Music And Arts Scene
African Records Review
By Kwabena Asamoah
GASPAR LAWAL: Abiosun Ni (HOT/CAP 1)
'Kokoroko' 'Witch-Dance' 'Omi Leniyon' / Abiosun Ni' 'Kai Anibaba' 'Ija Oyewa'
Nigeria's Gaspar Lawal returns to the columns with Abiosun Ni after the success of Ajomase which sold pretty well all over the world. Produced by himself and re- leased during the later part of last year, Abiosun Ni by sheer number of famous musicians in London who played on it and good production is expected to follow the footsteps of Ajomase even though the musical approach might be slightly different.As a percussionist who has recorded with the Rolling Stones and many other famous names including Hugh Masekela, Gaspar Lawal has become the 'African percus- sionist of London' and traces of this are re- echoed throughout this album. A perfectionist as he is, he employs almost all the best hands around for sessions - from kora player Tunde Jegede, trumpeter Mac Tontoh to keyboardist Eddie Bentley. Even violins feature in 'Abiosun Ni' while Abdul Tee-Jay's guitar fashions out rhythms.
The opening 'Kokoroko' wakes every- body up to Gaspar Lawal's Afriki sound which comes out better in 'Witch-Dance', another of listening tracks which abound on the album. It will not take too long to realise that Lawal wants to play music rather than just African music as some would think. It is certainly not the type of music that would make you jump to your feet immediately but it caters for a wider taste and freshness. You can count on almost every instrument on the album --- conga, trombone, sax, piano, kora, marimba, violin, kabasa, guitar, atumpani drums and flute. A fairly stable music for listening and expressing oneself.
MAHOTELLA QUEENS: Izibani Zomgqashiyo (EMW 5504)
'Zibuyile Nonyaka' 'Yadilika Intaba' Asambe Mntakamama' 'Uthuli Lwezichwe' Bekumnandi' 'Demazana'/Ziyatshitshimba Izintombi' 'Vuka Uzibuke' Sighamuka Kwazulu' 'Xola Mama' 'Ifa Lenkosana' 'Asambeni Bafana'
The indestructible beat of South Africa continues with this latest album by the mistresses and queens of Mgqashiyo beat Mahotella Queens (Emily Zwane. Thandi Radebe, Beatrice Mgcobo, Thandi Nkosi and Caroline Kapentar) who have been going since 1964. As the sleeve note says, their vocal style and music earned them the enviable position as the 1975 Radio Bantu Best Group of the Year, a title which they more than deserve.Izibani Zomgqashiyo (meaning 'the lights of Mgqashiyo') come at a time when South African politics is dominated by the call for Nelson Mandela's unconditional release from prison and political reforms to give black majority rule. The sense of rhythm in the music already has traces of freedom of style though the subject-matter might not necessarily be political. Of course, fans too would be delighted to hear the opening "Zibuyile Nonyaka' (meaning 'they are back this year) which marks their return to recording after a long period of live performances on the road.
Not only do tunes like 'Siqhamuka Kwazulu' and 'Xola. Mama' remind the world of Dark City Sisters but emphasise the driving beat of South Africa beat which relies on simple but effective guitar riffs, fat bass structures and groaning male voices in support. The sweet voices of Mahotella Queens throughout the album make you wonder the extent of their natural talent - from vocal blending, arrangement and harmony especially in Uthuli Lwezichwe' and indeed all the other tracks. The unique South African-style bass line which underlies Mahotella Queens and indeed all South African bands' music still hypnotise without getting boring. It is the type of music which you cannot resist and Izibani Zomgqashiyo is certainly a great album to check out.
AFRO HOT CHART
1. BOYA YE M'Bilia Bel (STERNS) Zaire2. DIVORCE Lubaki Geant (ASWE) Congo
3. AU COEUR DE PARIS Les Amazones (ENIMAS) Guinea
4. MARIO Franco (CHOC) Zaire
5. TORONTO BY NIGHT A.B. Crentsil (WAZURI) Ghana.
6. BREAKTHROUGH Mandy (FAZE 2) Nigeria
7. 1x2=MABE Youlou Mabiala (APIA) Congo
8. ASANTEMAN Pat Thomas (JAP) Ghana
9.GBEJI MI ELEDUMAREEbenezer Obey (AFRODISIA) Nigeria
10. SERVICE LIBRE Eyango Ndedi (DICK'S) Cameroon
11. IZIBANI ZOMGQASHIYO Mahotella Queens (EARTHWORKS) South Africa
12. MALANGA Kanda Bongo Man (BM) Zaire
13. ZULU JIVE VOL. 2 Various Artists (EARTHWORKS) Azania
14. SAVIOUR Sunny Ade (SALPS) Nigeria
15. OBERIMA NKWAN YEDEKofi Asamoah (DOMINO) Ghana
Chart courtesy of AFROBOOM RECORDS,
1st Floor Wren Suite, 189 Stoke Newington High Street, London N16
(Mail order and distribution only.)
