Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
I’ve had a few mix ideas swirling around in my head the past few months, and for whatever reason this one came to fruition the quickest. In keeping with my interest in African music, this mix is dedicated to the “deeper” side of things. The term “deep” is a bit of an ambiguous term, but in my mind it can be used to describe music that possesses soul and spirit. It can have personal significance, not necessarily religious but sometimes so. In selecting tracks for this mix I choose songs that felt like they could be classified this way, staying away from things that were overtly funky or clearly had outside influences. Most importantly, none of these songs are sung in English. I realize that they could be singing about any damn thing, but hearing songs sung in one’s native tongue automatically gives it a “deep” quality, at least to my ears.
A pretty eclectic selection here. I know a bunch of these tracks are available on other mixes or comps, but there are definitely a handful that, as far as I know, are unavailable anywhere else. I had trouble culling the selection down, so you’ll find that this mix is a bit longer than usual. But if you’re into this sort of stuff that shouldn’t be a problem. This mix is 100% recorded form original vinyl, so pardon the crackle and enjoy!
Tracklisting
01. Cissé Abdoulaye – Jeunesse Wilila
from “Djo” b/w “Jeunesse Wilila” (Disques CVD, 1977)
02. Sandwidi Pierre – Yamb Ne Y Capitale
from “Mam Ti Fou” b/w “Yamb Ne Y Capitale” (Disques CVD, 1977)
03. Sir Victor Uwaifo – Omoseruwa
from Ekassa (Philips, 1972)
04. Sextet Camayenne – Bâra
from “Bâra” b/w “Kanimba” (Editions Syliphone Conakry, 1974)
05. El Rego Et Ses Commandos De Cotonou – Do Do Baya
from “Djobime” b/w “Do Do Baya” (African Songs LTD, 197?)
06. Uppers Chapter Two – Samari Bolga
from “Walahi Talahi” b/w “Samari Bolga” (Polydor, 1976)
07. Uppers International – Dankasa
from “Dankasa” b/w “Neriba Lanchina” (Polydor, 1976)
08. Orchestre Poly Rythmo De Cotonou – Houe Towe Houn
from “Kou Nawo” b/w “Houe Towe Houn” (Albarika Store, 197?)
09. Nyame Bekyere – Broken Heart-Aunty Yaa-Omo Yaba
from Broken Heart (Essiebons, 197?)
10. Orchestre Anassoua Jazz De Parakou Dahomey – Norou
from “Norou” b/w “Saka Ne He” (Albarika Store, 197?)
11. Orchestre Les As du Benin – Baba Na Ayele
from Tropicana Souvenir (Philips, 1973)
12. Pedro Gnonnas Et Ses Panchos – Okpo Videa Bassouo
from “N’gbahanouo” b/w “Okpo Videa Bassouo” (Disques Tropiques, 197?)
13. Andy Vans – Dofo Nyi Ekyir
from Come Closer (Polydor, 1975)
14. Vis-A-Vis – Kankyema Ntoaso Ne Awadee
from Obi Agye Me Dofo (Makossa, 1977)
15. K Frimpong – Aboagyewaa
from K Frimpong Backed by Vis-A-Vis (Ofo Bros, 1978)
16. Cross River Nationale – Nyong Eyen Unen
from Self Titled (Anodisc, 1977)
17. Alex Konadu – W’awu Da Ho No
from Asaase Asa (Makossa, 1979)
18. Mamo Lagbema – Sind N’Bassa
from “Sind N’Bassa” b/w “Incomparable Maman” (Disques CVD, 197?)
19. Orchestre Les Volcans de Porto-Novo – Salou
from “Salou” b/w “Seda Nou Mindé” (Palais Du Disque, 197?)
20. Leon Keita – L’amour Ne S’achete Pas
from Self Titled (Papa Disco, 197?)
21. Edzayawa – Obuebee
from Projection One (EMI, 1973)
22. Orchestre National Les Volcans de la Gendarmerie Republique Populaire du Benin – La Benin Socialiste
from Self Titled (Les Volcans, 1976)
{ 2 comments }
