Music And Arts Scene
African Records Review
By Kwabena Asamoah
AURLUS MABELE: 'Nicoletta Fille Des Antilles' (AFRO-RHYTHMES AR00987) Nicoletta Fille Des Antilles Mokili Ya N'Zambe'/'Adjani Muana Kin' "Mupassa
It has been difficult to escape from the mould of Congo music due to the plethora of artistes. A friend of mine told me recently that you find more night clubs in Kinshasa, Zaire, than in most places in Africa. Nyboma, one of the finest singers from Zaire, has also confirmed that live performances are more important in Zaire than turning out records.Aurlus Mabélé also comes to fortify Congo music with his new album which has a dance appeal throughout. Belonging to the modern era, Mabélé introduced conga effectively at the beginning of 'Adjani Muana Kin' as part of his dominant instruments. The bass line here is as strong and beautiful as in Mapassa. Mabélé who has Franco's voice gives natural twists to his voice throughout the album.
In 'Mapassa. Mabélé who has Franco's voice gives natural twists to his voice throughout the album.
In 'Mapassa Mabélé begins in a tempo described in Ghana as agbadza and bikushi in Cameroon. Though short, that strip of music has got various ingredients that would satisfy both the ear and the foot. Those who are addicts to soukous won't have long to wait before they settle for it. The vocal harmony coupled with the guitar licks from the ubiquitous Diblo's instrument give a party feel to the track. Unable to handle the situation, Mabélé instructs just as in 'Adjani Muana Kin' to use his left and right feet well. Do you need to be advised?
By Zairean standards, 'Mokil Ya N'Zambe' may be ordinary but has some catchy back-up vocals and even a hint of sax and guitar riffs here and there. Besides, it has a funky feel that can make a change.
The horns intro in 'Nicoletta Fille Des Antilles' carries with it a certain Caribbean feel even before Mabélé invites the Caribbean beauty to come with him to Africa - Togo, Ethiopia, Gabon etc. His reason for the invitation comes from the fact that Nicoletta has African beauty. Try the LP for more surprises.
ORCHESTRE JAZIRA: 'Nomadic Activities' (BEGGARS BANQUET BEGA 56) "Games We Used To Play' 'Mr Lulle' Money '/'Happy Day' 'Mama "Winnipeg My Leg' 'Adowa'
Orchestre Jazira have gradually schooled through Jenako Arts and Africa Centre after years of experiencing different music forms on top of that from the country of every individual musician. After their hit single 'Sakabo' - the group follows up with this album which brings their activities for the year to a close.It is no accident that the opening 'Games We Used To Play' should come from Ghanaian folklore repertoire Martin, Isaac and George by their numerical strength infuse their natural feel into the music without necessarily drowning the other music forms within the group. The Zairean- style guitar and the poignant conga solos reflect the happy mood in game playing which leads to 'Che Che Kule'. Happy Day' too is a 'happy' song echoed by infantile chorus while Folo leads the singing.
The beginning of 'Winnipeg My Leg' may sound non-tropical but Fish's soothing trombone suddenly leads the way to an interesting African sound and tempo.
The use of balafon in the music including such tracks as 'Money' and 'Mr Lulle' has added a new African flavour to the music of Orchestre Jazira. Folo Graff's 'Money' stands out as the best track on the album. The occasional horns incursions, the guitar licks and the balafon touches amply put the track on top. The adowa finish to the track is yet another trait of a group on nomadic activities.
On the whole the album has got interesting tracks but the sound feels a bit impeded somehow. It would have made a lot of difference if the production was as good as the music. The punch is missing.
Tsafrika music party
Following their presentation of Hugh Masekela at the Dominion Theatre on 23rd October, Tsafrika will be launch- ing a new series of live music nights at an exciting new venue in Kentish Town.The venue is the Forum Ballroom at 9-17 Highgate Road, NWS. Tsafrika will be presenting live African music on Thursday nights every two weeks.
HAPPENINGS.
African television conference
As part of its major focus on Commonwealth Africa, 'Africa Africa!', the Commonwealth Institute is organising a three-day conference on the development of Television in Africa. Representatives have been invited from a number of countries including Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Kenya to talk about their respective networks, and to participate in general discussions on the nature and context of Television production in Africa.There will be showing of African television programmes including news and current affairs, drama, light entertainment, educational and children's programmes and an opportunity to discuss the programmes with contributors. Since this is the first event of its kind in Britain, the agenda will cover a broad range of relevant topics such as the role of television in the process of national identity within the African context, technology and European-American dominance in information flow, scheduling and regional programmes, the representation of African news and events in Western media etc.
The African Television Conference run from 28-30 November and ends in style with a grand concert party - 'TV-PM on Saturday 1 December from 8pm-1am. Featuring London's most popular African-influenced band, Örchestre Jazira, proceeds will got to IBT (the International Broadcasting Trust) which works to increase broadcast exposure of development issues.
Anansekrom - stories from Africa
Focus on Africa continues at the Commonwealth Institute with special programmes for schools from November 12-16, Abena Kwapong (above) and Inno Sorsy will relate folktales from Ghana and other areas of the African continent.Memorial service for Bishop Le Maire
A memorial service was held at St Andrew's church, Willesden on September 16. 1984 for the Most Reverend Ismael Samuel Le Maire, the retired Anglican Arch- bishop of West Africa who died in a car crash at Dome, a surburb of Accra, Ghana in July.The Archbishop was educated at the C.M.S. Grammar School in Lagos, Nigeria and had his theological training at St Nicholas College at Cape Coast. was elected in 1968 a Diocesan Bishop of Accra at the Lambeth Conference in London and in 1982 consecrated the Archbishop of The Province of West Africa, a position he held for only one year.
Present at the well-attended service were a number of Anglican Clergymen and Adisadel Old Boys resident in the UK.
The after service group picture of old boys include (left to right) Mr Crabbe, Rev. Quarshie, T.M. Mercer, Rev. Father D. Irwin, Bishop Daly, Dr Togobo, Mssrs Ayensu, Justice Boateng, J. Mercer and Dr Osei Yaw Dickson.
