Can't wait to hear this new release from Buda Musique. In the meantime I've been playing Quantic's latest excursion into tropical sounds - Tradition in Transition - alongside the new Black Rio 2 compilation and Stern's magnificent Keletigui Et Ses Tambourine. Very soon I will have a whole lot more news with some exciting developments for African jazz fans.
Sore lips and plenty of noise. Bafana Bafana holding Brazil til the dying minutes (0-1). Then almost taking Spain in the playoff for 3rd place (2-3).
A vuvuzela, sometimes called a "lepatata" (its Setswana name) or a stadium horn, is a blowing horn, approximately one metre in length, commonly blown by fans at football matches in South Africa. The origin of the name is disputed. It may originate from the Zulu for "making noise," from the "vuvu" sound it makes, or from township slang related to the word for "shower.[WIKIpedia]
I'm headed South this Tuesday and midst my day-job, catching up with friends and family and some record digging I've also managed to score tickets (thanks Hilton!) to see Bafana Banfana play in the semi-finals of the Confederation Cup this Thursday in Jo'burg. It seems like a stroke of good timing and good fortune.
Here's a real treat for South African jazz fans. Tete Mbambisa and Duku Makasi in this 1969 studio recording. Very rarely seen on eBay and mostly only gathering dust on collectors shelves. Enjoy!
It's hardly news anymore that Cape musicians are the best in the Republic of South Africa. It goes without saying that they are still the originals from who almost every group draws more inspiriation. Still it may help silence the jazz diehards who have been doing the 'Cape artists are not that great bit' all year. In this disc they have come out with a very impresive package that will knock you out. The title tune Inhlupheko (Distress) a ditty that wraps around you with infiinite sadness was born at the 'Blue Berry', home of iimpressario Ray Nkwe and Soweto's jazz workshop where entertainers meet to share ideas and knock tunes into shape. It happened during the festive season in 1968. Four gawky figures, their limbs ached and their faces were masks of dejection. They were from Port Elizabeth and had come to the Golden City to perform at shows. The concerts were financial flops and the four musicians were left stranded. When they finally reached the Blue Berry their lonely desperation flooded into Rays heart and he fed the four hungry men. With their tummies full the four jazzmen controbuted towards a drink work fifty cents and it gurgled happily down their throats.They picked up their instruments and started to blow. They blew into the night and temporarily forgot their distress. Thats how Inhupeko was born. The composer of the song, Duku Makasi has been called the new tenor-sax voice of 1969 and this recording proves he is also the sound of '69. He has that hard core of progressive jazz and tears up with a fine rhythm backing of Tete Mbambisa on piano, drummer Mafufu Jama and the thudding bass of "Big T"Ntshele. The other tunes on this LP record illustrates the group's fine voice. And the musical mind behind the success story of the Soul Jazzmen is Duku Makasi. Just one more treat for jazz fans. (From the original liner notes)
THE SOUL JAZZMEN - INHLUPEKO (City Special, CYL1000, 1969)
1. Inhlupeko
2. Relaxin'
3. Mr Mecca
4. How Old is the World
5. Love For Sale
6. Dollar the Great
The Soul Jazzmen: Tete Mbambisa (Piano), Duku Makasi (Tenor Sax), Psch "Big T" Ntsele (Bass) and Mafufu Jama (Drums)
Recorded 6th January 1969. Produced by Ray Nkwe. Cover photos by Alf Khumalo
LINK
I've been away for a week taking in the sights, sounds and hotel interiors of Washington DC. 3000 plus buyers and sellers from telecommunications companies around the world gather at the International Telecoms Week for three days of meeting madness. I had a day off on Sunday when I walked to the White House and past the various monuments and museums before taking myself off to Som Music and Red Onion Records to look for vinyl artifacts. I picked up the Ofege reissue as well as an early Hugh Masekela, Miriam Makeba and a Sipho Mabuse LP. Pretty slim pickings but it was a nice way to pass the day midst the strong sunshine.
In the meantime and between time I've been gathering some of the stronger tunes from new music issues over the last couple of months and I've put them into the following podcast which I hope you enjoy. The link for a direct download is at the bottom or you can subscribe into itunes by using the button on the left. I'm also listed in the iTunes store at this address: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=317148269
Update (Sunday 7 June: Apologies for the audio quality on the podcasts but I don't have a lot of bandwidth to burn. Instead I will be providing a higher quality file (160kbps VBR or thereabouts) as a direct download.
GEMINI RADAR
1. Secret Agent - Tony Allen
2. Live From Tigre Lounge - Mulatu Astatke and the Heliocentrics
3. Invisible Cities - NOMO
4. floating orange - Jimi Tenor & Kabu Kabu
5. Gimakiny Akia - Extra golden
6. Kamu Telyat - Group Bombino
7. The Fall Of Seven Diamonds Plus One - Tortoise
8. Diaraby Magni - Vieux Farka Touré
9. Happy Tibetan Girl - Jah Wobble and the Chinese Dub Orchestra
10. Neh Yelginete (My First Love) - Dub Colossus
11. Je t'aime - Staff Benda Bilili
12. Lima-Paris - RadioKijada
13. Maybe So, Maybe No - Mayer Hawthorne
14. Protect Ya Neck - El Michels Affair
15. T.I.A - K'naan
D/L LINK (173kbps VBR)
I spent some time on the www.matsulimusic.com website adding in a discographies section (Malombo, Batsumi and As-shams label so far). I've enabled comments in a blog style so please all your snippets and stories please. You'll also see a jukebox section where I put all the relevant podcasts from the podomatic site. Unfortunately my podcasts have been too popular and I ran out of bandwidth over there which is why I'm testing them via the DOT COM site. You can subscribe via the following RSS link or by clicking on the button on the sidebar at left.
This morning I received the publicity flier for Samba Mapangala's upcoming live shows (see below). By co-incidence I was looking for some of his early material with Les Kinois following a discussion with Stefan at World Service. After some trawling through the digital archives I came across two albums both of which were passed on to me from a visitor to the Melodica Record Store in Nairobi. The album I'm sharing with you today was labelled Malako Disco Original and despite the annoying crowd applause tacked on contains some of the songs that would make their way onto Samba Mapangala's break-through LP from 1982 "Its Disco-Time". Check this post for the history of that record.
Background from myspace/sambamapangala :
Born in Matadi, Congo, Samba Mapangala moved to Kinshasa in the early 1970s, to pursue his secondary education. Inspired by legendary Congolese vocalists Tabu Ley Rochereau and Soki Dianzenza, it was there that Samba began his singing career.
Samba’s early years included stints in the groups Bariza, Super Bella Bella and Super Tukina. It was while touring in Eastern Congo in 1975 that Samba and other musicians separated from Bikassy Bijos’ Orchestra Saka Saka. Recruited by a Ugandan promoter, Samba and his comrades set up camp in Kampala. There, they formed Les Kinois, with Samba as lead vocalist. In 1977, Les Kinois shifted their base to Nairobi, where they made their first recordings on 7” vinyl with Melodica Records. Hits like the original Malako, Sunday, Christmas and Sigana Mar Anyango rang out over the airwaves.
Les Kinois gave way to Orchestra Virunga in 1981, with Samba as bandleader and lead vocalist. 1982 saw the release of the “Disco Time” LP, which included Malako Disco, Virunga and other hits. Released internationally as “Virunga Volcano”, this album has been recognized in “World Music: 100 Essential CDs” by Simon Broughton.
Malako Disco Original - Samba Mapangala & Orchestre Les Kinois (Melodica CDr)
1. Malako
2. Mwana Mboka
3. Christmas
4. Sunday
5. Mpenzi Rudi
6. Safari
pw=samba
Samba Mapangala & Virunga Live on Tour 2009:
June 20: Kennedy Center, Washington DC, UN World Refugee Day 6 p.m.
July 9: Kimmel Center, Philadelphia, PA
July 10: Midsummer Night Swing, Lincoln Center, NYC
July 11: Nyati Lounge, 543 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr., Jersey City, NJ
August: European tour, details to be announced
October 9-10: Richmond Folk Festival, Richmond VA
The Sofrito crew have put together a very special evening of Afro Funk at the Empowering Church in Dalston on Saturday 23rd May! So far the line includes:
KARL HECTOR AND THE MALCOUNS (LIVE)
NOSTALGIA 77/THE SKELETON (LIVE)
SOFRITO COMBO
HUGO MENDEZ & FRANKIE FRANCIS
PLUS GUESTS
MILES CLERET (SOUNDWAY)
THE MIGHTY CRIME MINISTER
HOSTED BY
MC KWASI
9:30 TIL VERY LATE – FIRST BAND ON AT 10:30
Karl Hector and the Malcouns have been described as “Afrodelic Kraut Funk from the minds behind the Poets of Rhythm and the Whitefield Brothers.” Headed by the mysterious Karl Hector – erstwhile leader of the Funk Pilots project – and aided by Poets of Rhythm/Whitefield Brothers guitarist Jan Whitefield alongside Thomas Myland and Zdenko Curlija (founders of the Malcouns), the band take a trip through heavy psychedelic Afro Funk, taking in melodies from Ethiopia and Sub-Saharan Africa. Their album Sahara Swing came out on Stones Throw/Now Again last year but their sizzling live show has never been seen in the UK - the 23rd May is their first UK appearance!
The Skeleton is a new Nostalgia 77 project and to top it all off the Sofrito DJs Hugo Mendez and Frankie Francis will be playing the best in Hot Tropical Rhythms, with special guest Miles Cleret (Soundway), the Mighty Crime Minister and MC Kwasi to complete a night of Tropical fun!
Tickets are £15 – advance tickets ONLY. Tickets from Sounds of the Universe in Soho (plus £1 booking fee) and Honest Jons (Ladbroke Grove), as well as by email (discos.sofrito@gmail.com/.
See you there!
SOUND OF THE WORLD DJ RELAY 7 this THURSDAY 7th MAY - FREE!
With yours truly for just 15 minutes of DJ fame at 8.30 [EDIT: MAKE THAT 11:30] and a special live performance from West African blues master LAYE SOW
Chilli Fried invites you down to the Sound of the World DJ Relay offering those on the Chilli Fried mailing list and contributors to Charlie Gillett's Sound of the World website (www.soundoftheworld.com) the chance to show off their skill behind the decks with short DJ sets. Everyone, from well known DJs, broadcasters and journalists to fresh faced first timers, get a quarter of an hour to play their selection of whatever they like and try to fill the floor.
There’ll be a special live set from Senegalese bluesman Laye Sow. A highly accomplished singer and guitarist from the North of the country (the region many consider to be the original birthplace of the sound that became the blues), Laye is a charismatic performer and an old friend of Chilli Fried, having performed at one of our early sessions. Tonight he’ll be previewing tracks from his forthcoming album, accompanied by guitar and calabash.
Come and join this FREE party and expect the unexpected.
Chilli Fried North, 8 PM – 12 AM, Thursday 7th May 2009 at Darbucka, 182 St John Street, London, EC1V 4JZ
A mix of classic East African rumba from the vaults. Alastair Johnston from Muzikifan provides the context: "The 1970s through mid-80s was the era of Congolese expatriate bands in Nairobi: groups like Boma Liwanza of Shango Lola, Les Kinois of Samba Mapangala, Super Mazembe of Longwa Didos, and Les Mangelepa of Bwammy wa Lumwona (who had come East with Baba Gaston and Baba National). Those from North-East Congo came to Kampala, Uganda; those from Shaba in the South came to Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania, but sooner or later they headed to Nairobi for the recording studios there. In 1985 the Kenyan government under Daniel Arap Moi cracked down on expatriate bands and groups like Les Mangelepa were forced to leave or disband."
Tracklisting for the mix is over at matsulimusic.podomatic.com
DOWNLOAD MIX
If you like what you hear then you will be pleased to know that there are a limited number of these featured Sango singles still available to buy. For just £40 including worldwide postage you get any five of the following titles:
ARTIST :: TITLE :: LABEL :: CATELOGUE NO :: DATE
Orch. Les Mangelepa :: Dracula pts 1 & 2 :: SANGO :: ASL 7-2250 :: 1980
Orch Baba National :: Assana-Nela pts 1 & 2 :: SANGO :: ASL 7-2254 :: 1980
Orch. Viva Makale (Alimasi) :: Akamba pts 1 & 2 :: SANGO :: ASL 7-2256 :: 1980
Orch. Pepelepe :: Baleki Nzela pts 1 & 2 :: SANGO :: ASL 7-3380 :: 1980
Kabras Boys Band :: Khwanyola Hasara /Dinah Nanyama :: SANGO :: PA 7-7219 :: 1980
Okamm Stars Band :: Jinfa Dumbe / George Ambuche :: SANGO :: PA 7-7220 :: 1980
Orch. Simba Wanyika :: Daina pts 1 & 2 :: SANGO :: POL 426 :: 1980
Maroon Commandos :: Charonyi Ni Wasi pts 1 & 2 :: SANGO :: POL 434 :: 1980
Soloist National:-L'Orch. Super Volcano :: Hayati Ndugu Sembuli :: SANGO :: POL 435 :: 1980
Orch. Les Wanyika :: Pamela pts 1 & 2 :: SANGO :: POL 437 :: 1980
Maroon Commandos :: Wacheza Na Maroon pts 1 & 2 :: SANGO :: POL 438 :: 1980
Simba Wanyika :: Mary Tuyamalize pts 1 & 2 :: SANGO :: POL 439 :: 1980
Mlimani Park Orchestra :: Maudhi Y aKila Siku pts 1 & 2 :: SANGO :: POL 444 :: 1980
Them Mushrooms Band :: Mombasa /Kenya Hakuna Matata :: SANGO :: POL 446 :: 1980
Orch. Les Wanyika :: Kwanza Jiulize pts 1 & 2 :: SANGO :: POL 447 :: 1980
Orch. Les Wanyika :: Paulina pts 1 & 2 :: SANGO :: SAN 21 :: 1979
Orch. Super Volcano :: Shida pts 1 & 2 :: SANGO :: SAN 23 :: 1979
Maroon Commandos :: Maona Kijicho pts 1 & 2 :: SANGO :: SAN 24 :: 1979
Orch Les Noirs :: Mayaka pts 1 & 2 :: SANGO :: SAN 26 :: 1979
Strictly first come first served. To order please CONTACT me or visit www.matsulimusic.com
What better way to celebrate South Africa's vibrant democracy than to reveal one of the holy grails of South African spiritual jazz - Batsumi. Contemporaries of Malombo, the Dashiki Poets and other conscious African artists, Batsumi fused jazz, African drums, poetry and words delivering a powerful fusion that was in itself an expression of freedom from physical and mental chains. I've compiled what little information is available on the group without in-depth primary research. There appear to have been just two original LPs along with one reissue. The sleeve notes for the second LP mention a third LP which I've not been able to track down. In 1982 an LP under the band name Marumo and titled Modiehi (Spade, 1982) included some members of Batsumi. There is also a catelogue number on the Stax label (Stax 5517) which appears to have been allocated to the first Batsumi LP. If you have any further information then please post a comment or contact me. Thanks and enjoy.
BATSUMI (RTL 4041, 1974)
Produced by Baba Matiwane. Cover illustration by Zulu Bidi.
1. Lishonile
2. Emampondweni
3. Mamshanyana
4. Itmuleng
5. Anishilabi
Musicians: Thabang Masemola (Flute & Jew Harp), Themba Koyana (Tenor Sax), Buta-Buta Zwane (Vocal and Bongos), Maswaswe Mothopeng (Vocal and Guitar), Sello Mothopeng (Organ), Thabang Masemola (Batsumi Drums), Lekgabe Maleka (Drums), Zulu Bidi (Double Bass)
MOVING ALONG (RTL 4100, 1976)
Produced by Batsumi
1. Toi-Toi
2. Moving Along
3. Evil Spirits
4. Sister
Sleeve notes:
From their inception in 1972 Batsumi were in search for new indigenous sounds and in 1974 they cut their first disc BATSUMI, popularly called BATSUMI SOUND by their fans. MOVING ALONG consists mainly of familiar SOUNDS to prepare the many fans for BATSUMI's third Album which will revel in rapturous indigenous sounds BATSUMI caught in their quest. Al the songs on this Album are composed and arranged jointly by the Group. Buta-Buta is the main vocalist, blind Minesh Sibiya plays bongos and sings Toi-Toi. Adel Maleka who is the leader of the group, is the percussionist and plays drums. John Maswaswe Mothopeng the blind pianist also plays acoustic guitar. All these are founder members who for the first four years have been engaged in hunting for new sounds. Also feature din this Aldum as session men are the three former Batsumi members, Zulu Bidi, Temba Koyana and Sello Mothopeng, and two other musicians Peter Segona, a trumpeter and Sipho Mabuse, a flutist.
BATSUMI (DJR 1053, 1977)
Compilation of tracks from the first two LPS.
1. Itumeleng
2. Lishonile
3. Mam Shanyana
4. Moving Along
5. Evil Spirits
EXCLUSIVE SAMPLE: Batsumi - Iyaho from the 1974 Soweto Jazz Festival
For further information and exploration:
A personal recollection from Keith Addison here.
Lefifi Tladi and the Dashiki Poets, words and recollections from David Marks at 3rdEar here
Many thanks to Siemon, Rashid, Francis, Keith and David for information, LPs, PDFs and more!
Thank you for all the support and orders I've received for the singles and t-shirts. If you still want the As-shams t-shirt you have just a week to place your order! And for this next week ONLY you can get the t-shirt at a reduced price of £10 when you buy the Get 10 Classic singles pack. Thats a total of £60 for ten classic jive singles from the seventies along with an exclusive t-shirt design of the legendary As-shams jazz label run by Rashid Vally.
London DJ Debut of Samy Ben Redjeb (ANALOG AFRICA)
Friday, 17 April, 9pm till very late @ The Empowering Church (Passing Clouds II), 3 Richmond Road, Dalston, London E8 3HY
£7 before 11pm, £10 after
Samy Ben Redjeb, Frankfurt's favourite crate-diggin Afro-Beat aficionado heads to London for his UK debut. He will be playing an exclusive set from his legendary vinyl collection which will include finds from a recent 3 month trip to Africa. Of course tracks from Samy's acclaimed Analog Africa label releases, such as tracks from the 'African Scream Contest' and 'The Vodoun Effect' compilations, and sneak previews of the soon-to-be-released 'Legends of Benin (Afro-Funk - Cavacha - Agbadja - Afro-Beat)' collection, will be included, too.
See you there!
Another rare LP with a hot dose of instrumental jive led by Bra Sello, a popular sax jive artist. He appeared alongside vocal artists such as Mahlathini in a number of revue shows in mid seventies and cut a number of singles on the CBS label. This compilation collects these sides together with other tunes from artists on the CBS label.
You can buy an original unplayed single of Bra Sello in our vinyl offer....the tune Sajika Isitmela/Back to 80s on the King label from 1976 is available for purchase. In the meantime enjoy this LP
Bra Sello with Abafana Bentuthuko Vol 1 (CBS LAB4006, c1972)
01 16-0-16 :: Bra Sello
02 Tycoons No 8 :: Bra Sello
03 Mr Music :: The Big Four
04 Can't Be Still No 2 :: CBS Al Stars
05 15-0-15 :: Bra Sello
06 Thashi Thashi :: The Big Four
07 17-0-17 :: Bra Sello
08 Down Town :: Bra Sello
09 Mthembu Nonzimande :: Abafana Bentuthuko
10 Siyanyawuka Nzimande :: Bra Sello
11 Boom Straat :: The Big Four
12 Jive Aerican Jive No 1 :: Bra Sello
LISTEN
To whet your appetite for the warehouse of singles that are now for sale via the matsulimusic.com website the matsuli team have put together a sampler of the South African jive 45s. We refer to our stock as Sgt Katapuwa's vault after the title of one single became ingrained in our heads. ENJOY!
Sgt Katapuwa’s Jukebox Jive Vol. 1
01. Mokena - The Soweto Boys
02. Ubani Ongasebenzela Amahala - Us'gebengu & Mo Mogilogilo
03. Freeday Jive - Soweto Boys
04. Uthintobani - Abafana Be Nala
05. E-Goli - Mdonseni and the Queens
06. Umam Uyejabula - Mahlabatini and the Jive Kings
07. Baya Ngi Hlega - Mahlatini Girls
08. Matubatuba No 2 - Sakies Big Five
09. Umculo Ujulile - Shebeleza & Natal Queens
10. Mohlankana - John Moriri and Manzini Girls
11. Lepae Laka - The Queens
12. HA! He! - The Naledi Boys
13. Umbhalane - Amaqhawe and the Freeway Boys
14. Zola Jive - Abafana Be Concorde
15. U'mlazi Special - Good Boys
16. Kudala Besibiza - Indoda Mahlatini & Mahlatini Band
17. Amagoduka - Indoda Mahlatini
18. Howick Station - The Jive Kings
19. Richards Bay Freeway - Sakies Big Five
20. Bump Inn - John Mkabela Abafana Bentokozo
21. Sikiza No 2 - Good Boys
22. Unaimbe - The Zaireans
23. Thula Mtanami - Us'Gebengu & Mo Magilogilo
Selected by Chris A from original 1970s vinyl 45s on the Soweto, Groove, Oshisayo and Mabob City labels.
DOWNLOAD or LISTEN
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After many months of ground work and preparation I am very happy to announce the availability of two very special and exclusive offerings from matsulimusic.
The first of these is the chance to purchase original unplayed (and dusty) South African jive 45s. Two options here:
TAKE FIVE (5) - Pick your own five from the limited (or general) stock lists
GET TEN (10) - We pick a random selection from the general stock list.
And thats not all - we will also send you an exclusive link to a set of tunes from the vaults.
ORDER DETAILS
The second of these exclusive offerings is the chance to buy an officially licensed As-shams (Sun) t-shirt. Rashid Vally's As-shams record label was home to Jazz musicians, poets, artists and free-spirits whose creative output articulated a world beyond the brutality of Apartheid. Many of the seminal works of South African jazz including Abdullah Ibrahim's Mannenberg first appeared on this label. It was given its name by Abdullah Ibrahim (Dollar Brand) and the logo was designed by Abdul Kader Ali (AK). This is a limited on-demand print-run. ORDERS MUST BE PLACED BY FRIDAY 24 APRIL FOR AIRMAIL DELIVERY TO YOU BY FRIDAY 22 MAY.
ORDER DETAILS
Once more to Zimbabwe and a legendary album that single handedly popularised mbira music in Southern Africa. This project was specially commissioned by Gramma Records on the first anniversary of Zimbabwe's independence. Ephat Mujuru's band Mudzimu waVanhu (Spirit of the People) included the late Thomas Wadharwa (sekuru) Gora, Forbes Gushungo, Martha Mujuru, Martha Tembo, Lovemore Chiripanyanga and Patrick Mberi. File next to Paul Berliner's field recording of Mhuri yekwa Rwizi's Soul of Mbira.
Ephat Mujuru & Spirit of the People - Mbira Music of Zimbabwe (ZML 1003, 1982)
Chipembere
Marenje
Guru Uswa
Ndoziva Ripi
Bangidza Ra Mutota
Muzazananda
Dangu Rangu
Nhema Musasa
ENJOY
Whilst doing my usual trawl through the wonders of the web I stopped off at Other Music in New York and spotted this. Couldn't find anything about the label just a few bloggers that had already leaked it. Looks like a straight bootleg but interesting none the less.
This not an Afro Beat or Afro Rock compilation, the music on this record is strictly 60's garage! You probably always thought such countries, except South Africa, had nothing to contribute the 60's garage scene.....but seems our little world still has virgin places for the obscure garage 45s diggers before going to Mars!!! Here you have a surprising compilation of very, very rare tracks taken from 45s released in Congo, Angola, Mozambique and South Africa. Garage rock, garage surf, powerful 60's R&B... an amazing collection with groups such as H20 (Mozambique) who had even carton boxes among their instruments, a rare track by the A-Cads, the incredibly rare Kriptons from Angola, an Italian sung (!!!) great cover of the Prunes' "I had too much to dream" by Conjunto Oliveira Muge in Mozambique, the eerie French sung "Eh bien mon ami" by African Fiesta.
I'm not so sure about the rareness of some of these tracks (which I used for the African Rock and Roll 1&2 on African Serenades) but check it out.
Tracklist:
1 A-Cads - Down The Road
2 Dr. Nico - Save Me
3 Conjunto De Oliveira Muge - Sospesa Ad Un Filo
4 Gino Garrido - Baby I Love You
5 Impacto -Knock On Wood
6 Them - I Want To Be Rich Again
7 Os Kriptons - Billy Boom
8 Conjunto Night Stars - She Only Wants A Friend
9 Os Gambuzinos - Aida
10 Orchestre Veve - Venus
11 Os Rebeldes - Murder By Contract
12 John E. Sharp - Monkey Shine
13 African Fiesta - Eh Bien Mon Ami
14 Os Kriptons - Manga Madura
15 Invaders - No Money, No Honey
16 Os Rocks - Wish I May
17 Os Inflexos - Furtivo Olhar
18 Les Krakmen - Krakmen Twist
19 H2O - Riens Des Mots
20 Teta Lando - Muato Wa N'Ginjila
21 Os Gambuzinos – Kalumba (bonus track)
22 Os Inflexos - You're Much Too Proud (bonus track)
23 Os Rocks - I Put A Spell On You (bonus track)
The African Serenades were as series of compilations compiled by a number of African music fans including myself. At one stage I even had a website with all the artwork and download links to the full series. The web sheriff closed that down and the compilations took on a life of their own via CDr swops, soulseek and private sharing. They remain one of the most asked after reloads from visitors to matsuli. So I've reloaded three of my contributions, including the very first which I have retitled Lights Down Low. Volume 11 is a selection of South African jazz and 50 includes a lot of fuzzy guitar sounds. All the tracks are numbered and artwork is included. Enjoy!
VOLUME 1 :: LIGHTS DOWN LOW
VOLUME 11 :: SOWETO CALLING
VOLUME 50 :: AFROPSYCEDELICDAZE
Back and live in London per the flyer above with the Heliocentrics to promote the new LP out soon via Strut. And for matsuli readers we have one exclusive track for you to download:
Mulatu Astatke & The Heliocentrics- "Masenqo" [download]
From: Inspiration Information (April 14th, Strut)
And a quick FYI...I've reloaded my Juju Dub and Afro Funk at Mash It Up 2007 Mix over at my podomatic page. Direct download LINK or visit the PAGE.
Wonderful Youtube of one of the early standard bearers of Congolese pop, the late great Joseph Kabasele Tshamala AKA Le Grand Kalle. Please enjoy this and the LP which Chris recovered from his recent trip to Kinshasa.
Tracklisting:
Miango
Anita Belle
Coco Scho
Ba Ndumba Ya Leo
Buntsana
Geo Geolie
Mpuli Mua Moni
Safari Muzuri
Independance Economique
TRY
Staying with the Zimbabwe theme I'm reloading the Flavian Nyathi LP one more time. Absolutely brilliant LP from a high point in Zimbabwean pop. Highly recommended and relatively unknown outside Zimbabwe. Last copy I saw passed hands at £125.
Here's my original write up:
"The first two Zimbabwean LPs I heard and subsequently taped from a friend (as you did back in those days of the C90) were Thomas Mapfumo's Gwindingwe Rine Shumba and Flavian Nyathi's Ropa Re Zimbabwe. Thomas Mapfumo you should know along with other Zimbabweans such as Oliver Mtukudzi. But how many of you have heard of Flavian Nyathi? No background information, just a classic LP full of revolutionary sentiment for better times. Have a listen and let me know if you agree on its status. P.S. If you look carefully you can see a Josh & Kathy's Soundland sticker, the Harare record bar frequented by many looking for exciting Zimbabwean pop."
Flavian Nyathi and the Blues Revolution - Ropa Re Zimbabwe (Gallo Records, Disc. KK 13, 1980)
Takawira
Mwana Takamushaya
Ve Soweto
Ndikakunga Maivangu
VaMugabe
Ropa ReZimbabwe
Pfumo Demo
Baba Namai
Vakasara
Hakuna Nyika Isna Rinda
SAMPLE
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"Heres another of my cassette rescues: a compilation issued in South Africa in the early eighties that I taped off a friend. It contains two of my favourite Zimbabwean tunes from that time, namely Ishe Ndivdze by New Storm as well as Devera Ngwena's theme tune."
TOP SHUNGU HITS (release details unknown)
Tracklisting:
01 Tsomba Ndimwava - Speed Limit
02 Mangwana Mangwana - Speed Limit
03 Hodi Hodi - Speed Limit
04 Kugare Tange Nhamo - Speed Limit
05 Limbikani - Sugar Lump
06 Chisikana Chezera Rangu - Sugar Lump
07 Mwana Wenyu - Devera Ngwena Jazz Band
08 Devera Ngwena - Devera Ngwena Jazz Band
09 Tashaya Zvokuita - Devera Ngwena Jazz Band
10 Kumadye Nyama - Devera Ngwena Jazz Band
11 Zarura Musio - New Storm
12 Ishe Ndivdze - New Storm
DOWNLOAD LINK
Photograph of Queens Hotel in Harare, legendary home of Zimbabwean music in the early 80s, taken by Tony H.
Hopefully this is not going to be a completely obscure reference but the cover design of these two compilations of South African jazz reminds me of the budget compilations produced specifically for the OK Bazaars - a major retail chain in South Africa. The photo above shows the OK Bazaars building at 78 Eloff Street Johannesburg.
For reference I took the following short history from their website: "In 1927, Johannesburg's shopping hub consisted of four blocks along the west side of Eloff Street above Pritchard Street. So it was a risk of major proportions when two young upstarts, Michael Miller and Sam Cohen, opened a store a full block south of Pritchard Street, and on the wrong side of the road. They called it OK Bazaars. OK Bazaars was an instant success, and expanded rapidly throughout South Africa, becoming one of our most trusted and loved household names. In 1929 the business was listed as a public company on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. And by 1967, the OK Bazaars had opened 100 stores."
Anyway I remember OK Bazaars as the place where my sisters used to buy their "Seven Singles" for 49 cents and their "Long Players" for R1.49. Amongst original artists OK Bazaars could be relied upon for cheaper cover versions of current hit parade songs and I particularly associate them with the Springbok Hit Parade series. For the full story on the Spingbok Hit Parade series check out this website. Note the text "Original Artists" on these covers. But enough of all that. These two compilations I am sharing today are an amazing snapshot of key jazz recordings from the seventies. 
Super Jazz Volume One (TJL 13006)
1. Gugulethu - Winston Mankunku Ngozi
2. Peace Train - Mike Makhalemele
3. Quaphela - Allen Kwela
4. Diagonal Street Blues - The Soul of the City
5. Love is the Power - Margaret Singana
SAMPLE
Super Jazz Volume Two (TJL 13007)
1. Alex Express - Winston Mankunku Ngozi
2. Snowfall - Mike Makhalemele
3. Black Beauty - Allen Kwela
4. Hustle Bump! - The Soul of the City
5. Rivers of Babylon - Jeanette Tsagane
SAMPLE
Sleeve design on both records is by "Space and Design". The compilations were marketed by Satbel Record Company and made available on 8 track Cartridge and Cassette. Makes me think they were put out in the late seventies. Anyway enjoy them whilst they are available for sampling.
Far and away the most requested of all the compilations I've let loose is the African Serenades series, co-ordinated by myself and Grumpy. In the spirit of the ZImbabwe focus here is volume 37 which takes the best tunes from the four Harare Hits volumes I've just posted. Once upon a time I had a website that had all the African Serenades artwork and tracklistings but alas it has gone. So please if you have any requests for specific volumes on the African Serenades series please let me know. MORE SOUTH AFRICAN JAZZ THIS WEEKEND!
African Serenades 37: Zimbabwe Special
1. Oliver Mtukudzi - Africa (Africa, 1980)
2. Devera Ngwena - Zhimozhi (Hits of Zimbabwe, 1980)
3. Job Mashanda and the Muddy Face - Zuva Rakabuda (Zuva Rakabuda, 1981)
4. Oliver Mtukudzi - Reurura (Shanje, 1981)
5. Zexie Manatsa and the Green Arrows - Tambayi Makachenjera
(Chivariadze, 1981)
6. Lovemore Majaivana and Jobs Combination - Okwabanye (Isitmela, 1981)
7. Africa Melody - Africa Yakanaka (Africa Yakanaka, 1982)
8. Oliver Mtukudzi - Yeukai (Maungira, 1982)
9. Pied Pipers - Amayo (Independence Special, 1983)
10. Jobs Combination - Imali (Maungira Zimbabwe, 1985)
11. Kassongo Band - Panyadzonya (Maungira Zimbabwe, 1985)
12. Fallen Heroes - Uthando Lwemali (Maungira Zimbabwe, 1985)
13. Jobs Combination - Usathane Simehlule (Isimanga Sendoda Emnyama, 1986)
14. Robson Banda and the New Black Eagles - Maria (Soweto, 1986)
15. Jairos Jiri Band - Mai Murambatsvina (J.J.B. Style, 1986)
16. Oliver Mtukudzi - Jeri (Gona, 1986)
17. Ilanga - Somandhla (Visions Foretold, 1987)
LISTEN
Many of you may have missed these compilations when I posted them for the first. So with all the recent fuss about Zimbabwe I thought it would be a good time to share these sounds you again. They were compiled by Matsuli reader and an old friend who spent time teaching in Zimbabwe in the early part of the 80s.
"These compilations are drawn from original Zimbabwean vinyl recordings collected in Zimbabwe during the period 1980 to 1987. I have sought to avoid songs available via international reissues and compilations. There are gaps in the chronology – they are just great songs from my collection." - Muvimi
Harare Hit Parade 1: 1980-81
01. Oliver Mtukudzi and the Black Spirits- Africa
02. Oliver Mtukudzi and the Black Spirits – Cheka Hukama
03. Oliver Mtukudzi and the Black Spirits – Madzongo Nyedze
04. Oliver Mtukudzi and the Black Spirits – Seiko
05. Elijah Madzikatire and Ocean City Band – Very Sorry
06. Elijah Madzikatire and Ocean City Band – Gukura Hundi
07. Devera Ngwena Jazz Band – Zhimozhzhi
08. Devera Ngwena Jazz Band – Barba Mwana Wakanaka
09. Devera Ngwena Jazz Band – Ruva Remoyo Wangu
10. Job Mashanda and the Muddy face – Zuva Rakabuda
11. Oliver Mtukudzi and the Black Spirits – Shanje
12. Oliver Mtukudzi and the Black Spirits – Reura
13. Zexie Manatsa and the Green Arrows – Chivaraidze
14. Zexie Manatsa and the Green Arrows – Tambayi Makachenjera
LISTEN
Harare Hit Parade 2: 1981-84
01. Lovemore Majaivana and Jobs Combination – Okwabanye
02. Lovemore Majaivana and Jobs Combination – Isitmela
03. Lovemore Majaivana and Jobs Combination – Amanda
04. Africa Melody – Africa Yakanaka
05. Africa Melody – Emma Rega Kuchema
06. Oliver Mtukudzi and the Black Spirits – Kumhunga
07. Oliver Mtukudzi and the Black Spirits – Tinomuchema
08. Oliver Mtukudzi and the Black Spirits – Yeukai
09. Marxist Brothers – Mwana We Dangwe
10. Safirio Madzikatire and Sea Cottage Sisters – Katarina
11. Zexie Manatsa and the Green Arrows – Tiyi Hobvu
12. Pied Pipers – Amayo
13. Patrick Mkwamba and the Four Brothers – Vakakunda Zviedzo
14. Patrick Mkwamba and the Four Brothers – Wapenga Nayo Bonus
15. Sungura Boys - Mandi
LISTEN
Harare Hit Parade 3: 1985-86
01. Jobs Combination – Imali
02. Jobs Combination – Mary
03. Jobs Combination – Ekhaya
04. Jobs Combination – Isimanga Sendoda
05. Jobs Combination – Usathane Simehlule
06. Fallen Heroes – Uthando Lwemali
07. Robson Banda and the New Black Eagles – Huya Tshande
08. Kassongo Band – Panyadzonya
09. Marxist Brothers – Sekuyo Ndipeiwo Zano
10. Marxist Brothers – Mari
11. Marxist Brothers – Kunjere Kunjere
12. Oliver Mtukudzi a and the Black Spirits – Chenjera
13. Oliver Mtukudzi and the Black Spirits – Mhaka
14. Oliver Mtukudzi and the Black Spirits – Munamato Yedu
LISTEN
Harare Hit Parade 4: 1985-1987
01. Robson Banda and the New Black Eagles - Maria
02. Robson Banda and the New Black Eagles -Emmah
03. Jairos Jiri Band - Chando Chinouraya
04. Jairos Jiri Band - Mai Murambatsvina
05. Jairos Jiri Band - Ndezvedu
06. Jairos Jiri Band - Sarah
07. Jairos Jiri Band - Zvemumba Medu
08. Oliver Mtukudzi - Gona
09. Oliver Mtukudzi - Jeri
10. Ilanga - Somandhla
LISTEN
Enjoy!
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Its almost 20 years since I last visited Zimbabwe but my partner in musical pursuits and Matsuli regular Chris was in Harare last week with news of music, (lack of) water and resilience midst a crumbling and skewed economy.
"The talk is that not much seems to have been publicly offered to show the impact of the ‘inclusive’ government of three weeks’ standing ... a deputy minister designate languishes in jail on treason charges ... Tsvangirai scuttles off to Botswana after his head-on with a USAID freight truck that killed his wife ... people I spoke to said they could not get their hopes up yet as these had been dashed so many times before – they needed more evidence of a new trajectory ... donors are beginning to talk ‘recovery’ – Ambassadors are returning and bowing before Mugabe to have their countries accredited once more .. huge amounts of money are being poured in, but in parallel to Government systems – which creates its own inefficiencies and potential ‘holes’ ... Unicef has agreed to pick up the bill for 20 000 health workers – at an average rate of $100 U.S. per month ... and it seems the same is going to happen for teachers ... hospitals are all but shut down, and the private ones are short on some key supplies – if you are a worker or unemployed in Zim, you basically do not have access to health care...the ‘dollarisation’ of the zim finances is a big step – rands and dollars are legal currency, but this to is having quite an inflationary effect in the short term as people try and profit by rounding up prices – so, things are expensive relative to South Africa ... overall it will balance out, and will have a very big effect in generating confidence and activity in the private sector.
"There is a big push from government to start collecting revenues and taxes again, and they are hitting the soft targets – which in turn threatens to squeeze these small guys out of business ... the friend I was talking to said his coffee shop business now faced rates in U.S. dollars or rands that were about ten times higher than they had previously been paying – and they did not receive any services – they did not have water at the business for more than three days – have not had it at their house for five years – the road outside their business is literally more potholes than road – and there is no waste removal – he has to pay the municipal workers ZAR 100 upfront to come and take his restaurant waste away.
"So – all in all an amazing illustration of a collapsed and melted economy in which people still smile and are friendly and make you feel human and welcome. There is an alternative barter trade and strong sense of community created from being in the same boat ... there is still some hope, but also a lot of worry that the MDC entry into the inclusive government will result in ZANU making space at the trough and MDC becoming not much different."
Chris mentioned that ZMC and Gramma are still in operation with a number of existing and forthcoming CD reissues of old material in the forthcoming years. Vinyl was a little more elusive. .jpg)
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The World Is Shaking:: Cubanismo From The Congo, 1954-55
Tracks: Boniface Koufoundila - Bino Boton, Bosele / Laurent Lomande - Maboka Marie / A.H. Depala - Matete Paris / A.H. Depala - Akei Cimetierre / Andre Denis - Cherie N’aluli Yo / Vincent Kuli - Yaka Ko tala / Jene Mpia - Klim / Boniface Koufoundila - Ntango N’Abali/ Robert Yuakarie - Musinichkie / Albert Bongu - Koseke Moniga Te/ Rene Mbu - Boma Limbala / A.H. Depala - C. C. T. Ebongisi Mokiri/ Fabien Libasi - Bengela Ngai Bosele / Laurent Lomande - Elisa /A.H. Depala - Moni, Moni Non Dey / Norbert Yakari - Kioo Cha Nyumba / J.P. Ndagu - Mokolo Bafuti Sanza / Boniface Koufoundila - Tokowela Angelique / L. Lomande - Embonga /Jene Mpia - Tika Koseka / A.H. Depala - Yoka Ngal
Marvellous Boy:: Calypso From West Africa
Tracks: Famous Scrubbs - Poor Freetown Boy / Bobby Benson And His Combo - Taxi Driver (I Don't Care) / Chris Ajilo And His Cubanos - Ariwo / Roy Chicago - Olubunmi / Mayor's Dance Band - Bere Bote/ Steven Amechi And His Empire Rhythm Skies - Nylon Dress /Ebenezer Calender And His Maringer Band - Fire Fire Fire /Famous Scrubbbs - Scrubbs Na Marvellous Boy / Godwin Omabuwa And His Sound Makers - Dick Tiger's Victory / Rolling Stone And His Traditional Aces - Igha Suo Gamwen / E.T. Mensah And His Tempos Band - The Tree And The Monkey / Bobby Benson And His Jam Session Orchestra - Calypso Minor One /Ebenezer Calender And His Maringer Band - Cost Of Living Nar Freetown / Ebenezer Calender And His Maringer Band - Me Nar Poor Old Man Nor Do Me So / Bobby Benson And His Combo - Gentleman Bobby / Victor Olaiya - Yabomisa Sawale / The Rhythm Aces - Mami / Ebenezer Calender And His Maringer Band - Arria Baby
Hypnotic Brass Ensemble:: Hypnotic Brass Ensemble
Tracks: Alyo / Gibbous / War / Ballicki Bone / Flipside / Marcus Garvey /Jupiter / Party Started / Rabbit Hop / Sankofa / Hypnotic / Satin Sheets / Rabbit Hop (Version)
These forthcoming releases from the Honest Jons label look very tasty indeed. You can get a sneak preview of the tracks by going here:
HONEST JONS FORTHCOMING
(And in case you're wondering - no I do not get promotional discs from the label!)
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My introduction to the warm sounds of Joe Malinga came in the early 1980s on an LP buying trip at Manhattan Records in Durban near Point Road by the seafront. Manhattan used to import directly from the UK so it was one of the few places you could find punk, post-punk, reggae, jazz and other "counter-cultural" musics. The LP I am sharing with you today - One for Dudu - was playing on the speakers and it hooked me big time. He dedicates the LP to Dudu and in his work you can hear the shared spirit although Joe is probably not as single minded about his solo's as Dudu. I couldn't beleive that he was playing with European jazz musicians who had somehow grasped the sound. I took the LP home and have treasured it ever since. Later on in the 1980s whilst sitting out my time in London avoiding military service I used to visit Ray's Jazz Shop on Shaftsbury Avenue every week where there was a dedicated section for the Ogun releases and music from various other South African jazz exiles. I picked up Joe's other two LPs Sandile and Tears for the Children of Soweto. Last month I completed the collection with the 1989 LP Vuka.
If anyone has further background please contribute by posting a comment below. I have provided the discography and beleive that Joe probably went into exile in 1979/80 or earlier. In 1985 he was back in South Africa doing promotional and cultural work. It appears he was teaching at the University of Venda a couple of years ago but beyond that all we have is the music. And what great music it is. If the One for Dudu LP whets your appetite I'm afraid that all there is beyond that is the CD compilation issued by Brambus and available to purchase here. You can listen to the CD here. I haven't seen many of his LPs come up on eBay.
So here is the Joe Malinga discography. .jpg)
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Joe Malinga's Mandala feat. Clifford Thornton - Tears for the Children of Soweto (Canova 113, 1980)
1. Umdrah
2. African Mood
3. Tears
4. Usizi
5. Senecho
6. Nina's Dance
7. Jabula
Joe Malinga (as, fl, voc), Runo Ericksson (b-tb), Clifford Thornton (v-tb, perc) on #1-5, 7; Jurgen "Jux" Seefelder (ts) on #1-5, 7; Walter Gauchel (ts) on #1-5, 7; Johnny "Manhattan" Taylor (p) on #1-5, 7; Mike Guilford (b) on #1-5, 7; Bruning v. Alten (d) on #1-5, 7; "Chris" (foot calabash) on #6.
Recorded Feb 5&6 1980, Phonag-Studio, Lindau, Zurich (Switzerland)
Joe Malinga Quintet - One For Dudu (Meteor 32018, 1981)
1. Kipit
2. Imbhali
3. Zadibana
Joe Malinga (as, perc), René Widmer (ts, oboe), Johnny Taylor (p), Hämi Hämmerli (b), Churchill Jolobe (dr)
Recorded Nov 7, 1981, Tonstudio Stroher, Innsbruck (Austria)
LISTENING TIME.jpg)
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Joe Malinga & Southern Africa Force - Sandile (Meteor 32034, 1983)
1. Ekapa
2. No Net
3. Two Sticks
4. Emsunduza
5. Imbhali
6. Asambheni
Joe Malinga (as, bar, perc, ss, voc), René Widmer (bar, ts), Jürgen Seefelder (ts), Joep Maessen (tb), Johnny Taylor (p), Essiet Essiet (b), Don Mumford (d).
Recorded Oct 30&31, Soundville Studios, Luzern (Switzerland)
Joe Malinga Southern Africa Force - Vuka (Planisphere PL 1267-43, 1989)
1. Penzi
2. Wish You Sunshine
3. Vuka
4. iTwenty-Five
5. Vivi
Joe Malinga (as,v), Monty Waters (as), Paul Stocker (ss,as), David George (tr), Atiba Bakr (ts), Steve Galloway (tb), Mario Canonge (pn), Paplo Nahara (b), Clarence Becton (dr). Recorded and mixed at Studio Friends Amsterdam by Paul Holland, 1989. Arrangements by Joe Malinga, Steve Galloway and Paul Stocker. Produced by Joe Malinga and Plainisphere.
Other albums as sideman:
Chris McGregor and the South African Exiles - Thunderbolt (PAM405 CD only, original recording 1986)
Francois Buttet - Ogun (Plainisphere 1267-55CD, 1992)
Barely back on my feet again after a busy two weeks in Johannesburg, Durban and Dubai. Friends, family, musical heroes, like-minded archivists and enthusiasts and then a whole lot more. One of the many incredible LPs uncovered during my visit is the debut LP from Dudu Pukwana as band leader. This was recorded in the UK in May 1969 and includes Richard Thompson on guitar. For further reading on Dudu and his jazz compatriots The Blues Notes I suggest heading over to Mike Fowlers excellent Blue Notes website.
These other resources are also worth checking out:
DUDU AT WIKI
DUDU DISCOGRAPHY
Dudu Pukwana and the Spears (Quality LTJ-S 232, 1969)
1. Pezulu (Way Up)
2. Thulula (Fill It Up)
3. Kuthwasi Hlobo (Spring)
4. Half Moon
5. Yima Njalo (Stick Around)
6. Kwa Thula (Thula’s Place)
7. Joe’s Jika (Joe’s Groove)
8. Nobovmu (Red Head)
9. Qonqoza (Knock)
LISTENING TIME
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Short post before I leave tonight for Tekwini, Jozi and Dubai mixing day job (telecommunications), night job (music archeologist) and pleasure. On the seminal Mannenberg LP Abdullah Ibrahim is quoted: "Is this what Rashid Vally wanted?". Rashid is of course the key independent jazz producer from the seventies whose family owned the Kohinoor store in downtown Johannesburg. Next week I hope to post some updated pictures from Kohinoor and of Rashid himself. It will be an honour to spend time with a man whose legacy to South African jazz is immeasureable.
Soon via STRUT and lined up for release after the Horace Andy/Ashley Beedle collaboration. Check out this interview with Mulatu taken from the time when he was recording the LP with the Heliocentrics.
The initial PR for the LP goes something like this: "The original Ethio-jazz legend enters the fray. The Ethiopiques album series has steadily gathered steam in recent years, culminating in two huge shows during June 2008 at Barbican and Glastonbury. Raiding the archives of small studios and radio stations in Addis Ababa from the ‘70s, the series has been a revelation, unearthing a true fusion of funk, soul and jazz with five- tone Ethiopian scales and traditional instrumentation and vocals. The ringleader of those recordings, vibesman and percussionist Mulatu Astatke, now embarks on his first studio album for over 20 years. The collaboration follows a sell-out gig at Cargo and a Gilles Peterson Maida Vale session earlier this year with The Heliocentrics (Stones Throw Records). Responsible for backing DJ Shadow, laying down beats for Madlib and Yesterday’s New Quintet and for fusing influences as diverse as Sun Ra, Axelrod, James Brown and Morricone on their debut album, the Helios, led by drummer Malcolm Catto and bassist Jake Ferguson, have fast become a unique powerhouse of free-thinking beatsmithery. At Cargo in London, they backed Mulatu on a full set of his Ethiopiques classics, brought together and presented by Karen P’s Broadcasting and Red Bull. Since then, the process around the new recordings has been in full flow with Mulatu now back in Addis Ababa armed with a Heliocentrics CD of groove ideas and riffs. As well as writing his own vibes and keyboard parts, Mulatu is using the project to build in some of the stunning indigenous sounds from Ethiopia, inviting tribespeople to record local instruments and vocal parts for the sessions. “I have always wanted to involve Ethiopian cultural instruments in Ethio-jazz, playing Western 12-tone music,” explains Mulatu. “We’ll be experimenting – the musicians in The Heliocentrics are so great and I think we will make a wonderful album.” The project culminates in a full recording week at Heliocentrics studio in London during the first week of September 2008 and a full live tour during Spring 2009"
Londoners were treated to an amazing live session on Thursday night at Cargo when Tony Allen, Dele Sosimi, Baaba Maal, Ty and the Hypnotic Brass Ensemble were in full effect. The place was jammed but I managed to snatch some pics and video to share with you today. Check out for an audio version of the show at Red Bull Music Academy Radio over the next couple of days. All we await is the new Hypnotics LP via Honest Jons? Or via the Inspiration Information series on Strut? (Mulatu/Heliocentrics soon!).
UPDATE: If you don't want to stream the audio via RBMA Radio here's an MP3 version I ripped from the web. 
On a personal note I'm going to be traveling in the Middle East and Africa throughout February so posts will be short and sharp or non-existent.
