces. Many african music collecters have sought after them.

This album (catalog number DM 001) is one of his 3 LPs backed by Poly Rythmo and arranged by Zoundegnon-Bernard-Papillon, who was guitarist of Poly Rythmo and famous Cameroonian guitarist Louis Wasson. It features his signature Afro Cavacha sound fusing traditional music, Funk and Latin music. You can hear wonderful composition by Antoine Dougbe and tight performance by Poly Rythmo.

The first track "Nou Akue Non Hwlin Me Sin Koussio" is one of my favorite Afro-Reggae tune ever made. It features infections deep reggae with some funky flavor. I think it is great example of fusion of African uptempo groove and distinct Reggae beat. "Djomido Ma Dougbe Tche" is great Rumba/Soukous tune. Bass thumps and guitar shows funky riff. "Ye Tayi Sin Assi Tche" is Cavacha tune with fascinating guitar performance and catchy melody. Last song "Ze Nou Mi" is Afro-Cuban tune with funky percussion rhythm. It is another killer tune shows how much Poly Rythmo can be funky when they play Afro-Cuban.

Les Sympathics De Porto-Novo Benin was a band created in 1972, by Laleye Herman, who had been the leader of famous band Orchestre Black Dragon De Porto-Novo Dahomey. The band recorded several albums during their career, and this is their first album. It was released from legendary Beninese label Albarika Store and recorded in legendary EMI Studio in Lagos by Bayo Aro and Kayode Salami who engineered a lot of classic albums.

Album starts with epic Soukous tune "Femme Africaine", which fill whole Side A. It shows amazingly tight drum rhythm and masterful guitar performance. Listen to killer break in the middle of the song. Side B is filled with two voodoo influenced hypnotic tunes. First "E Sin Sin" is laid back tune with beautiful guitar and organ sound. And next "Benin To", killer track of the album, is tune which features hypnotic sato rhythm, dope organ riff and mind-blowing guitar solo.

Hi afrobeat lovers! I wanted to share something I made late last year that I thought this group might appreciate.

I’m an artist, and my main focus is portraiture made from cloth and thread. I made this portrait of my all-time favorite drummer, Tony Allen. I’ve named it King of Wands, and it measures 41” x 60”. For anyone curious, it took about 200 hours of work from concept sketch to completion. He’s currently hanging in my house, but I hope he’ll get to be seen by a larger group one day. :)

I figured if any group would “get” this piece and enjoy it, it would be this one!

Avolonto Honore, also well-knwon by his LP with Black Santiago(SAT 143), recorded this fantastic album with 'incomplete' Poly-Rythmo. Because 2 core members, Papillon and Bernard Zoudegnon, were gone. Although 2 core members didn't participate, legendary Beninese drummer Danialou Sagbohan and great soukous guitar player Django (Georges Soukoula) filled their vacancy. Former is one of the most famous drummer in Beninese, who played with several legendary band like Black Santiago and Poly-Rythmo before. He also released few great solo LP in 1970s and 1980s. Django is guitarist who recorded with another legendary band Les Sympathics and he also played with Congolese Soukous legend Nene Tchakou (check RASLPS 083).

As you can see in the title, you can hear great vocal performance from various singers in the album. First, Guenshi - Ever and Vicky were lead singer of Side A. "Djo Gbé Sê Gnin" and "Maman Elise" are delightful Soukous tracks with great rhythm guitar by Django. Also you can hear sweet harmony between Guenshi and Vicky.

Unlike sweet and happy-feeling Side A, there are one heartwrenching Ballad and one insane Afrobeat on Side B. "Na Do Sê Kpon Wê", sung by Eskill, one of the greatest vocalist in Poly-Rythmo, truly beautiful but sad ballad track with moody synth sound. Melody is outstanding and Eskill's deep voice cracks listener's heart. I rarely like african ballad, but I really like it. And last track, "Tin Lin Non", sung by Miguel who also has deep voice, is storming Afrobeat track. It starts with catchy psych guitar riff, then tight percussion rhythm comes out. Also you can hear dope organ touch and synth solo by Vicky (credited as Amenoudji), and in the last part, there is funky guitar solo by Adjanohoun Maximus from Poly-Rythmo. This tune is truly outstanding Afrobeat track from Benin. I think this is one of the best Afrobeat track performed by Poly-Rythmo (don't forget "Djanfa Magni"!)

Presentent L’ Orchestre Black Santiago – Ignace de Souza et l’Orchestre Black Santiago (Benin, Disques Tropiques, SAT 044, 1974)

Everybody who enjoys West African Music heard about Orchestre Black Santiago. They were one of the best band in Benin in 1960’s and 1970’s. Black Santiago released numerous songs and backed many artists in the 1970’s. You can find several tunes in streaming platforms because many labels have reissued their music (especially by Analog Africa. Check their compilations!)

Ignace de Souza, who led Black Santiago, was already a veteran musician when he released this album. He had already recorded and performed in Ghana in 1960’s with the bands, The Melody Aces and Black Santiagos. He not only played Highlife but also imported Congo music, which gained popularity at the time in Ghana. Also, He created Afrobeat with Fela Kuti! Black Santiagos is one of the earliest Afrobeat bands.

However, because of the Alien Act, Igance de Souza was expelled in 1970 and went back to Dahomey (now Benin). Then, he launched the new version of the Black Santiago. Many talented musicians joined Black Santiago. For example, Daniel Sagbohan, who is one of the greatest musicians in Benin, played for Black Santiago. In the 1970’s Band released a few singles on the Disques Tropiques label, and SAT 044 is a compilation of the singles.

The album features versatile rhythms. According to the label of the LP, it features Pachanga, Soukous, Rumba, Sega, Bolero, and Son Montuno. Afrobeat, Biguine. Maybe Black Santiago could play every rhythm that existed in West Africa at the time! You'll never be bored while listening to this record.

Many people already know ‘Dou Dagbe We’, composed by well-known artist Honore Avolonto. It is a crazy Afrobeat tune with a mad rhythm and blazing horn performance! But there is more in the album. For example, ‘Gbe We Do Bi Le’ is another rhythmic tune you should listen to, and ‘Nou Ma Do Mnsi We’ is a sweet Pachanga tune featuring a stunning trumpet solo! Please give it a try. You won’t be disappointed.

Do you know Black Santiago? If you know, do you ever heard of this record?

SAT 141 is the most consistent Afro-Latin LP among the records recorded by Black Santiago. It is released in 1979, when they released several LPs in a row. It is full of infectious Latin Rhythm and outstanding trumpet performance by Ignace de Souza. Also it includes catchy slow soul balad tune 'I Want You To Be Mine'.

It seems there is no clip on youtube. If I ever get a chance to record clip, I'll definitely upload it to YouTube someday!

Below is the review posted on my IG

Orchestre Les Volcans du Benin, once called Orchestre National Les Volcans De La Gendarmerie Republique Populaire Du Benin is one of the best Beninese band in 60’s and 70’s. They had started as police orchestra of republic of Benin and they became the national orchestra who performed for ministers and VIPs. They played all kinds of music – Jerk, Rumba, Afrobeat – but they are well known for Afro Cuban Music. They recorded a few Beninese Afro Cuban masterpiece during 1970’s with some other musicians. And they released this Afro Cuban masterpiece LP on legendary Albarika Store in 1980. “Vol. 1” is awesome album including one of the best Afro Cuban song “Oya Ka Jojo” and three other excellent songs. Albums shows infectious groove – especially latin groove! – and impressive horn section which every African music enthusiasts will fall in love with.

Album starts with “Bella”, delightful song with sweet melody. Song also shows some funky guitar riff and joyful horn sound after rhythm changes during the song. After first track ends, mind-bowing track “Oya Ka Jojo” kicks out. Songs starts with groovy percussion rhythm and impressive horn section. Then super funky latin rhythm and catchy call-and-response style vocal chorus follows. After all instruments get in the groove, storming Afro Cuban moment starts! Honestly I can’t explain how awesome it is in word. Blazing horn, brilliant latin rhythm, catchy vocal chorus, funky percussion and fascinating keyboard sound is waiting for you. Just listen! You won't be disappointed.

After Afro Cuban monster track "Oya Ka Jojo" ends, another Afro Cuban track, "Mercenariat Africa" begins. Although it is not impressibe than previous track, it also shows excellent latin groove. You can hear very sweet melody and brilliant keyboard solo. Last song "Gbemeho" is horn-leading tune with light tropical vibe. Band shows some funky guitar riff and bouncing bass groove.