Music And Arts Scene
African Records Review
KANTATA: 'Duke'/'Asiko' (OVAL OVALT 30/12.
Comprising of a good number of ex- George Darko session musicians, Kantata is certainly going to be the hottest group on the African disco scene with this debut hit single. This might not be strange, for their logo is the Ghanaian sign which symbolises the omnipotence of the Almighty God. Is the sky the limit? Find out from this single.Setting forth with a familiar tune on the keyboards, Lee Dodou's magnificent voice begins the story of 'akwankwaa' (duke) who is a struggling man. It is curious that the title should be in English because there is nothing English in it. But can it have a commercial objective?
Listening carefully to 'Duke', one would get the true impression that there is a close similarity between 'Duke' and George Darko's 'Kaakyire Nua' both in the choice of lyrics and arrangement. The rhythm sparkles and the tempo swings. Amo Jagger (another ex-George Darko session man) provides steady drums that remain the backbone of the disco element of the track. You still can hear Lee Dodou's rhythm guitar tingling in the background before Eddie Sey's keyboards and Papsoul's alto sax jump in beautifully.
The pre-programmed synthesizer tracing 'Asiko' makes a unique intro- duction to African disco. Chapore's guitar follows up together with Sey's keyboards to lay a good foundation for Lee Dodou to invite dancers to do 'Asiko' music. It is indeed a body music, for you can hardly stand by the time Chapore sets in with a brilliant guitar solo. Notice Sometimer's heard recently. throbbing bass which props the rhythm to reach you. Lee Dodou would rap you to get involved by jumping and grooving with Asiko music to free your mind in order to be healed spiritually. Papsoul's lyrical sax gives an emotional finish to this song which is already enjoying airplay in London. On balance, this single is likely to make a lot of difference to the African summer in London and elsewhere.
ASABIA: 'Wamaya' (STAR MUSIQUE SMP 6023) 'Wamaya' 'Emma'/'Inamosi' 'Yehowa'.
Asabia (otherwise known as Eugenia Cropper) and her brother, Eugene have teamed up seriously to set people's toes tapping with this debut album which I should have reviewed some two months ago. Building their music on traditional sources of music in Ghana, they succeed in transforming a blend into a perfect music form.Apart from 'Yehowa' (incidentally the only track sung in Akan) which drags on a bit, the remaining three tracks done in her native Krobo dialect are superb both in vocal delivery and It would not take you too long before Asabia's golden voice creeps on you in 'Wamaya'. When the handclaps begin, happy music flows from there. Nii Akwei's mandolin jingles and combines with the magic acoustic classical guitar of Koo Nimo to produce one of the best tracks I have heard.
In 'Emma', Asabia vocally stretches out fully although sounding sometimes like Miriam Makeba of South Africa. What is unique about Asabia is that she, unlike many other female African musicians, is an instrumentalist as well. Listen carefully to 'Emma' where she gives some soprano sax solo. (She tells me she has always admired Bobbi Humphrey). The entire choir is behind her in all the tracks - a unique presentation of Ghanaian music.
Listening to 'Inamosi', something immediately strikes you: the beautiful combination of African drums and the voice of the entire choir. Asabia releases the full emotions of her voice which attains a heavenly dimension.
On balance, the album is successful as a debut solo and provides entertain- ment both for the dancer and the listener. She successfully delves into the past to reach the future. She is certainly an important part of a new generation of Ghanaian musicians anxious to make use of their rich cultural heritage.
AFRICAN MUSIC VILLAGE
The Commonwealth Institute and Greater London Council's organisation of a festival of African music took off on schedule last week with Capital Radio's own programme of African music fitted into the schedule.On Saturday 21 July, a family pro- gramme consisting of workshops, a talk by Abenaa Kwapong, educationist on "Introduction to a Ghanaian African Music" aimed at a family audience, a concert in the Holland Park Air Theatre and an evening concert at the Commonwealth Institute which will feature Gaspal Lawal with African Oro Band and African Woman, one of London's best female reggae bands.
The Musical River Trip on the Thames on Sunday 22 July should be an unforgettable experience. Through- out the week there are well-programmed musical activities, concerts and talks which should be entertaining.
Buses to the Commonwealth Institute: 9,12,27,28,31,49,73,88. Underground: Kensington High Street or Holland Park or Ring 01-603 4535.
HUGH MASEKELA
Hugh Masekela with his African band from Botswana 'Kalakari' and the voices of Pula will give a concert for two nights only August 3-4 at the 100 club, Oxford Street, London W1.It would be interesting to hear what Masekela has come up with from his home base after so many years of musical sojourn in Europe and America.
The brief experimentation with West African music in the 1970s when he teamed up with the up-and-coming Hedzoleh Soundz did infuse freshness into the musical forment of the period. His present circumstances should bring out the ultimate in his varied musical career. Check him out.
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