Music And Arts Scene
African Records Review
STREET SOUNDS: "New Africa" (Celluloid) Cat No Music 2) "Electric Africa", "(We'll be Together", "Toure Kunde," "Politicians" "Masikini ya Mola"/"No agreement", "Em 'Ma", "Army Arrangement", "Yeke yeke", "Haima"
"Ex Africa semper aliquid nove". There is always something new out of Africa observed Pliny the elder, the Roman Historian. The "New Africa" album, however is not exactly new as the title implies but the selection of music featured shows a different face of the continent's great musicians who would not be left behind in the funk music blowing through discos throughout the world.The six musicians represent a generation of young and old. Appropriately the side one kicks off with Africa's first musician to break into the international arena. Manu Dibango. His "Electric Africa" already featured on an album released this year exhibits avant-funk with generous helping of jazz overtones. Beautiful studd which slides smoothly into Bosca's "(We'll be Together)" released as an extended single a couple of months ago. The infectious Soca beat, already a party piece ingeniously merges with Toure Kunda's "Toure Kunda" the Senegalese band which has successfully fused traditional Senegalese music with attractive melodies and irresistible dance music.
Hugh Masekela's "Politician" featured on his album "Waiting in the rain" and "Masinkiya ya Mola" effectively handled by Somo Somo the UK-based Zairean band completes the first side.
The flip-side continues the party mood with Fela Anikulapo numbers - "No agreement" and "Army arrangement". Toure Kunda's "Mory Kante" and Mandingo wrap up the excellent compilation which brings together some of Africa's best selling musicians.
The production which was expertly put together to give an illusion of continuous non-stop music should keep parties going all night long.
Even those who already possess the individual albums of the six artists may like to own this compilation because it puts all the best eggs in one basket, so to speak.
RIDO BAYONNE: EYANO (PARIS ALBUM C.3353) "Eyano" "M'Tchatch", "Les Souliers du Voyageur. "/"Brigette", "nassi Wodi", "Buzengi".
Rido Diedanne Bayonne is a hard working musician if one takes into account the number of instruments he doubles on within the 13 strong back-up group.No doubt, the sound, particularly the brass section comes on so strong throughout the album. The up-beat tempo which permeates the album sets the pace in the opening track "Eyano". The eight-man (and women) chorus gives a delightful performance in support of Bayonne whose "synthesised" voice rendition often reminds one of Manu Dibango's music of the Makossa vein. The rhythm section sets a toe-tapping pattern which leads on to the second number "M'Tchatch" and then "Les Souliers du Voyageur" a smootchie tune which tells the story of a traveller in a mournful tone.
While the side two introduces a slightly slower beat, the overall mood is the familiar Zairean feel which forces one to get on to the floor and dance. "Brigette" "Nassi Wedi" and "Buzengi" complete the flip side."
The brilliant horns section and the strong choral backing combine effectively, not forgetting the excellent guitar work, characteristic of Zairean music, to lift up this album from the realm of the passable to good.
AFRO HOT CHART
1. KEYNA Mbilia Bel (GENIDIA) Zaire2. ELECTRIC AFRICA Manu Dibango (CELLULOID) Cameroon
3. OBI DOBA African Brothers (A.B.) Ghana
4. DOUBLE DOUBLE Nyboma (CELLULOID) Zaire
5. ENFANT BAMILEKE 4 Stars (SYLLART) Zaire
6. NEW AFRICA Various Artists (STREET SOUNDS) Inter-Africa.
7. NA WA FOR YOU Hi-Life International (STERNS) Ghana
8. BEHYE ME MA New Life Gospel (PMA) Ghana
9. ARMY ARRANGEMENT Fela Anikulapo Kuti
10. NDE YEN DA A.K. Yeboah (ASONA) Ghana.
11. PLAYS BROADWAY & UHURU Redcap James (AFROBOOM) Ghana
12. WAITING FOR THE RAIN Hugh Masekela (JIVE AFRICA) South Africa
13. MO DUPE (GRATITUDE) Sunny Ade (SALPS) South Africa
14. OYE ODO Pat Thomas/Ebo Taylor (DAN) Ghana
15. BINAMAndre-Marie Tala (ANDY'S) Cameroon
Chart courtesy of AFROBOOM RECORDS, 135 Clarence Road, London E5 8EE (Mail Order & Distribution only).
