Music And Arts Scene
African Records Review
By Kwabena Asamoah
HI-LIFE INTERNATIONAL: 'Come To Africa'/'Comme Ci Comme Ca' (STERNS 1206).
The year begins with an invitation from Hi-Life International who are one of the hottest African outfits in London. Composed of musicians with varied experiences, they specialise in hi-life and soukous but promise to try other styles in their forthcoming album.This new 12" single charts the main path taken by the group. 'Come To Africa', written by bassist Herman "Wonderbass" Asafo-Agyei, is a mixture of hi-life and funk spiced with echoey trumpet solos. Herman not only guides the music with his throbbing bass but also takes the lead singing. Kofi Adu's drums commit dynamism to the music while Ashley's conga pours with vigour.
Guitarist Oduro-Kwarteng (now Chairman Kwa) throws in a soukous composition on the B-side. 'Comme Ci Comme Ca', sung by Chairman Kwa himself, is a strong Zairean number which employs all the technical competence of the group - from conga, drums, horns and guitars. Fortunately, Fan Fan (ex-Franco guitarist) was around to complete the Zairean bit of the story. Democracy seems to get hold of the group these days. Notice that Frank Williams takes his turn on the sax with swift digits. Is it because Stu Hammer did the horns solo on the the A-side?
Reggae dubmaster Dennis Bovell took control of the production, but the world is watching what difference he will bring to Hi-Life International music. At least the music on this 12" single has all the ingredients of good stuff. Keep it up boys!
FRANCO ET T.P.O.K. JAZZ: 'Chez Rythmes Et Musiques' (EDIPOP POP 032). Makambo Ezali Bourreau', 'Kimpa Kisangameni'/'12, 600 Lettres A Franco', 'Debat'.
The heavyweight music champion of Zaire Franco-turns out records from Brussels (his new-found home) like mad, but he is doing credit to both Zairean and African music. His music will, after all, still be on the market even long after he has left the scene.The music on this album reminds me of Franco's first ever show in London at the Hammersmith Palais. I still have memories of the middle-aged Caribbean MC dancing all his heart and soul away with ecstacy.
The music starts rather gently without Franco himself until later when he springs his voice and guitar on 'Makambo Ezali Bourreau'. There is frequent mention of Franco's name linked with America, Brussels, Paris and other places. No doubt, the song is recounting the group's successes in these places. The guitars do not necessarily warm one would as normally get from a Zairean group, but the gentle touches and beautiful vocals make quite a lot of difference.
Franco has something to relate in 'Makambo Ezali Bourreau' but seems to have overdone it a bit in 'Debat' for non-native Lingala speakers. You will, however, agree that there cannot be a debate without much talking.
T.P.O.K. Jazz has a big band sound but prefers to mellow down with instrumental blur at the beginning of 'Kimpa Kisangameni' which features Franco on the lead vocals. The vocal harmony is the trump card of the tune.
The album would have been an average one but for the unique sound of '12,600 Lettres A Franco' which stands out as the best track. The guitars come out clean and the bass guitar props marvellously to achieve excellent results. The magic of Zarean voices is forcefully present. Can I hear Josky's sweet voice? Franco's guitar singles out to grace the already beautiful music. He might deserve to receive more than 12,600 letters. The call and answer among the hornsmen is a proof of experience. You can dance To pieces. well with this track without getting tired.
"Sounds For Mandela"
The campaign to free South African human rights leader, Nelson Mandela, intensifies next month with a benefit concert for him in London.Headlining "Sounds For Mandela” at North London's Forum on Thursday February 7th is the thirty strong PATEA MAORI troupe from New Zealand whose persecution at home has given them an empathy with Mandela's struggle. Also on the bill is the ever popular DUDU PUKWANA'S ZILA, song and dance group UTHINGO and DISTRICT SIX.
Exiled South African musician Julian Bahula is organising the benefit for the African National Congress. He previously held celebration concert a spectacular for Mandela's birthday at the Alexandra Palace in July 1983 and he is determined to fuel the struggle with regular shows of this nature.
"Nothing has changed in South Africa, the people there need all the help they can get," says Bahula of Tsafrika Productions.
