Music And Arts Scene
African Records Review
By Kwabena Asamoah
IKENGA SUPER STARS OF AFRICA: 'Ikengas In Search Of Peace' (RASLPS 056) Anyi Ji Anu Ukwu Mu Mka' 'Ikengas In Search Of Peace'/'Austerity' "Okamma Na Ama'.
I remember my first exposure to Nigerian music when I first arrived in London in the mid-seventies. Ikengas music featured on the play-list of every Ghanaian party I attended particularly among those in the forties age bracket. I naturally got fed up with this music after some months but this new album has re-awakened my interest in Ikengas music, especially as we are being fed with too much juju music these days.What is amazing about this group is that despite the effluxion of time (they have been together for a long time) they have got their music and drive still intact. Across their Ikpokiripo music from Ibo land of Nigeria (remember Warrior?), Ikengas also preach the message of peace and austerity.
Are Nigerian musicians the only ones increasingly becoming aware of the problems of their country? The strong rhythm polished by the guitars and tight percussion throws music into the ears which transmit directly to various parts of the body. The music is traditionally arranged but the vocals are well controlled to match with the overall beauty.
The slick guitar works especially on the A-side joining with the engaging. percussion suggests a feel of dancing more than mere listening though Ikengas have messages to convey in English, Ibo and French. They preach peace in 'Ikengas In Search Of Peace', but their music is far from peaceful; the strong and persistent rhythm explodes with much attack especially when the soothing sax solo weaves in.
The heat of music surrounding the lead singer's voice throughout the songs tells you that 'Ikengas never die'. You need a thick handkerchief for your sweat after the dance.
EMENEYA KESTER ET L'ORCHESTRE VICTORIA: 'Okosi Ngai Mfumu' (EVVI 20) "Okosi Ngai Mfumu Abisina'/'Sans Preavis Sourir Cacharelle'.
The question is whether the British audience has not been overexposed to Congo music. Perhaps not. The real issue stems from the simple fact that musicians from Zaire and Congo are prolific in releasing their songs batch after batch from their newly found home of Paris and elsewhere.Emeneya Kester et l'Orchestre Victoria are no exception to the rule. With a colourful album they have just introduced themselves to a wider audience especially outside Africa. Who needs to be told what Zairean music is composed of? The usual hot guitar licks and sweet vocals always fill the groove. Is this album an exception?
A cute group as you will notice from the sleeve, l'Orchestre Victoria also possess the army of guitarists who together provide the basic fireworks needed for your warm-up. Propped by the bass guitar which occasionally surges forth, the music usually starts slowly, probably meant to prepare the dancer in a gentle manner. What would normally greet the dancer half-way through most Zairean songs is hot guitars and engaging rhythms
Victoria try to toe the line but I doubt whether they do that with the usual intensity. Listening to their songs especially 'Okosi Ngai Mfumu' you constantly get the feeling that their trump-card is vocals. Their sweet voices both individually and as a group make such a great difference to their music. Of course, the guitars and other instruments still persist in spite of all that has been said.
HAPPENINGS.
Nigerian Durbars and Masquerades
Georges Val, a Frenchman who has lived in Nigeria for the past twelve years and travelled extensively in the country is scheduled to open a photographic exhibition at the Africa Centre from November 8-30, 1984.The subject of the exhibition, "Nigerian Durbars and Masquerades" is interesting in the sense that the 39-year-old photographer whose work is on show metamorphosed during the period he lived in Nigeria from an amateur to a full professional with an eye for beauty and artistic presentation. After a few years, he gave up his former work and took up photography full time. As he told it to this reporter, he originally went to Nigeria to work as a manager with a French construction firm and was immediately fascinated with the richness of the Nigerian culture. He travelled widely into the remotest areas always conscious of the vastness of the cultural treasure available. Thus, the ambition was born to capture the images of Nigerian culture, and particularly the atmosphere through the lens of a camera.
The pictures on exhibition are presented by a special process whereby the celluloid is separated from the paper, pressed on canvas and then varnished by hand. In this way, the atmosphere is heightened to that of a painting.
The exhibition features several spectacular shots from FESTAC (Festival of Arts and Culture) of 1977 when Mr Val was appointed photographer for New York Times and Washington Post, and other aspects of the people's customs he captured on his travels throughout the country.
As a board member of the Nigerian Museum Society and currently the director of the Nigerian District of Lion's Club, an international charity organisation, Mr Val is firmly grounded in the culture of the country which he is anxious to expose to as many people as possible. Another exhibition is scheduled in April in Dallas for the United States of America. He is also contributing (pictures, naturally) to 2 books on Nigeria "Guidebook of Nigeria" due to be published next year.
"This exhibition affords me the opportunity to share with the public my perspective of Nigeria - the rich culture that is the people."
Adisadel old boys meet in Washington
Former students of Adisadel College, Cape Coast (Old Santaclausians) held their first reunion convention in Washington D.C. from October 5 to 7. The convention was attended by Old Santaclausians from the U.S.A. and Canada.In a message delivered to the Convention, His Excellency Eric K. Otoo, Ghana's Ambassador to the United States congratulated the Old Santaclausians for having organized the convention and appealed to them to use the occasion to consider ways of contributing to the college in particular and Ghana in general.
The convention unanimously adopted a resolution to establish an "Adisadel Fund" to be based in Washington D.C. The Fund will be permanent with the annual interest IN SEARCH being made available for the needs of OF PEACE the school. A substantial annual fundraising appeal is to be sent to all Old Santaclausians in Canada and the U.S.A.
It was further decided that the second convention will be held in Washington D.C. in May 1985. Further details may be obtained from: George Williams, Chairman, Co- ordinating Committee, 6407 Holyoke Drive, Annandale, Virginia 22003 U.S.A. Tel (703) 750-0051.
