| ARTIST | TITLE | NUMBER | ORIGINAL
FORMAT | PRICE | BUY |
|---|
| AFRICA |
| VARIOUS ARTISTS | AMSTERDAM ROOTS MEETING LIVE | AMSTERDAMCDC | TC | £ 12.50 | |
| Recorded live at the Melkweg - Amsterdam Roots Meeting in 1987 and features some of the highlights of the festival. Starting with Thione Seck et Le Raam-Daan's 28 minute, 3 track set. The classic style singer, composer and bandleader gives the traditional Wolof rhythms from Senegal a new dimension. His emotional voice and beautiful arrangements send shivers up the listener's spine. Just over 15 minutes of Los Van Van who added the sound of guitars, violins and trombones to the Afro-Cuban 'son'. This brilliant 14 piece orchestra has become Cuba's most exciting dance band. Then comes a 24 minute, 3 track set from Kalum Star consisting of the finest young talents from Guinea, under the leadership of Maitre Barry. Finally to finish of with just over 14 minutes from Jil Jilala, formed in 1972, who are one of Morocco's most outstanding bands. Their songs, based on authentic rhythms, deal with the problems of daily life and demonstrate their unique voices and rhythmic complexity. The track titles are not displayed on the inlay. | DISC 1.
1. THIONE SECK
2. THIONE SECK - YEEN
3. THIONE SECK
4. LOS VAN VAN
DISC 2.
1. KALUM STAR
2. KALUM STAR
3. KALUM STAR
4. JIL JILALA |
   |
| VARIOUS ARTISTS | SOUND D'AFRIQUE II - SOUKOUS | ISSP4008CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| Released by Mango back in 1982 this album has always been a favorite of mine since I first heard it over thirty years ago. A top set of artists from Zaire, Congo, Mali and Cameroon sing and play their hearts out. I have cheated a bit here as tracks 1 and 6 are longer versions from DARL024 and DARL018 respectively. Just have a listen to the clips. | 1. DEDE PRISCILLA BY LEA LIGNANZI - ZAIRE
2. ANE YA BY MENSY - CAMEROON
3. BOLINGO MOBUSE BY VONGA AYE - ZAIRE
4. MENEBO NDEN BY MOUSSA DOUMBIA - MALI
5. MADELEINA BY PABLO LUBADIKA PORTHOS - ZAIRE
6. PAULINA MINEURE BY JEFF LOUNA - CONGO
7. YOYOYO BY ASI KAPELA - ZAIRE |
   |
| VARIOUS ARTISTS | UNDER AFRICAN SKIES (2 x CD) | BBCCD2006CDC | CDx2 | £ 12.50 | |
| A 26 track double album from the BBC series. Released back in 1989 and has been out of print ever since. One or two odd bits but otherwise a cracking set of songs that are hard to find. A real collectors item. | DISC 1 - ZAIRE
1. ECLAVE (PAPA WEMBA)
2. DO LA ROSE (WENGE MUSICA)
3. TSIBOLIA MULUMBA (TSHALA MUANA)
4. DIALOGUE - RAY LEMA TALKING ABOUT FRANCO
5. KWASSA KWASSA (EMPIRE BAKUBA)
6. ANIMATEURS WELCOMING V.I.P.'S ON INDEPENDENCE DAY 1989 KINSHASA
7. CHAMELEON (PRINCESS MANSIA)
ZIMBABWE
8. CHINHOYI (BHUNDU BOYS)
9. DIALOGUE - MUSIC CLASS ST. JOSEPHS SCHOOL CHICHUWASHA
10. NGORIMBA (COMRADE CHINX AND ILANGA)
11. JAM SESSION AT WEDDING FEATURING EPHAT MUJURU AND THE SPIRIT OF THE PEOPLE
12. TRUE LOVE (BUSI AND ILANGA)
13. NGUGAMA (LOVEMORE MAJAIVANA)
ALGERIA
14. HADA RAIKOUM (MESSAOUD BELLAMOU)
15. N'SEL FIK (CHABA FADELA AND CHEB SAHRAOUI)
DISC 2 - MALI
1. BONJOUR MALI - BABA SANGARE OF R.T.M.
2. SUAVE NINA (MALI ESPAGNE) (KOLLY ET SES ACOLYTES)
3. YASOUMOUNKA (TATA BAMBO KOUYATE)
4. SAANKORO MORIBA (THE RAIL BAND)
5. SE SE WA BENA (LE SUPER BITON DE SEGOU)
6. KOULANJAN (KASSEMADY AND LAFIA DIABATE)
ETHIOPIA
7. DINI DEMEKE (MAMO CHALE AND NAT. THEATRE SINGERS)
8. YETKEMT ABEBA (NEWAY DEBEBE)
9. WOLELA (ASTER AWEKE)
10. YA SELAME LALO (MOHAMMED AHMED AND THE ROHA BAND)
11. T'ZETA (BEZAWORK ASFEW) |
   |
| VARIOUS ARTISTS | WOMEN OF AFRICA | CSLP5003CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| Features tracks by by a host of Southern Africa's best female singers which are listed next to their tracks. | 1. KUTELEZA SI KWANGUKA - LADY ISA
2. SAWURA WAKO - STELLA CHIWESHE AND THE EARTHQUAKE
3. LOMFANA NGI YAMITHANIDA - PATIENCE AFRICA AND THE PEDLERS
4. TSIKETA KUNI BARASSARA - DULCE AND ORCHESTRA MARRABENTA STAR DE MOZAMBIQUE
5. TRUE LOVE - ILANGA FEATURING BUSI NCUBE
6. UKUTHOKOZA KWAMI - SARAH MABOKELA
7. MAHLALELA - DOREEN NCUBE
8. QAGALA - MAHOTELLA QUEENS
9. KANGELA - MAGGIE MHURIRO
10. I'M LIKE THIS - DOROTHY MASUKA
11. UYAI MOSE - SARAH MABOKELA
12. A VASSATI VA LOMO - MINGAS AND ORCHESTRA MARRABENTA STAR DE MOZAMBIQUE |
   |
| ALGERIA |
| CHABA FADELA AND CHEB SAHRAOUI | HANA HANA | MCT1005CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Real belter of an album with the throbbing rai rhythms taking total control of mind and body. Some great duets which are filled with emotion. (8T/53M) | 1. HANA HANA
2. HE RAI
3. MA NESBARCHI
4. N'SEL FIK (89 MIX)
5. NGHIR-MENEK
6. RANDJOUN
7. HADEK MI ANDI
8. NES JAWAK ALIA |
   |
| CHABA ZAHOUANIA | NIGHTS WITHOUT SLEEPING | ICT9914CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Superb Rai album released by Island back in 1988 and I would still rate it as one of the best. Her deep and rough vocals are addictive and she has dueted with many of the top male stars of Rai music. Just have a listen to Ya Laoulid and feel that sensuous rhythm that tells you to get up and dance. | 1. YA LAOULID (Oh My Child)
2. DINI MAAK (Take Me With You)
3. OUIN HABIBI OUIN (Where Are You, My Baby)
4. GOULOU LIMMA (Tell My Mother)
5. SAHR LIYALI (Nights Without Sleeping)
6. MALI YA MALI (What's Happening To Me) |
   |
| CHABA ZAHOUANIA | YAMA GEDA NARI | CMD3857CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| A crappie looking old cassette dating from 1988 that hides some absolutely magic music, her best ever album? Just have a listen to Ana Oulef Nergoud which must be one of my most favorite Rai tracks ever. | 1. YAMA GEDA NARI
2. HAKDA OULA MAYACHKACHE
3. NECHKI LELOUALI
4. YA KAOUI GALBI
5. ANA OULEF NERGOUD
6. MENAH C'EST FINI. |
   |
| CHEB KHALED | MANZEEDISH NAASHAQ - SHABBA BINT BELADI | PH05CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| An early album from the undisputed king of Rai. Thumping rhythmic drums and organ with the king belting out his power packed vocals. I have only come across the name of one of these tracks on any other album and that was track 3 which was released on the Khaled Rebel of Rai double CD. 56 minutes. | 1. KHARAGO QUDAMNA
2. MANZEEDISH NAASHAQ
3. MAANDI HADJA FIN NASS
4. YANA HAI WODDI
5. SHABBA BINT BELADI
6. ASSAKRA
7. FARETLEY |
   |
| CHEB KHALED AND ZAHOUANIA | LES MONSTRES SACRES DU RAI | MLPCD305CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| Lovely traditional based album with both artists dueting throughout. This would definitely have rocked the casbah back in 1989 when it was released. | 1. ANA BIA TAXI NUMERO
2. YA LEMIMA
3. HALFA MANARKEBCH
4. YA BA KAHYI
5. ANADEREGLI
6. WAY WAY KHALOUH YESKAR |
   |
| CHEB MAMI | MAANDI HADJA FENES | MCPE1199CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| A lovely set of early tracks from 1986 and another very rare cassette that has not been re-released on CD. When making a CD-R copy for my own collection I found a few drop out faults and a couple of sudden endings plus tracks in the wrong order. My collection CDR has had all this corrected. Very rare album. | 1. MAANDI HADJA FENES
2. MAHCHEMTI
3. SAHERA
4. SEYADA
5. MENA MENA
6. MALI OU MAL ZINE |
   |
| CHEB ZAHOUANI | FATIMA | 50633-2CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| A lovely set of classic Rai dance tracks that throbs from start to finish. Zahouani's vocals power out over the sound of modern Parisienne style keyboard backing and percussion. [11T/63M] | 1. HRAM ALIK
2. FATIMA
3. EL HOB KOUANI
4. CHIRA KOUAATHA FRANCAIS
5. EKASS IDIR EL COURAGE
6. SAMHINI YA MA
7. HADIK LIOUAKFA
8. RABI BALANI
9. RAKI GHOBLI
10. NASSEK MLAH
11. SAKHI BIA |
   |
| CHEB ZAHOUANI - CHABA ZAHOUANIA. | SHIFOUR AT TAXI | PH657CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Rai with that thumping rhythmic drumming that's missing on recent Euro releases. Instrument wise it seems to have a bit of everything combined with Zahouani's power packed vocals. The last track has to be unique as the manufacturer has put his squeaky voiced advert in while the song is still going, sounds great. Tracks: Shifour At Taxi, See Trotar, Khallil Habib Le Babibo, Al-Kubaida Majruha, Mahbobi. The title track is addictive and once heard you'll find yourself humming it all the time. (CD-R also includes VDF599) | 1. SHIFOUR AT TAXI
2. YA OUMRI OU YA OUMRI
3. SEE TROTAR
4. ENTI AAINIYA YA GALBY MEHOUAK
5. KHALLIL HABIB LE BABIBO
6. BOUYA HA BOUYA
7. AL-KUBAIDA MAJRUHA
8. MAHBOBI
9. AZDAM AZDAM YAL AAKELE AZDAM
10. MAHBOBI (with advert for Phonie Music) |
   |
| CHEB ZAHOUANI - CHABA ZAHOUANIA. | YA OUMRI OU YA OUMRI | VDF599CDC | TC | £ 0.00 | |
| Rather nice album which features the songs Ya Oumri Ou Ya Oumri, Enti Aainya Ya Galby Mehouak, Bouya Ha Bouya, Azdam Azdam Yal Aakele Azdam. (This album is included with PH657 on one CDR) | 1. YA OUMRI OU YA OUMRI
2. ENTI AAINIYA YA GALBY MEHOUAK
3. BOUYA HA BOUYA
4. AZDAM AZDAM YAL AAKELE AZDAM |
| Sorry no image but see SHIFOUR AT TAXI PH657 |
| CHEIKHA REMITTI | LIVE EUROPEAN TOUR 2000 | CDS7427CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| Recorded during her 2000 European Tour. Remitti is accompanied by Mohamed Maghni on keyboard, Said Hadjadj on derbouka and percussions, El Hejraoui Mimoun on gass? and Abdelmalek on Gasba (flute). A lovely traditional sound so do have a listen. | 1. INTRODUCTION
2. NOUAR
3. NAKHLA
4. OULED DJAZAIR
5. HAK HAK
6. KHALINI N'RANI KIMA NEBRI
7. SAIDA
8. S'HAB EL BAROUD |
   |
| DJAMEL ALLAM | ARJOUTH - LAISSEZ-MOI RACONTER | ESC332CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| Djamel's first album released way back in 1976 as a gatefold LP with lyrics on the inside. Listening to it I could see where my favoutites of his album Salimo were coming from. Based on traditional Berber music but with a modern folk music atmosphere that made it stand out from other albums of that genre. | 1. RANI LAH
2. A THADDA
3. MARA DIOUGHAL
4. ARJOUTH
5. VRIR
6. OURESTROU
7. THIZIRI
8. FATIHA |
   |
| DJAMEL ALLAM | SALIMO | CEL6743CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| Released in 1985 which was when I first heard this wonderful album. Djamel was a musician, singer, songwriter and also an actor with singles, LP and CD albums to his credit which were all very popular. Especially in France where he lived until his death in 2018. He is buried in his home town of Bejaia on the coast of Algeria. This remains to this day one of my favourite albums that I can never tire of hearing. IT IS NOT RAI MUSIC - SO PLEASE DO HAVE A LISTEN. | 1. YASMINA
2. AMRAR
3. CHETKI
4. AMAJAR
5. SALIMO
6. TISLIT
7. ROUH ROUH
8. GIBRALTAR |
   |
| DJILALI ET GROUPE AMARNA | MENZAHRI TALBOULI GHALI | MCPE1356CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Lovely Rai album from Groupe Amarna and Djilali Amarna whose real name was Djilali Razkallah. He was a leading singer with Groupe Amarna but was better known as a singer with his earlier group Raina Rai. Sadly he passed away in 2010. | 1. MENZAHRI TALBOULI GHALI
2. GOULOU EL MAMA
3. MAMI HANI
4. BAKIYA TEDJRI MOURAYA
5. BIYA OUELFEK
6. YA ZZINA OUALEFNAK |
   |
| NOURA | CHANSONS POPULAIRE D'ALGERIA | 50402-2CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| Released back in 1995 this is a wonderful compilation album from renowned singer Noura who was probably the sweetest and clearest voice of any of the female artists of the area. She died in 2014 at the age of 72 though you wouldn't think so from the album's cover picture. There are thirteen tracks but unfortunately no information about which albums they originally came from. She made many, many records, both LP's and singles from the early 60's onward. You can find 50 albums listed on the last.fm website alone. This is a definite cracker of an album all the way through, just have a listen. Condition as NEW. I couldn't find any mention of this album on the web anywhere. Looks to be VERY RARE INDEED. | 1. YA BNET EL HOUMA
2. ANA NEBGHIK
3. MEKTOUB ALIA NOUALEF
4. OUAHDANIA
5. OUCHE BEKALI
6. HADH ELOUAD LIDANI
7. LOUKANE HABIBI
8. ROOSI YA HAMA
9. OUAHDI
10. AIN EL KERMA
11. BENTI YA BENTI
12. GALBEK EHGOUDI
13. HOUA H |
   |
| RAINA RAI | RAINA RAI | LVS1021CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| The band Raina Rai was formed in 1980 in Paris and this was their first album which was released on cassette in 1982 by Sadi Disques. Some very nice guitar play and singing from Attar Lotfi is backed up by keyboard player Chekhi Tarik and percussionist and singer Djellouli Hachemi. There is a clip from every track so do have a listen. | 1. HADA CHEHAL
2. ALLAH YAALI
3. OUIN DAOUEK
4. AMARNA
5. MIMOUNA
6. RAINA HAK
7. MAYMI
8. JAWHAR |
   |
| SEBA | EWA | NV35311CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| From the western hills of Algeria via the suberbs of Paris come the six Seba brothers, percussionists Mohamed, Abdel-illah, Abdel-ouab, guitarists Farid and Houari plus singer only Ahmed. Beautifully played, gorgeously sung and the music just throbs from start to finish. Definitely recommended if you like contempory Rai at its best. ( F.T.Index: Zina Zina, M'sirda, Salam, Bladna, Chouft, Te Dekoum, Yasmina, Loukane, Ben Ali, Nomades, Rai Rai, Kayen De. ) [12T/M] | 1. BEN ALI
2. CHOUFT
3. TE DEKOUM
4. ZINA ZINA
5. NOMADES
6. M'SIRDA
7. BLADNA
8. KAYEN DE
9. RAI RAI
10. LOUKANE
11. YAMINA
12. SALAM |
   |
| ANGOLA |
| VARIOUS ARTISTS | ANGOLA 60'S (1956-1970) | 82991-2CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| Superb compilation of Angolan music from the mid 50's to 1970. | 1. NGOLA RITMOS - MUXIMA
2. NGOLA RITMOS - DJANGO UE
3. SAN SALVADOR - ENZOL'EYAYA
4. KABOKO MEU - NA RUA DE SAO PAULO
5. UNIAO MUNDO - AMANHA VAMOS A PROCURA DA CHAVE
6. MESTRE GERALDO MORGADO - MINI SAIA
7. MINGUITO - SANT'ANA
8. NGOLA RITMOS - NZAGE
9. DUO OURO NEGRO - KURIKUTELA
10. SARA CHAVES - KURIKUTE
11. ELIAS DIA KIMUEZO - RESSURRREICAO
12. LILLY TCHUMBA - PAXI NGONGO
13. GINGAS - LAMENTO
14. LUIS VISCONDE - CHOFER DE PRACA
15. QUINTETO ANGOLANO - KUPASSIALA KUA ABA
16. DIMBA DYA NGOLA - FIXE
17. OS KIEZOS - RUMBA 70
18. VUM VUM - MUZANGOLA
19. JOSE VIOLA - OHOLWA
20. RUY MINGAS - MONANGAMBE
21. TETA LANDO - MUMPIOZZO AME |
   |
| VARIOUS ARTISTS | ANGOLA 70'S (1972-1973) | 82992-2CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| Superb compilation of Angolan music from the early 70's. | 1. LOURDES VAN-DUNEM - NGONGO YA BILUKA
2. BONGA - BALUMUKENO
3. AGUIAS REAIS - MARIANA
4. DIONISIO ROCHA - LEMBA
5. MILA MELO - VAMOS A ANHARA
6. MANUEL FARIA - MANA FATITA
7. OS KIEZOS - MILHORRO
8. SUPER COBA - FINPANTIMA
9. CABINDA RITMOS - CELESTINA
10. N´GOMA JAZZ - BELITA KIRI-KIRI
11. PAULINO PINHEIRO - MERENGUE REBITA
12. GAMBUZINOS - KALUMBA
13. ARTUR ADRIANO - BELITA
14. AFRICA SHOW - AS MENINAS DE HOJE
15. ANTONIO PAULINO - GIENDA YA MAMA
16. PEDRITO - NGALENGA KUBATA
17. DAVID ZE - RUMBA ZATUKINE
18. URBANO DE CASTRO - SEMBA LEKALO
19. ARTUR NUNES - TIA |
   |
| VARIOUS ARTISTS | ANGOLA 70'S (1974-1978) | 82993-2CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| Superb compilation of Angolan music from the mid 70's. | 1. SOFIA ROSA - KALUMBA
2. OS JOVENS DO PRENDA - LAMENTO DE MAE
3. OS KIEZOS - PRINCEZA RITA
4. GIMBA (2) - OTJIKENLU YA YNDUNDUMA
5. OS BONGOS - KAZUKUTA
6. TABORDA GUEDES - KAMAKA
7. ARTUR NUNES - UA UE MUANGOLA
8. CARLOS LAMARTINE - PALA KU NU ABESA O MUXIMA
9. AVOZINHO - MAMA MAMA DIVUA DIAME
10. PRADO PAIM - BARTOLOMEU
11. URBANO DE CASTRO - REVOLUCAO DE ANGOLA
12. DAVID ZE - UNDENGE UAMI
13. DUO MISOSO - TCHI KOLONA
14. SANTOCAS - VALODIA
15. KISANGELA - SOLO DO MAQUI
16. JOY ARTUR - KUDIZANGA DIA VELANGOGO
17. SANTOS JUNIOR - ATHU MU NJILA
18. MATADIDI - NKUWU
19. CARLOS BURITY - MANAZINHA
20. BELITA PALMA - MANAZINHA |
   |
| VARIOUS ARTISTS | ANGOLA 80'S (1978-1990) | 82994-2CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| Superb 19 track compilation of Angolan music from the late 70's, 80's and early 90's. | 1. CARLITOS VIEIRA DIAS - CANTO A LUANDA
2. FILIPE MUKENGA - LEMBA
3. VOTO GONCALVES - NGOLA LAMI
4. TONITO - KIUKITUKILA
5. WALDEMAR BASTOS - VELHA CHICA
6. ANDRE MINGAS - TCHIPALEPA
7. OS MERENGUES - SESSA MULEMBA
8. DOM CAETANO - TIA
9. CALABETO - TUSSOKANA KIEBI
10. ROBERTINHO - SANGUITO
11. JACINTO TCHIPA - MAIE MAIE
12. EDUARDO PAIM - CAMINHO DO MATO
13. PAULO FLORES - POVO
14. HORIZONTES DA LUNDA SUL - SEPA LIAMI
15. MOISES E JOSE KAFALA - OLOMGEMBIA
16. OS MERENGUES - NGUITABULE
17. TETA LANDO - NTOYO
18. MITO GASPAR - MAN POLE
19. NANI - MWANA WA KUMBUA |
   |
| VARIOUS ARTISTS | TOP DOS MAIS QUERIDOS 89 | IEFE099CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Set of top Angolan songs from 1989. | 1. EKUMBI LUANDA - JACINTO TCHIPA
2. QUEM TE VIU QUEM TE VE - CARLOS ALBANO
3. BODA DE SABADO - MAMBORRO
4. SUFOCA - CANDIDO ANANAZ
5. A VIDA - SAGRADA ESPERANCA
6. NOITE DE LUAR - ALBERTINA JOAO
7. MUHATO - DA LUZ
8. MULHER DE CASA - ESTRELA DAS CHANAS |
   |
| BENIN |
| STANISLAS TOHON ET LE TCHINK SYSTEM | ZEMIDJAN | ACC001CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| I didn't recognise the style of music at all and without the notes from EMI I was at a loss to tell you much about him except that his full name is Stanislas Roger Tohon and he was born in Abomey in 1955 and died in Paris in 2019. What I can tell you is that this album was released back in 1992 ( a year after the Paris made LP) and is bleeding fantastic. A modern album definitely and by an artist who's going to go far. The title track's got a bit of Rap the others have something of everything from Hommage a Franco's guitar masterpiece to Neva with it's pouring water and heavy metal guitar. This album's even got a cigarette smoking gourd with a cap and specks that plays guitar on the cover!!!!! This guy and his band are just smashing. This album has joined my list of favorites on the first listening. Between the 60's and 2000's he released at least 27 albums. Have a listen for Awa Maiga and Diane Solo in the chorus. | 1. HOMMAGE A FRANCO
2. CATCHICO
3. PARIS
4. OHO
5. ZEMIDJAN
6. NEVA
7. WE WANT TO KNOW |
   |
| BOTSWANA |
| DUNCAN SENYATSO AND THE KGWANYAPE BAND | MEPHATO YA MALOBA | LBLC2509CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| It may be Setswana poetry set to music but its not traditional - it's a real dance floor stomper with fabulous singing and magic guitars. A cracking pace and a brilliant album from start to finish. | 1. SHELENG
2. MARANYANE
3. THABO
4. SEWELA
5. MOSADI WAKA
6. MMUTLE
7. BAYA KHALA ABAZALI
8. MEPHATO
9. GWANYAPE
10. NYABI BOELA GAE
11. TSETSEBJWE |
   |
| BURKINA FASO |
| KINDISS | ZOUAGNA DEYI | E02831191-4CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
Released back in 1991 by EMI Pathe Marconi C.I. with Congolese style guitar to the fore on this offering from Kinda Issa or Kindiss and wow can they play it sweetly. Then a couple of tracks that are very like the rootsy 'Swede Swede' that was sweeping D. R. Congo at the time, but here the influence is that super multi-beat Polihet rhythm. Finishes up with a gorgeous Cuban style track that just confirms how good this group were. He has played with Congolese artists like Vatto Mombassa who has contributed considerably in the making of this album and also Diblo Dibala. He is also known as the cantor of the Binon rhythm of the Lyele people of Burkina Faso which also got him nicknamed the King of Binon. So now just get your dancing shoes on. [4T/21M]
CONDITION AS NEW BUT NOT SEALED. No mention of the cassette anywhere on the net except here so a very rare item indeed. | 1. ZOUAGNA DEYI
2. YETIONON
3. AGUEYAYE LOUN WO - ETA
4. LYMBE QUELE DJOM |
   |
| O. U. O | EVASION | O.U.O 2CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
The Orchestre Universitaire de Ouagadougou was created back in 1984, Evasion released in 1990 was their second album after Campus Ambiance in 1988. Under the artistic direction of Boncana Maiga and the assistance of Pamphile De Souza this album was put together at Studio JBZ in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.
More information about the group can be found here OUO
Nothing on the web about this album so very rare indeed. | 1. TRIRITO
2. FURU
3. MIMI
4. ELECTRIC
5. SINA
6. SUNOOGO
7. HUM
8. QUIET STRANGER |
   |
| CAMEROON |
| ANGE EBOGO EMERENT | NGE W'AYEM | DTC019CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| Magic has to be used sparingly when describing an album. However it isn't really descriptive enough when applied to this wonderful 1987 release from Ange Ebogo Emerent. It was an early buy for my own collection when I first fell in love with African music. A stunning mix of the local sounds of Bikutsi, Makossa and Zouk with jazz and some intriguing harmonies thrown in for good measure. Fast paced and definitely dancable and rather strange that this album has never come out on CD or a record re-release. Yet. | 1. NGE W'AYEM
2. NINO LA BELLE
3. NGON EMBON
4. TU W'AVUAN ELIG
5. W'AKE MEKE MEKE
6. ENYIN BIBON |
   |
| EBOA LOTIN | THE BEST OF - MEILLEURS SUCCES VOL I | CDAT124CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| Eboa's self taught music is simple and without frills and as he would say he knew nothing about music theory. However his talent is undeniable and his melodies are haunting. He began singing at the age of eight and composed his first hit song Mulema Mam (My Heart) in 1962 when he was 20. He recorded at Radio Douala Studios which brought success but little reward. He went on to compose the famous Mbemb'a Mot'a Sawa in 1967, which earned him the 1st prize of the Vick's Series contest (with Duke Ellington, president of the jury and Miriam Makeba as board member, among others) which sent him to Paris. He used this trip to press his greatest success Matumba Matumba which became a pan-African and international success as did Besombes. He died in 1997 aged 55. Also includes CDAT130 on one CDR | 1. BESOMBE (Les Jeunes)
2. NGON' A MULATO (La Jeune Fille Mulatresse)
3. TATA COCO (Amours Luciferiennes)
4. JA' ALE (Allons-Nous En)
5. MOT' A NDOKI (Le Sourd)
6. Y A ON (Reviens)
7. DA LONGO (Ne Tire Pas L'artiste)
8. EKON (La Jalousie)
9. TATANU (Maintenant)
10. SODOME ET GOMORHE
11. A' MANU (Auto-Portrait Sur Une Histoire Vecue)
12. MYOBE MASU (Le Serman ur La Montagne) |
   |
| EBOA LOTIN | THE BEST OF - MEILLEURS SUCCES VOL II | CDAT130CDC | CD | £ 0.00 | |
| Also includes CDAT124 on one CDR | 13. MATUMBA MATUMBA (Munyenge Awa Ngando)
14. MUTO AMA LEMA MBA (Muto Muto)
15. WASE (Elambi Nde Moto)
16. ELIMB'A DIKALO
17. MBEMB'A MOTA SAWA (Les Lammentations du riverain)
18. LE MARIAGE
19. MESSAGE POUR BROTHER JAMES (La Vengeance Est a Dieu)
20. NA TONDI NIKA
21. MULEMA MWAM (Mon Coeur)
22. NKONO KPA-KUM
23. MARTINE
24. LETRE A FRANCIS BEBEY |
| Please see image above. |
| GOLDEN SOUNDS | ZANGALEWA | DTC014CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| A celebrated group who travelled widely and always received a rapturous welcome wherever they went. It's not just their crazy outfits (Some of them dressed up in old Colonial soldiers uniforms, pith helmets, piss pots etc!) but their humourous stage act and hilarious dance routines have the audience in fits. OK, so this isn't a video, so what's the music like? Brilliant, you'll soon be singing along with their catchy vocals, which are superbly sung and their varied and wonderful music. Loads of guitar, horns by the ton and some of the most superb singing. It all adds up to an album that shouldn't be missed. GUARANTEED IT'S A REAL GEM. | 1. ZANGALEWA
2. MAKRITA
3. EKANG
4. MALADIE DIFFICILE |
   |
| GUY LOBE | MALINGA | ACPCG007CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Released back in 1990 this is a superb album by makossa star the late Guy Lobe who sadly died in 2015. Guy's wonderfully rich vocals are backed by Epee and Koum and Sissy Dipoko along with guitars from Rigo Star and Gilly Doumbe. Have a listen out for a touch of the Golden Sounds in the title track before it drives off at break neck speed. A mixture of songs sung in English, French and local language of which tracks 1,3 and 4 went straight into my computer juke box. | 1. EYAYE
2. TIMBA MBOA
3. TO LOVE
4. MALINGA
5. DEGAGER
6. MA'SOU |
   |
| PETIT PAYS AND LES SANS VISAS | LES MORTS NE SONT PAS MORTS | 843043CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| What a beaut of an album. Gorgeously smooth vocals that blend perfectly with the horn and guitar backing and keep perfect time with the rhythmic percussion, even at top speed. Magic album for a bit of smoochy dancing with someone you know very well or even better with someone you want to get to know a lot better! Favorite track for me is the definite 'chassis shaker' 'Eyamoyo' on side 'b'. Vocals and percussion to the fore on most of the album but there is no stopping the guitar from making the running on 'Mulema'. Scores 10 out of 12 on my 'richter scale' but after shocks could be devestating! (i.e. when he/she says, lets listen to that again darling. Be warned!) Ca ne va, Na titi bobe, Machine Ma Bosinga (les morts ne sont pas morts), Ne Me Quitte Pas, Eyamoyo, Ekwad'a Mulema, Santa Maria (rap), Machine Ma Bosinga (version instumentale). [8T/42M] | 1. CA NE VA
2. NA TITI BOBE
3. MACHINE MA BOSINGA (les morts ne sont pas morts)
4. NE ME QUITTE PAS
5. EYAMOYO
6. EKWAD'A MULEMA
7. SANTA MARIA (rap)
8. MACHINE MA BOSINGA (version instumentale) |
   |
| PETIT PAYS AND LES SANS VISAS | TROUVER LA VIE | ATK087CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Another happy and dance crazy album from singer Petit-Pays. No kidding, it goes like the clappers, I'm still trying to get my breath back after the first track and I was only doing the write-up! Some great guitar playing and a bit of first class keyboards with the drummer in the driving seat and Petit-Pay and the girls in the chorus working up a real sweat. A wonderful mixture.(F.T. Index: Trouver La Vie, Je Suis Haoussa, Les Manieres De La Vie ) [6T/33M] | 1. TROUVER LA VIE
2. JE SUIS HAOUSSA
3. NDEGA LONGUE
4. LES MANIERES DE LA VIE
5. PAS QUITER MWEN
6. MASSOMA |
   |
| SISSY DIPOKO | MUNAM | JBC3002CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| A cracking album that has only been out on LP until now. Super vocals from Sissy and the band who's fast and furious dance music make for a great album. Have a bash at the Bikutsi, Cameroon's own beat or listen to the slow S.A. jazz sound of 'Mouvement Uniforme', see if you can keep time with 'Time' or do the Merengue. Whatever you do, you'll enjoy this varied and very musical album especially the title track. | 1. MUNAM
2. BIKUTSI HIT
3. MOUVEMENT UNIFORME
4. TIME
5. MERENGUE MA M'BOA
6. MUNAM ( Version instrumentale ) |
   |
| TITY EDIMA | MEDIM ME YOM | DPX823CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| Rather nice Makossa style album from singer Tity with help from fellow Cameroonian star Mbida Douglas. [8T/39M] | 1. DOUDOU
2. ZE
3. MENYE ME NKPWELE
4. ZA ATELE
5. PAYS D'AMOUR
6. MEDIM ME YOM
7. MLEN MEYOK
8. AJO BI NGA JO |
   |
| CONGO |
| JEFF LOUNA | PAULINA MINEURE | DARL018CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| WOW!...... Now that's what I call music with a capital M. Vocal harmonies as sweet as honey with guitars that sing and a killer brass line up. Who made it? Well back in the good old 80's Jeff did the lead vocals and all the guitaring while Lea Lignanzi and Baba Bhy Gao helped with the singing. Ballou Canta was on toumbas and Manga, Priso, Roger Kom and Ben's comprised the horn section. Strangely this is the first time I have played it since I got it and I probably would have left it in the racks if somebody hadn't been interested in it. [32M] | 1. PAULINA MINEURE
2. NGAI NA BATELO CONGO
3. SONZO TO DISCO
4. BOLINGO VA MBONGO TE
5. NONO OKANISAKA
|
   |
| PAMELO MOUNK'A | LES MERVEILLES DU PASSE Vol. I | CD79090CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| Sweetly sung and sweetly played guitars combine to make for a really beautiful album. I did notice quite a few clicks in the CD but these are from the original recording done by N'gapy Productions for Sonodisc back in 1985 probably taken from an old LP. Clicks from the original CD have nearly all been removed or repaired on my CD-R. | 1. MASUWA
2. MI VIDA
3. MR WE'RE GETTING MARRIED
4. MOJADO PARATY
5. LOLA
6. AUTO STOP
7. YA GABI
8. MAMIWEY
9. QUERIDA PAOLA
10. NORA MENSAH
11. STAY |
   |
| PAMELO MOUNK'A | LES MERVEILLES DU PASSE Vol. II | CD79091CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| Now this is what I call music. My two favourite tracks ASSETOU OUN DJARABI and DJIMO IVI are just so incredibly beautiful to listen too. The rest are wonderful as well but these two are outstanding. Clicks from the original CD have nearly all been removed or repaired on my CD-R. | 1. MAMA NA MWANA
2. CONGO NA BISO
3. AMEN MARIA
4. FIDELITE
5. ASSETOU OUN DJARABI
6. ANITA
7. TUMBAO
8. JERIZA
9. ATIPO
10. DJIMO IVI
|
   |
| PRINCE YOULOU MABIALA AND L'ORCHESTRE KAMIKAZE LONINGISA | KEBA NA MONIATO | FDB200075CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| A seemingly little known album that was released back in 1992 by Flash Diffusion Business. I don't know why it is not mentioned in more discographies as it is simply gorgeous from start to finish. | 1. PARDON MAYA
2. MON PROBLEME
3. PATOU
4. SAGESSE
{ POT-POURRI }
5. NSONA
6. PAPY
7. KUMBE-KUMBE |
   |
| YOULOU MABIALA | THE BEST OF VOL. 1 1977 - 85 | CDS6830CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| Prince Youlou as he is better known as is a composer and vocalist who used to be a long time member of the famous TPOK Jazz Band. He left in 1977 and with Kamikaze Loningisa and others formed a new band Les Trois Freres. This album features some of their best tracks. | 1. 1X2 = MABE
2. JUDOKA
3. CARTE POSTALE
4. IBRAHIM
5. PETIT CHERI
6. TAZOS
7. PAPY |
   |
| YOULOU MABIALA - 3 FRERES | L'HEURE DE MIDI | NG059CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| Joined TP OK Jazz in 1963 as a singer. He also played with Lovy du Zaire and Somo Somo before joining up with Michel Boyibanda and Loko Masengo to form the group Les Trois Freres in 1977. They became one of the top groups in Brazzaville. The songs here are from 1980-82 just before Les Trois Freres split up and Youlou went on to found Kamikaze Loningissa. | 1. MIDI
2. SALEY
3. HELENE
4. SELENGE
5. MONGALI
6. SOSO ELELI
7. SEMEKI
8. KARI BUNDI
|
   |
| ZITANY NEIL | MACORY GASOIL | SYL38762-1CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| Great singing from Zitany backed by the wonderful guitars of Shimita, Dally Kimoko, Pablo Lubadika and Lokassa Ya Mbongo. Not forgetting Awilo Longomba on drums. Simply superb. | 1. TANTINA
2. MARCORY GASOIL
3. AMOURS RATEES
4. DESTINEE |
   |
| DJIBOUTI |
| EGYPT |
| MONA ABDEL GHANI | AYWA LAKEN | MAG-ALCDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Multi talented singer, actress and TV presenter Mona began her career as a singer in the music group The Friends with Mu'tazila singer Hanan, Alaa Abdel-Khaleq and musician Ammar Al-Sharie'i in the early 80's. Her first solo release was Ashab which made her instantly famous. She is a graduate of the Institute of Arab Music - Academy of Arts and has many films and TV shows also to her credit. I couldn't find this particular album anywhere on the web although tracks 1, 2 and 5 are from her Sahranen album. The other five tracks I could not find on any of the other albums or compilations listed so this is a rather rare item by the look of it. I would describe it as Egyptian pop but whatever it is tracks 6 and 7 went straight into my computer juke box. Has been sat in my collection unplayed for over 30 years. | 1. HATEY
2. SAHRANEN
3. TUAGIBNI
4. AYWA LAKEN
5. GHALI
6. YA WAILAK
7. BUKRASHAMS HA TUTLAA
8. AR RUHLAH |
   |
| ERITREA |
| ABUBEKER HAGE HASSEN | SITTEL - BANNAT (SONGS FROM ERITREA) | RPM006-4CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Abubeker's smooth as silk singing and the smoother still chorus of Said Ahmed and Amal Ibrahim had me absolutely totally hooked within seconds. Released in 1995 and then based in Berlin, the three singers teamed up with guitarist/keyboard player Stanley Sarjo, sax player Christian Pointek, acoustic guitarist Jorg Weber and percussionist Neil Procopio to produce some incredibly beautiful and very catchy music. Not just the sweet side of traditional Eritrean songs, they have included acapela and instrumental versions and even a stunning reggae fusion on the brilliant 'Africa'. If I had to pick a word to describe this album I think AMAZING just about fits the bill. Definitely Recommended. [9T/48M] | 1. SITTEL BANNAT
2. NAFKOT
3. EAETENYA
4. BASKY REMA
5. SITTEL BANNAT Acapela version
6. AFRICA
7. SHAMAT KAYAH
8. SELAM
9. EAETENYA Instrumental |
   |
| ARON ABRHAM | DEKI HADE RUBA VOL 1. | RAGMC101CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| This is the first album by Aron and you'll be as surprised as I was when you hear that superb husky and yet sweet voice. So sweet in fact that you'd swear it was a woman's voice you were listening to. However one glance at this ex-fighters moustache on the inlay card will dispel the idea. The music comes from the usual line-up of sax, guitars and keyboards and has a light and bouncy feel to it, some tracks are quite dance orientated in fact but it's Arons lovely voice that really makes the album for me. (F.T.Index: A2, A5, B6, B4, A3, B1.) [12T/59M] | 1. NABEY ABELET
2. GUAL SUWEA HAWEY
3. AYNCHEKHEKEN
4. LUNA
5. ALOKADO
6. DELO GOBEZ
7. DEKI HADE RUBA
8. FIQREY
9. HEWIT HAFTEY
10. NIMEN KEMERTZI
11. TEGADALIT
12. GUAL SUWEA HAWEY (INST.)
59 MINUTES |
   |
| TESFAY MEHARI - FEHIRA | ZAZIMNAYO VOL 3. | RAGMC103CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Fehira the most famous singer, songwriter and fighter in the Eritrean Peoples Liberation Army and this is his third album. Recorded in Holland with the exception of the first track which was made in Asmara, it contains a whole range of musical styles. From the traditional Liwan through the hotter dance styles of Zazimnayo and Ambelay to the soft and beautifully sung Raina. The usual guitars, keyboards and absolutely essential sax share the stage with the traditional drums, flute and the beautiful sound of the krar (harp). A wonderful album. (F.T.Index: Zazimnayo, Ambelay, Mfililay, Raina, Gele Alewa. ) [10T/60M] | 1. LIWAN
2. ZAZIMNAYO
3. AMBELAY
4. HDAT
5. RAINA
6. HAGEREY
7. MFILILAY
8. ROMAN
9. GELE ALEWA
10. MUSIC |
   |
| YEMANE GHEBREMICHAEL (Barya) | MESOB ADE | RAGMC107CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| The late Yemane Ghebremichael know by his nickname Barya was one of Eritrea's favourite singers. He was exiled during the war but now teams up with the Zemen band to record this album at the Admas Studio in Asmara. From the softly sensuous sounds of Natzanet, he and the band proceed through a lovely set of songs. On the more traditional side the mournful and haunting sound of the title track gives way to the bouncy style of Kulu and its faster cousin Newri. On the modern side Ab Hilmi is simply gorgeous, so to the bubbly sound of Akmiskini with Yermane's softly warbling vocal style and the lovely mix of sax and guitars they come across beautifully. | 1. NATZNET YU KIBRET
2. MESOB ADE
3. KULU ENTNAY N'AKI
4. NEWRI AYKONEN FKRI
5. AB HILMI MISAKI HADIRE
6. AKMISKINI HAMOT
7. FERIHEKI'YE
8. ETZBEY ALEKU
60 MINUTES |
   |
| ETHIOPIA |
| ABEBA DESALEGN | MUSHERAYE KERE | MUSHERAYECDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| Mega rare Ethiopian made CD of her early songs where Abeba sings her heart out on every track. The CD has one more track than the cassette. Like all the greatest albums this one has a sample of every track for you to hear and every track went straight into my computer juke box. Pure magic all the way through. | 1. DAWIT WENCHEFEN
2. GURAGE ACH BARU
3. MUSHERAYE KERE
4. BETU BETA BELAYE
5. GENA GUDE YESEMAL
6. SERGEH LAYE NEBERKUGHE
7. HAMET MISGANA NEW
8. MINEM SALAWK AWEKUHE
9. ALMEKENATEH YASKENAGHAL
10. BEREKET
11. AYEDENKEGHEM |
   |
| ABEBECH MESFIN | MER-AT AYNI - Vol. 1 | RAGMC999CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Singer Abebech comes from Tigray and this is her first release which is sung in Tigrinya. Mainly traditional in style the music comes from a line-up of guitars, sax, keyboards and the lovely Krar. The bouncy Kebero drum and handclap style dominates on most tracks but Neada Nekila and Tsuke Teume take on a modern guitar and sax based sound and with Abebech's haunting vocals they are just lovely. The album name translates as retina which is one of Abebech's nicknames [10T/60M] | 1. YEKETEL DO FIKRIE
2. NETA HABABERE
3. AYMETSEN TERIFU
4. HAKE I
5. NEADA NEKILA
6. SHEKOR GUAL TIGRAY
7. TENAFEKENDO
8. JEMIRUNI FIKREI
9. TSUKE TEUME
10. WOYNAYE MEN-ESEY |
   |
| ABEBECH MESFIN | MER-AT AYNI Vol. 2 | AMV2CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Singer Abebech comes from Tigray and this is her second album which is sung in Tigrinya. Mainly traditional in style the music comes from a line-up of guitars, sax, keyboards and the lovely Krar. The bouncy Kebero drum and handclap style dominates on most tracks but Neada Nekila and Tsuke Teume take on a modern guitar and sax based sound and with Abebech's haunting vocals they are just lovely. The album name translates as retina which is one of Abebech's nicknames [12T/60M] | 1. KE DELEYO EYAE
2. ATA MENE EKHA
3. BE AYNEYE
4. LIMINAYE
5. ADEYE MAREYE
6. AFRICA
7. SEMIRULEYE
8. NEBEYEBNEYE
9. AYNI ZEWARE
10. SELESTE ENE
11. HEWNET
12. ATA MENE EKHA (Instrumental) |
   |
| ABINET AGONAFIR | DIBIKI WUBET (HIDDEN BEAUTY) | AIT026CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| Abinet's debut album and what an outstanding debut at that. Pure magic with 4 tracks straight into my Computer Juke Box. Just have a listen to the clips. | 1. HABESHA
2. SITALEKISH DES ALISHIGN
3. ATIRGEMAT
4. LENE KALESH
5. AGEES MEHAS
6. WEND LIJ
7. ATNAHKEGN LIJE
8. KEZKAZA WELAFEN
9. TEY TEY
10. TELAHUSH
11. EMAMIYE
12. EWEDISHALEHU
13. MISKEEN ZEMEN |
   |
| ABINET AGONAFIR | WIETA | NR0094CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| Recorded and produced in Washington USA but what a cracking album. Every track is great and this has become a firm favourite of mine without a doubt. Oh boy what an album with 8 tracks in my Computer Juke Box | 1. SUSIEN
2. CHUH CHUH
3. BASEBGNE
4. ATHIJIBGNE
5. WEITA
6. SMIGNE
7. BAYBAY
8. ATMI
9. LYU
10. HAGER
11. METACH LENIE BLA
12. YEZARIEN
13. RHAMA
14. LJIEN |
   |
| ABONESH ADNEW - ABITI | ZAREM ENDAMNA | ABITICDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| Multi talented Abonesh still sings but this time under her nick name of Abiti which is also the name of her Washington D.C. restaurant where she also tops the bill. A bit more traditional but still a wonderful album. | 1. ZAREM ENDAMNA
2. ABADER
3. ALKERIM
4. CARE YEHUN
5. YARADA LIJ FEKER
6. YEBOLALE
7. KASAYEN ATAHUT
8. ABAKAGN
9. GOJAME
10. ZEM ALELEM
11. MALEMENI
12. AWDE AMET
13. GUDE FELLA |
   |
| ARAGAW BEDASO | NETEREKEBE INETI | NETERECDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Aragaw Bedaso was born 1934 and is a traditional singer of Gurage songs. He first performed in 1957 and despite his old age still performs and is active in the Ethiopian music scene. A former deacon of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church he claims his good health is due to his exercising, has fathered 18 children and promotes running for health amongst other things. [10T/52M] Oh.... and the music? Out of this world, fast paced traditional Ethiopian style with jazz-funk overtones and tremendous vocals from the man himself. | 1. NETEREKEBE INETI
2. ADETE YETEFEKERENANE
3. FERANE AYENBERO
4. ASHEGOYE ABESHE
5. YEGEREDE MEREKAMA
6. YABO YAYO BELE
7. LEBELE LOGAWE SHEBOW
8. TELEBENE EWEDEDA
9. ABEBA TEKESELI
10. IZEME GORADEDO |
   |
| FIKER ADDIS NEKATIBEB | EMBI | EMBICDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
I thought her previous album Leul Aswededegn was wonderful but this one reaches new heights of perfection. Just have a listen to the clips on the right...........
The original gate fold CD box and insert are replaced here with normal CD inserts with English titles as well. | 1. EMBI
2. AREG ENANTEYE - GONDER
3. TEMELES
4. SETEGNE
5. YEHABESHA
6. KUNAMA
7. JEMEREW - GOJAM
8. EJIG EJIG
9. GODANAW
10. YEMECHEW
11. O HAYA
12. NEDAW - WELLO |
   |
| FOUR STAR SINGERS | FOUR STAR SINGERS | FOURSTARCDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Released by Ambassel way back in 1984. Features a superb set of songs from Tilahun Gessesse, Bezunesh Bekele, Hirut Bekele and Mahmoud Ahmed. | 1. BEHAGER GUBGNIT
2. ANDE LE ANDE
3. TAZEBKUT LIBIHIN
4. AJEB
5. FIKIR DEHNA HUN
6. TEW ZEGEYEHA
7. FIKIR ADDIS AYDELEM
8. YESEW EMEL
9. ALFESHIGN ATHIJI
10. LEBICHAYE
SINGERS
1. - Bezunesh Bekele and Tilahun Gessesse
2, 4. - Tilahun Gessesse
3, 5, 8 and 10. - Bezunesh Bekele
6. - Hirut Bekele and Mahmoud Ahmed
7, 9. - Mahmoud Ahmed |
   |
| GIGI | GIGI | PALMCD20682CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| Superb album that had me glued to the speakers. Sublime vocals and hypnotic music all the way through. Definitely recommended. | 1. GUD FELLA
2. MENGEDEGNA
3. TEW ANTE SEW
4. ABAY
5. BALE WASHINTU
6. GURAMAYLE
7. SEW ARGEN
8. AYNAMA
9. KAHN
10. ZOMAYE
11. ABET WUBET
12. NAFEKEN
13. ADWA |
   |
| HAMELMAL ABATE | SEDET | SEDETCDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| Amazing singer who flits easily between traditional and modern songs.This album released back in 2001 contains one of my favorite tracks in the wonderful Berni. Music comes from both traditional and modern instruments and mixes both beautifully. No wonder her concerts sell out around the world. Have a listen. | 1. SEDET
2. YIDAGENGNE YAYE
3. WEY SIKAY
4. BEMATEBIH TSINA
5. AZENKUBIH
6. BERNI
7. MELA ATAHU
8. KEYANEW
9. SERGE
10. METWADID USTUBE
11. TEMESGEN |
   |
| HAMELMAL ABATE AND THE ROHA BAND | VOL. 2 1985 | YETIDARCDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Hamelmal or Amelmal as it appears on locally produced albums was born in Harar and is regarded as the queen of Ethiopian music. Her incredible voice and timeless arrangements appeal to traditional and modern tastes alike, which is why her live shows play to sold out crowds around the world. This album was probably the last local release ( Western Calender 1993 ) before she went to live in the U.S.A. She made some CD releases while there which were also released on cassette back in Ethiopia where she returned in 2010. | 1. YETIDAR MAGER
2. NA YENE KIBREBEAL
3. GUBEL YE AGERE LEJ
4. DIRES BEMOTE
5. MEWUDED MINEW
6. YE FIKIR GUWADA
7. GALEBEH DERESSE
8. YIKIR BEWUTINU
9. YENE HAD
10. ANTE LIJ |
   |
| KIROS ALEMAYEHU | HAYE BELUWA | HAYECDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| The late Kiros Alemayehu was born in Tigre province in the North of the country and died in 1994 at the age of 46. His modern interpretations of traditional songs and music are justifiably famous throughout the country. The thumping beat of the kebaro drums drives the accompanying krar and masenquo along at a leisurely pace with plenty of hand clapping and 'ullah's' from the chorus girls. Kiros's piercing vocals are delivered in a style which is almost poetic. Couldn't find any mention of this album on the internet so if anyone knows the names of the tracks which were not on the inlay then please get in touch. Tape contains 9 tracks plus a 2 minute instrumental filler which isn't from any of the other 9 tracks. CD-R is all cleaned up with a new image of Kiros on the front. | 1. HAYE BELUWA
2. Unknown
3. Unknown
4. Unknown
5. Unknown
6. Unknown
7. Unknown
8. Unknown
9. Unknown
10. Unknown filler |
   |
| MAHMOUD AHMED | HULUM YISMA | HULUMCDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| What a great album with Mahmoud's golden voice powering out over the simple beat backed by a wonderfully played horn section. This is one of those very rare albums that won't let you sit still, you have just got to move with it. virtually every track is a winner and even the softer tracks like Zumit New Melse are still addictive. Almost impossible to find on the net and worth its weight in gold. My CDR copy has pride of place in my Ethiopian collection. | 1. AFRICA
2. YAMREGNAL FEGEGTASH
3. YE-EDME CHEWATA
4. HULUM YISMA
5. MELKAMA TIBTINA
6. ZUMITA NEW MELSE
7. FIKIR GUD AFELA
8. EYABEB
9. GEDAY NAT
10. WEYMERETAT FET
11. ASEGERSHEW LIBEN |
   |
| MAHMOUD AHMED | SOUL OF ADDIS | STEW35CDCDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| An absolutely fabulous album which is a mix of the best known musical styles of Ethiopian music sung by one of their most renowned singers. I got hooked on his power packed voice back in the 80's and this compilation album uses some of his best material from that period. Its not just Mahmoud's singing that's special on this album though, just listen to the musical perfection, the saxes breeze along with the guitars sparkling at all the right points and the drummer beating a path for the sweetly played keyboards. This album is not just recommended listening it's essential, so pin back your lugs and prepare to be amazed. [10T/61M] | 1. TITESH
2. BEY TIRIGNE
3. ABET
4. BECHAYEN
5. ENE BERDOGNAL
6. TENBELEL LOGA
7. NAFKOT
8. SELAM
9. AMESGINALEHU
10. YEDETNESH |
   |
| NATI HAILE | BEKA | BEKACDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| Strange mixture of songs with rap, hiphop, modern ethio sounds and even a bit of jazzy blues all putting in an appearance. Having said that there isn't a bad song in there and Nati's pleading crystal clear vocals are lovely to listen to. | 1. BEKA
2. SELAM ALEKUM
3. ENDATIWASHIGN
4. ENITAREK
5. ARE ENDET NEW
6. ATAMINIM
7. BILATA
8. WIB NECH
9. TELEMIGNE
10. ASIKATALEW
11. KONJO LIJ
12. TEMESGEN MALET NEW
13. SALAWIKISH |
   |
| NEWAY DEBEBE | AMEN | AMENCDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| Superb 10 track album from the Neway. Produced in the USA by the short lived Ethio Sound label and with an all Ethiopian band. Sounding every bit as good as his early gems and still makes me want to play it over and over again. | 1. DEHA NAT
2. ETHIOPIA
3. AMEN
4. BELAY
5. TIRUAT LISHELIMAT
6. KEREMELA
7. ALWASHIM
8. HOYA HOYE
9. ESUA ENDEFEKEDECH
10. ALBEITEM |
   |
| NEWAY DEBEBE | FIKIR SECHIW | FIKIRCDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Jumping Jehosephat it's my favorite artist with a cassette album he released way back in 1985 and now copied by Yayu Productions in the USA. Although it doesn't say so on the inlay, which is all in Amharic script anyway, Neway is backed as usual by Ethiopia's top sesssion group 'The Roha Band' with their unmistakable sound. Lovely Jazzy/Blues guitars and one of the best horn line-ups in Africa. Neway's incredibley versatile voice is on top form zooming up and down the scales effortlessly with a style unsurpassed by any other singer that I can think of. If you've not heard any Ethiopian music before this album is a great introduction. (10T/60M) | 1. YESETE ZEWD NAT
2. MIN SERAHU LEHAGERE?
3. GOJAM NA GONDER
4. YEMELEYET BETIR
5. FUT BEY KEGUNCHE
6. ZIMITA
7. FIKIR SECHIW
8. YEJIMMA LIJ
9. WA JEMEREGN
10. BEMEWDEDEGN LABERTASH |
   |
| NEWAY DEBEBE | GETIMINA ZEMA Vol. 3 | VOL 3CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Another wonderful album from the magic voice of Neway that translates as Poetry and Melody. After listening to the cassette I searched the web to see if I could find a slightly better version but without any luck. All I found was a couple of tracks on YouTube but they were not from the studio recorded cassette but recorded from an old video and not only were the songs different but the sound was also very muffled. The clips opposite are taken straight from my CD-R which has had only a light clean to remove the tape hiss. | 1. NAFKOT ENDE MEBREK
2. LALE KEDASH KAL ALEBENYE
3. WUHAMAYE
4. ATAWE KIWEM LEBEN
5. AMESEGE NALEHU
6. TETEYEK WASS
7. FIKIR KE JEGNA LEJ
8. YE FIKIT EMEBET
9. YENE SHEMUNA
10. DEHENAWAN TESENBET |
   |
| NEWAY DEBEBE | YETEKEMET ADEBA (Vol. 1) | TANGOCDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| The first album from my favourite singer and what an album it is. Just have a listen as he sings his heart out to backing from the famous Roha band. Pure magic. | 1. YETEKEMET ABEBA
2. ESHETE BELAHU
3. CHEREKA
4. YAYENE ABEBANESH
5. WENZE YAFERASHE
6. YENA LOGA
7. ENETAREKE
8. SENKUNAT
9. ADALE GEMELITUN
10. ADEYE ABEBA |
   |
| NEWAY DEBEBE AND THE ROHA BAND | MAEBEL NEW FIKRUA Vol. 2 (1986) | V21986CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| My favorite album of all time and a definite number 1 on my Desert Island Disc list as I could never get tired of listening to it. | 1. MAEBEL NEW FIKRUA
2. WIB TSEDAL
3. YEGERA NEW FIKR
4. BEANCHIE MENDER
5. YEFIKR GEDAM
6. NEY SHEGER
7. SIEWEDUSH EWEKIE
8. TAMCHE ALKERM
9. MALJIE LSHAGER
10. ENDIA ENDIA |
   |
| THE ROHA BAND | INSTRUMENTAL | ROHACDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| The Roha band is justifiably famous throughout the land and their music can be heard backing nearly all the old top name singers. This is as far as I know, their only solo album on cassette and its a real showcase for their wide musical talent. Definitely one of the sweetest and most dazzling sax line ups in Africa and with guitars that can almost sing. This album over an hour long with its jazzy blues style is gorgeous all the way through although the recording on one or two tracks does leave a bit to be desired. | 1. (not transcribed)
2. (not transcribed)
3. (not transcribed)
4. (not transcribed)
5. (not transcribed)
6. (not transcribed)
7. (not transcribed)
8. (not transcribed)
9. (not transcribed)
10. (not transcribed)
11. (not transcribed) |
   |
| TILAHUN GESSESSE | VOLUME 1 AND 2 | MCD-1181-2CDC | CDx2 | £ 12.50 | |
The late great Tilahun Gessesse was one of Ethiopia's best known singers with a wonderfully clear and powerful voice that grabs your attention as soon as you hear him. Add to that a smooth backing band who can also sing as well and you're on to a gorgeous double album. The music is modern with some lovely keyboards, bass guitar, drums and beautiful Ethiopian style sax which was produced by Mulatu Astatke. A warm and very easy feel throughout even when the tempo changes up a gear or two. I loved every track and I can't say that about many albums - I could listen to it all day and every day. Originally released as a set of 3 cassettes.
 | 1. YENE MASTAWESHA
2. ANISIYADA
3. MONALISAYE NESH
4. ALICHALKUM
5. MELEYAYET MOT NEW
6. MIGIBIMA MOLTUAL
7. YEHIYWOTE HIWOTE
8. SETIHED SIKETELAT
9. ENGUDAYE NESH
10. KIFU AYINIKASH
11. YEZENBABA MAR NESH
12. FIKIR LEBICHAYE
13. ENE YALANCHI ALINORIM
14. KEMEMOT ALIDINIM
15. TEMARI NEGN
16. SATIWEDEGN WEDIJAT
17. YEHIWOTE ATIR NESH
18. HULUNIM NEGER AYICHEWALEHU
19. JAPANWAN WEDJIE
20. ERE MIN YISHALEGNAL
21. TIZ ALEGN YETINITU
22. BEMISHIT CHEREQA
23. EWEDISH NEBERE
24. MIN YILALU SEWOCH
25. AKAL AYNISHIN
26. OUOUTA AYASIKEFAM
27. MIN LARGACHEW |
   |
| GAMBIA |
| JALIBA KUYATEH AND THE KUMAREHS OF 1995 | TISSOLI | TISSOLICDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Lovely bit of kora music, singing not bad, almost an orchestra. | 1. TISSOLI
2. MAGGET NJIE
3. FATOU JAITEH
4. BAATO
5. NGANIYA KILLING
6. TERETO
7. FAMILY
8. KUTEH JONGBULU |
   |
| LALO KEBA DRAME | HOMMAGE VOLUME I | DK3CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Prolific Gambian composer who died in 1974 and whose songs are still played daily on Radio Gambia. His dizzily fast technique remains a model of the Gambian style for young musicians. Pirated tapes circulate endlessly - QUOTED FROM THE ROUGH GUIDE TO WORLD MUSIC. Although Lalo died many years ago and the original master tapes have probably long since gone, the recording quality on Volume I is not bad at all. Accompanying Lalo on some of the 9 tracks is the shrill voiced songstress Koura-Mbessane. Yes you did read it right - 9 tracks as the tenth one was not on the cassette. | 1. FIFY DRAME
2. DIALILA-YAMADIA
3. KEOLOUMANKAGNANT
4. GNANSSOUMANA
5. BAMBALEDIE
6. NTERY GNANA
7. KOURA-MBESSNE
8. BALANCOULALATY
9. NDIAY KOUNDA
10. KANOKOLE GNONENE |
   |
| LALO KEBA DRAME | HOMMAGE VOLUME II | DK4CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Volume II is a wee bit tinny in places but has still got some great tracks on it though. Both the inlay and the cassette say 10 tracks but if you can find more than 9 I will be very suprised. Again accompanying Lalo on some of the tracks is Koura-Mbessane. | 1. MAROLOUDIAMBEDILE
2. KOURA-MBESSANE
3. SAMANKADEMBA
4. SABOUMA
5. ABOUDOUNDIAYE
6. ALATERIO DIALOLOUTERO
7. FODEKABA
8. BAKARY DEMBO
9. ALBARO DIONTOBAYLA |
   |
| TATA DINDIN AND SALAM BAND | ALI WULI WAKILO-LA 96 | VOLUME3CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| The third album from this brilliant young cora player, 'The King of Yenyengo', is again recorded at Studio 2000 in Dakar. Backed by his own band, which is composed mainly of his brothers and other family members, he continues to develop his musical mastery over a wide range of styles, from the Malian influenced 'Alfusainey Gassama' to the Afro-Manding dance music of 'Gambia Dikendolu'. The cora is the lead instrument and Tata's solo style is extremely impressive and in fact leaves the older Paris based cora players like Mory Kante very much in the shade. Absolute magic all the way through. (F.T.Index: Kutubo Dibba, Ali Wuli Wakilo-La, Ousman Ceesay, Gambia Dikendolu.) [8T/44M] | 1. GAMBIA DIKENDOLU
2. OUSMAN CEESAY
3. ALI WULI WAKILO - LA
4. LANG SUMAREH
5. GAMBIA TV
6. KUTUBO DIBBA
7. NUHA HYDARA
8. ALFUSAINEY GASSAMA |
   |
| GHANA |
| B. B. OSSEI AND THE NOBLE KINGS DANCE BAND | YAKO ABA | 164-00-1CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| Wonderful album that as an original record usually sells for over £300 in good condition. Absolutely perfect here for only £10 on CD-R. Have a listen to the clips from my collection CD-R and see what I mean. | 1. YAKO ABA (FUNKY)
2. OGYA (FIRE) (COMPLEX 1)
3. BERLIN IS BERLIN (COMPLEX 2)
4. ANTOAKYIRE (HIGHLIFE)
5. ASANTE KOTOKO (HIGHLIFE)
6. CREATION OF THE WORLD (THE BIBLE PART 1) (HIGHLIFE)
7. TRUE LOVE (REGGAE-BLUES) |
   |
| DR. K GYASI | THE HIGHLIFE DOCTOR | EBL6115CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| Kwame Gyasi, better known as The Highlife Doctor, was born in 1934 at Bechem in Ghana. In 1952 with music the most important thing in his life he formed K. Gyasi's Guitar Band and made his first record called Aware Ye De. Later on in 1962, now with His Noble Kings he met with Dick Essilfie-Bondzie owner of the Essiebons record label and with his help recorded many singles and LP's Some of those singles were put together to form this album which was released in 1972. An Absolute Classic so just have a listen. | 1. OBAA BAAKO AGYEGYE ME
2. BARIMA ENA
3. SAMAN WO DE ME
4. EYE DEN NI
5. MANSA WOMBA
6. DEA METI ARA MEPE
7. MEBEWU A MENNIM
8. OWU AYE ME ADE
9. ODEDE MONTIE
10. AWESIABA MEPE ENO
11. MEKO MA OBI ABA
12. ME NYE WO NAM (AKYEKYERE) |
   |
| ERIC AGYEMAN | WONKO MENKO? | EBLS7111CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| Top Ghanaian guitarist who started with Dr. K. Gyasi and the Noble Kings before joining the Sweet Talks. This album recorded in Togo and Ghana was release back in the 1980's and is just superb. Thomas Frempong is the lead vocalist for the last three while Agyaaku does the first and Eric and Osei Tutu provide the backing. Lovely all the way through. | 1. WONKO MENKO?
2. NYA ABOTARE MA ME
3. ODO BRA
4. MEN KOAA |
   |
| ONIPA NUA | SUFFER HEAD | BIBINI3504CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| You may have caught his music on Jo Shinner's programme about Ghanaian music some years ago. If you heard it you would have been immediately taken by the track she played called 'Nyeno Nsanhwe'. To describe him as gravel voiced is the understatement of the year, as he makes Mahlathini sound positively squeaky! Sadly Onipa died in Paris shortly after recording this his first and only album and it was only released on cassette in Ghana. Blind from an early age he learned to play the kalimba (Ghanaian Thumb Piano) and became a well know street musician whilst also at one time holding down a job as a 'night watchman'? The music that accompanies his vocals on this album is rather nice but superfluous as his style of singing contains all the beat and rhythm within it, provided by his wonderful voice and those lip smacking percussive sounds that will be sadly missed by all who have heard him sing. | 1. NYEND NSANHWE
2. KUBARI MBIMA SOYINNA
3. GANTUMA
4. ABOA AKYAKYERE
5. GYE ME TAA-TAA
6. GANTUMA REMIX |
   |
| PAT THOMAS - SWEET BEANS | THE MOST HISTORIC ALBUM OF... | SDGA77398CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| Boy, this cat brings the Big Band Sound alive and kicking, so vigorously, you'd think it'd never been out! Two heavy Highlife albums on one CD, Asawa Do and False Lover. Cracking set of tracks with first and last at nearly a quarter of an hour each. The recording was taken from the original vinyl as you will hear the occasional click. With music this old and good it only adds to the old time atmosphere. To keep that atmosphere my CD-R has not been cleaned up. | 1. ASAWA DO
2. ABOTARE NA NTEASE
3. FALSE LOVER
4. SET ME FREE
5. ODO SAN BRA
6. MESIAFO YI
7. REVOLUTION
8. WABE ASO
9. MEREBRE
10. SWEET BABY
11. ONE MORE TIME |
   |
| VARIOUS ARTISTS | CLASSIC HIGHLIFE | 7794CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| A beautiful compilation album with some well known tracks and some not so well known. All well worth a listen just to hear that lovely early Ghanaian Highlife. | 1. A. B. CRENTSIL - OBEYE AMAWO
2. T. OSEI / M. TONTOH - KWAA-KWAA
3. ERIC AGYEMAN - MATUTU MIRIKA
4. CHOPPER - OH MY LOVE
5. T. OSEI / M. TONTOH - PETE-PETE
6. AMBULEEY - CUT YOUR COAT
7. JEWEL ACKAH - ARABA
8. THE GOD FATHERS - ENJOY YOURSELF
9. ERIC AGYEMAN - ODO BRA
10. OSIBISA / WILLIAMS - MALAIKA
11. GEORGE DARKO - MASEM NI
12. JEWEL ACKAH - MFA ME HO |
   |
| VARIOUS ARTISTS | HIGHLIFE STARS OF WEST AFRICA | FAISALCDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| A real gem of an album covering 25 years of 'High life' music put together by the late Faisal Helwani which features tracks by Afro National, Pat Thomas, Africanium, Kwabena Okai, Kofi Sammy, Morley Dorley, Musik Makers, Koo Nimo, F. Kenya and CIAFFA. Not much was coming out of Ghana back in the 80's so this was eagerly pounced upon. The verdicts: (in the order as shown right) Great, Average, Superb, Classic big band, Nice, Average, Guitar Classic, Superb big band highlife, Really nice and lastly a space filler bit from track 5 again which I haven't included on my collection CD-R copy! Well there you have it, a very quick run down on a great album. | 1. MONEY NOR BATAYA - AFRO NATIONAL
2. GYAE SU - PAT THOMAS
3. NINA - AFRICANIUM
4. ME NI WU AGYAE - KWABENA OKAI
5. MADAMFO PA - KOFI SAMMY
6. MAMA HAWA - MORLEY DORLEY
7. GBAIH - MUSIC MAKERS
8. AGYA - KOO NIMO
9. WISHING - F. KENYA
10. GINGE-WA-GINGE - CIAFFA |
   |
| VARIOUS ARTISTS (CDx2) - GHANA - NIGERIA | HIGHLIFE HIGH UPS | NDCD025CDC | CDx2 | £ 12.50 | |
| Amazing 48 track double CD album of early Ghanaian and Nigerian Highlife music featuring a host of top names and some you will not have heard of. A wondeful album with the first disc full of slower ballad songs and the second disc is a much more up-tempo set of songs. Worth getting just for the second disc. | DISC 1 - Ballads
1. RED SPOTS - OYA KAE ME
2. BLACK BEATS - ANOKWA EDONI
3. BUILDERS BRIGADE - MBRA NIMFO QUIST
4. RAMBLERS INTERNATIONAL - NTOBOASE
5. ZEAL ONYIAH - VICKY NYEM AFUM
6. PROFESSIONAL BEACH - AKWANTU
7. AKWABOA - ANUAPA DUE MY SYMPATHIES
8. FRIMPONG - NKONKOHWEREE MMIENU
9. ONYINA - AKOKOA AYE BI AGH
10. EDDIE OKONTA AND HIS TOP ACES - EDDIE'S ACCIDENT
11. ISAIAH EJIRE KHINDE AND THE TOP MODERN STARS - OLOMI MABO
12. PRINCE KAYOSUN DOSUMU AND HIS DANDIES - ESO PELE
13. PROFFESSIONAL UHURU - ALI WUO
14. RAMBLERS INTERNATIONAL - AKOKONINI ABANKWA
15. MODERNISERS - AKWANKWA HIENI
16. CHARLES IWEGBUE AND HIS ARCHIBOGS - HOLD ME TIGHT BABY
17. RAMBLERS DANCE BAND - RIDE YOUR DONKEY
18. CHARLOTTE DADA - DON'T LET ME DOWN
19. ADANGBE RHYTHM BAND - AGAMA
20. DR SIR WARRIOR AND THE ORIENTAL BROTHERS INTERNATIONAL - UNNAMED
21. IGNACE DE SOUZA - PAPA KOU MAMAN
22. IGNACE DE SOUZA - MA AYA NWET
23. DELE OJO AND HIS STAR BROTHERS BAND - OMO OLOJA
24. STARGAZERS BAND - MASAN MAKWO
DISC 2 - Speed
1. GODWIN KABAKA OPARA'S ORIENTAL BROTHERS INTERNATIONAL - ONYE IKEKWERE MEKEYA
2. PROFESSIONAL UHURU - MEDZI ME SIGYA
3. E.T. MENSAH AND HIS TEMPO BAND - WEEYA WEYA
4. POLICE BAND - ME YE FUN
5. AKOMPI - OSE OBEKO
6. CHARLES IWEGBUE AND HIS ARCHIBOGS - OKIBO
7. AKOMPI - MEREMMA BIO
8. EDDIE OKONTA AND HIS TOP ACES - TKILO
9. HIGH CLASS DIAMONDS - MSAMAN MFOMU
10. EDDIE OKONTA - AYBROKPE
11. HIGH CLASS DIAMONDS - KAE ME
12. IGNACE DE SOUZA - SURU LO DARA
13. PROFESSIONAL UHURU - BETU ME HO AWOW
14. E.T. MENSAH - SCHOOL GIRL
15. NEW STAR - LATE OBADEYI
16. AHAMANO'S GUITAR BAND - ME NSAE DA
17. AKOMPI'S GUITAR BAND - ONYAME NA OYE
18. ONYINA - BAAKO YEYAW
19. OPPONG'S GUITAR BAND -ANADWO BEA
20. HARUNA ISHOLA - BUERE ILE KOMOYI ODE
21. IGNACE DE SOUZA WITH ANI JOHNSON AND E.K. ASARE - AUGUSTINA
22. E.T. MENSAH AND THE TEMPOS - YOU CALL ME ROKO
23. KROO YOUNG STARS RHYTHM GROUP - OCI TE BI
24. RAMBLERS INTERNATIONAL - WGYA SAMAN |
   |
| VICTOR OLAIYA | IN THE SIXTIES | POLP066CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| Ten georgeous tracks of original 50's and 60's Highlife from the man they call the 'Evil Genius of Highlife' and when you've heard this album I'm sure you'll agree that it's oh so true. Victor plays a scorcher on his trumpet and loads of beautiful guitar and laid back percussion coupled with a great horn section, it all goes into making a classic album. I can't sum it up better than to repeat what it say's on the sleeve notes.'SOUND MEMORIES ARE MADE OF THESE'. Favourite track for me is Lafia We Lawani with it's stunning percussive finish. | 1. OMO PUPA
2. PARIBOTO RIBOTO
3. YABONSA
4. EWA
5. OPATARISIUS
6. KIRIJI KENKELUKE
7. OMO LERE AIYE
8. LAFIA WE LAWANI
9. KALE SAN WA
10. AIGANA |
   |
| GUINEA Bis |
| PACHECO DE GUMBE | GUMBE EM CONCERTO | 121498CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Pacheco the 'King of Gumbe' and his band play a refreshingly different and extraordinary style of music. The lead guitarist plays a blinder with his twangy yet flat sounding break neck Portuguese rhythms on the opening track, Comercio Livre, dives back into the timeless beauty of the early Cuban influenced music with a track that is absolutely stunning. Hot on its heels is Carnaval with its definite Rio carnival sound and there are still four more tracks to go but I've had enough of writing, I'm going to dance and dance and dance! (F.T.Index: Gardicimento, Babune Djaby, Comercio Livre, Saudade) | 1. GUMBE EM CONCERTO
2. COMERCIO LIVRE
3. CARNAVAL
4. BABUNA DJABY
5. GARDICIMENTO
6. N'NA
7. SAUDADE |
   |
| SUPER MAMA DJOMBO | FESTIVAL | SMD002CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| From the early years comes this stunning album with its gorgeous guitar driven music. A mix of Afro Portugese music with more than a hint of Cuban style to it. Just loved the hip shaking Sociedade de Malandros which had me vibrating all over the place in seconds. [6T/37M] | 1. FESTIVAL
2. ALMA BEAFADA
3. TAMANCO
4. MORTOS NEGA
5. JULIA
6. SOCIEDADE DE MALANDROS |
   |
| VARIOUS ARTISTS | PILARES DE N'GUMBE | 121827CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Two tracks each from 'The Pillars of Gumbe', namely - Patcheco De Gumbe, Rey David, Azy Monterio and Malamba Sisse. Rey (King) David starts us off with Criacao, a number loaded with those twangy 'Gumbe' guitars. He also finishes the album with the slower but just as gorgeously twangy N'penga. Two tracks from Patcheco, Safrayna Manha and Catchu di Ferro, follow the same fast paced guitar style he did so well on 'Gumbe en Concerto'. Azy's first track, the plaintive No Katem Bemba is a bit sad sounding but again those twangy guitars are rather nice. His second, Fianca di Futuro is a duet and much zippier. Malamba's bright and bouncy Fala di Ira is gorgeous even if his singing is a wee bit tinny to start with. His other track Corson Na Balanco follows the same bouncy style but with the guitars literally cascading notes in all directions. (F.T.Index Catchu Di Ferro, Fala Di Ira, Corson Na Balanco, Fianca Di Futuro, N'penga.) [8T/56M] Released in1994 and not found on the web anywhere except here. | 1. CRIACAO - REY DAVID
2. SAFRAYNA MANHA - PATECHECO DE GUMBE
3. NO KATEM BEMBA - AZY MONTERIO
4. FALA DI IRA - MALAMBA SISSE
5. FIANCA DI FUTURO - AZY MONTERIO
6. CATCHU DI FERRO - PATECHECO DE GUMBE
7. CORSON NA BALANCO - MALAMBA SISSE
8. N'PENGA - REY DAVID |
   |
| GUINEA Con |
| BEMBEYA JAZZ | MEMOIRE DE ABOUBACAR CAMARA | SLP65CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| The 14 track Hommage a Demba Camara - 38222-2 is the CD version of LP Memoire de Aboubacar Camara - SLP65 but has 5 additional tracks Armee Guineenne, N'watoi M'barale, Camara Mousso, Festival National and Whisky Soda. However it is missing two tracks from the LP - Boiro and Doni Doni. Also some of the spellings are different. | 1. MOSSOGBE
2. BENI BARALE
3. LA GUINEE
4. DAGNA
5. FATOUMATA
6. BOIRO
7. BALLAKE
8. ALLA LAKE
9. WARABO
10. N'BORIN
11. DONI DONI
|
   |
| BEMBEYA JAZZ | WA KELE | CD8460CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| Lovely album based mainly on adaptations from traditional songs. Notes say that it was released back in 1989 by Sono Disc but that its origines are with record company Esperance. Smooth as silk throughout but I especially liked Dougna and Den Ye Kassila. | 1. WA KELE
2. DIA NARA
3. DOUGNA
4. MAMI WATA
5. I BOLO KE N'NA
6. DEN YE KASSILA |
   |
| DJESSOU MAMA DIABATE | KOUROU KORO TATI | SAV001CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| The explosion of sound from the title track which opens the album is akin to an atomic bomb going off! Djessou's voice booms out the songs with tremendous power, mind you, to be heard above all that wonderful music you need a good pair of lungs. Cora player Kemo Kouyate keeps up a steady stream of notes while Kaly Kamara plays a blinder on the balafon., the guitars though tend to be a bit hidden but do get to shine occasionally. The linn drums of Pamphile de Souza are ever present but essential to the fast pace of the music. Also in there are Aminatta Kamissoko and Hama Cissoko who provide the lovely chorus. (F.T.Index: Kourou Koro Tati, Sabou N'gnuma, Tromperie. ) [7T/46M] | 1. KOUROU KORO TATI
2. TROMPERIE
3. SABOU N'GNUMA
4. WARICO
5. N'NA N'GNESARILI
6. BE YA N'GNUMAKE
7. DJINA KENE |
   |
| FODE KOUYATE | SAGESSE | SAGESSECDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Released in 1998 Sagesse is quite an atmospheric album even if it is a bit electronic music wise. Tracks 1 and 3 can be found on the CD entitled First which was released in 2000 but not the other 4 tracks which are only on this tape. Fartanin is a real strange one with birds singing, whistles, jet engines and even a galloping horse behind the softly sung ballad while the title track has what sounds like a speach going through it. Have a listen. | 1. FONIKE BERE
2. FARTANIN
3. SAGESSE
4. KHONI REMIX
5. DALI
6. HELENE |
   |
| HOROYA BAND NATIONAL | ZOUMANA | SLP41CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
One of the many orchestras in Guinee Conakry during the 1970s. Under the regime of Sekou Toure, the best bands were awarded with the title Orchestre national and had the possibility to travel to Cuba to learn more about Afro-cuban music. Horoya Band achieved the title of national orchestra in 1971. The band was led by Mitou Traore and halfway through the 1970s, they recorded this LP, entitled Zoumana, on the state record label Syliphone.
Further info can be found on Frank Bessem's web site. | 1. ZOUMANA
2. KONIMBA
3. PAYA - PAYA
4. LA GUINEE HOROYA
5. TOURAMAN !
6. DJAMA - BA LABO
7. N'FALA DYAMANA |
   |
| JALI MUSA JAWARA | YASIMIKA | HNCD1355CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| A very rare English version released in the USA in 1990 by Hannibal Records. It was first issued on LP in France in 1983. Two koras, a balafon, and a splendid female chorus backing for Djeli Moussa Diawara's lead (as he is known in Francophone Africa) makes for a deserved bestseller among Africans in France. This is contemporary-traditional Mandingo music, purely and wonderfully performed and admirably recorded. John Storm Roberts, All Music Guide John's write-up slightly amended by me so that there is no confusion as to who the artist is. [4T/33M] | 1. FOTE MOGOBAN
2. HAIDARA
3. YEKEKE
4. YASIMIKA |
   |
| KADE DIAWARA (L'Archange du Mandingue) | DJINAN MOUSSO | DDU001CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Kade, who is known as 'L'archange du Mandingue' is endowed with a tremendously rich and powerful voice which she uses with devastating effect. Recorded in the Ivory Coast at Studio JBZ by Pamphile de Souza the album explodes from the speakers with music in all directions. No matter if you're trying to listen to the lovely sounds of Adama Conde's balafon, Garba Tounkara's n'goni or Amara Kante's cora they are all firmly put in place by the wonderful singing of Kade and chorus girls, Kouta Camara and Maimouna Barry. (F.T.Index: Gnaman Kante, Lamban, Mone Magni.) [7T/40M] | 1. DJINAN MOUSSO
2. ASSETOU BELLA
3. FARAKOUDOU
4. GNAMAN KANTE
5. LAMBAN
6. MONE MAGNI
7. MOUSSO BOMBE |
   |
| KANINBA OULEN KOUYATE | DEMOCRATIE | BGDA9410CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| A real cracker of an album with Kaninba's rich but crystal clear vocals backed by super singers Mama Keita and Djanka Diabate. The guitars of Saky Kouyate, Djelimoussa Kouyate and Fode Baro are gorgeous to listen to especially on the more traditional tracks such as Adama Diarra. Djelimadi Kouyate's sweet balafon playing is perfectly complimented by Jean Phillip Rykel's unobtrusive keyboard backing which comes to the fore on the more dance orientated Democratie. An album that is definitely not to be missed - stunning! (F.T.Index: Talassa, Mariam Konate, Koulounikou, Democratie, Adama Diarra, Adama Diarra.) [8T/44M] | 1. NENE
2. TALASSA
3. DYESIRA
4. KOULOUNIKOU
5. ADAMA DIARRA
6. DIABATE
7. MARIAM KONATE
8. DEMOCRATIE |
   |
| KANTE MANFILA | TRADITION | STERNS1021CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| Superb album released back in 1988 which shows guitarist and singer Kante at his traditional best. The twinkling sounds of the kora come courtesy of Mory Kante while backing vocals come from Djanka Diabate and Oumou Diabate. It mighy only be 37 minutes but all of it is sheer bliss. | 1. MAIMOUNA DIABY
2. DOUMANY
3. ALLAH BARA HOKE
4. DIYAGNE
5. MOBEREYA |
   |
| KEMO KOUYATE AND AMINATA KAMISSOKO | LA COLOMBE DE LA PAIX | SS-2166CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| On the opening track when Aminata sings you either duck or end up stapled by your ears to the wall. To say her voice lacks power is like saying vindaloo isn't hot! However Kemo is in charge and the music takes pride of place and what stunning music it is too. He plays lead guitar, keyboards and kora while Moutou Kouyate and Djely Madi Tounkara play guitar and n'goni respectively. Of the five tracks on this album their three instrumentals are beautifully played and also, coming from Guinea, are rather rare. Recommended without a doubt. (The F.T.Index: Concoba (inst), Guere-Mou-Fan, Sakodougou (inst) ) 30 mins. | 1. GUERE-MOU-FAN (LA PAIX)
2. SAKODOUGOU
3. DOUGA
4. LA PAIX
5. CONCOBA |
   |
| KERFALA KANTE | FARAFINA | SS1CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| His third album that was released in 1996 and is superb. His power packed vocals rise above the modern brass, guitar and percussion based music while the lovely choerus from Maimouna Barry, Mahawa Kante and J. Krouma add to the enchantment. Recorded at Studio JBZ in Abidjan by Pamphile De Souza who also programmed the Linn drums. This cassette is released by Super Selection in Conakry and I couldn't find it anywhere on the web only the French version. Just have a listen to the wonderful clips. On the cassette tracks 5 and 6 were both exactly the same so I have removed one to make it a 9 track CD. | 1. FARAFINA
2. A.J.V.D.
3. MARCEL
4. MOBA
5. YARABI KONKON
6. ADAM BAH
7. NAFISSATOU
8. NABE
9. DJIGUI |
   |
| KERFALA KANTE | L'OISEAU DE SANKARA | BGDA91007CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Kora, acoustic guitar and balafon with beautiful vocals. Kerfala has put together an album that exudes rhythm without the overpowering percusion of a lot of modern manding music and also without the excruciating female backing vocals that have spoiled a lot of albums. So.... loads of kora, balafon and Kerfala's superb vocals make for a stunning example of music without electric guitars. Try it and see what I mean. | 1. KANITEYA
2. N'NA DJANSSANA
3. KOUTA
4. RAMATA
5. MOROGBE
6. N'NA KISSI |
   |
| LEGITIM DEFENSE | BAKOUTI | BAKOUCDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Leg Def or Legitim Defense to give them their full title was one of the first rap-ragga-soul music groups in Guinea Conakry. Formed originally in 1983 as the group Kid 2 Kids, they evolved under the leadership of Kemy (LMK) from 1992. However it wasn't until 1995 that the group took on the name Legitim Defense when Luluta (Lady Lu), Kemy’s sister, joined the group. This their first album, Bakouti was very successful and confirms the group’s leadership in the Guinean rap scene. Personally I think it is a really outstanding album with some of the catchiest singing and music I have heard in years. | 1. INTRO
2. BAKOUTI
3. DJEMBE DON
4. GARBA
5. WATCHA GIRL
6. BONGA
7. I SAY JAH
8. FONIKE
9. DEBO
10. MAGBANA
11. NONDI
12. EH N'NA !
13. AFRICA |
   |
| L'ENSEMBLE INSTRUMENTAL | DE GUINEE VOL I | EMAILPS02CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Having had such a success with Volume 2. I just had to keep pestering until they re-released Volume 1. and boy, oh boy, was it worth it. Totally traditional with masses of Koras, Balafon, Drums and Flutes backing the tremendous power of the women singers. To call this album stunning is a definite understatement! Pure MAGIC. | 1. S.I.D.A.
2. KANOU
3. MONIN
4. NAFIGUIYA
5. SALUT A VOUS
6. AMBASSADEUR
7. DIYA
8. TELECOMMUNICATION |
   |
| L'ENSEMBLE INSTRUMENTAL | DE GUINEE VOL II | EMAILPS03CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| This album has it all, super singing, loads of Kora, Balafon and some great percussion to boot. Mainly Manding in its roots but with a few other bits thrown in for good measure. Less raucous than 'Fatala' but still retaining that super sound that makes Manding music so popular. I don't need to recommend this one as it sold out straight away before I'd done the write up and hopefully I've ordered enough this time!!!! | 1. BADEMALOU
2. ANGNEBEN
3. DABA
4. DENINKELENY
5. DIARRABY
6. DOGOTOROLOU
7. ANANINE |
   |
| LES AMAZONES DE GUINEE | AU COEUR DE PARIS | 42076-2CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| The LP was originally released in 1983 from a live recording made at the Theatre de la Mutualite in the very heart of Paris, hence the title. This CD was released in 1991 with three additional tracks by M’Mah Sylla from her album Le Rossignol De Guinee. Absolutely amazing set of tracks from this all female group who were all officers of the Guinean army, or Gendarmerie. Founder members include Sona Diabate and M'Mah Sylla. | 1. INTRODUCTION
2. SAMBA
3. TAYESALA
4. SOUGOUROUN BAYA
5. SALIMOU
6. P.D.G.
7. I TELE KE
8. SONA
9. KADE FAKHA
10. LOUKHOURE
11. SALAYA |
   |
| LES AMAZONES DE GUINEE | WAMATO | STCD1106CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| In the early 60s, this group played 'unplugged': mandolin, violins, double-bass, bongos and congas were the tools of their trade… that is, when they weren't carrying rifles, pistols and machine guns. Because 'Les Amazones de Guinee' were originally 'l'Orchestre feminin de la Gendarmerie de Guinee' and as such were all serving officers and soldiers of the Guinean militia. They still are. By the late 60s they had added electric guitars, kit drums and a horn section and, now officially known as 'Les Amazones de Guinée', were touring all over Africa bringing their particular brand of joy to the cause of African women's emancipation. They triumphed at the legendary 'Festac' of 1977 held in Lagos and, five years later, recorded their 2nd album (1st as 'Les Amazones'), 'Au cœur de Paris'. Between that and 'Wamato' is a cool 25 years but things move slowly in Guinea and, as is the way of these things, there have been retirements and deaths, notably of original saxophonist Fatou Soumah and 'La Reine des Amazones', guitarist Nyepou Haba. But 'Les Amazones' are nothing if not tenacious and bolstered by new blood and under the direction of bass-player, Commandant Salematou Diallo, the surviving members took the long mini-bus trek from Conakry in Guinea to Bamako in Mali, there to lay down their guns and record in the same studio as Ali Farka Toure, Damon Albarn, Oumou Sangare and many more. The flowing, loping rhythms so particular to Guinea; the harmonic cycles that mesmerise and seduce; the vocals, sometimes sweet, sometimes strident but always full of conviction; is there any other band like 'Les Amazones'? As the cry at the beginning of this album attests - 'Retour en force des Amazones!' (The Amazones - back with a vengeance!) – these women demand to be heard. [12T/56M] | 1. WAMATO
2. DENI WANA
3. REINE NYEPOU
4. NDAREN
5. BE NI SON
6. DJAMA
7. KANIA
8. ZAWI
9. ALHAMDOULILAH
10. MEILLEURS VOEUX
11. DEMEMBALOU
12. MERES D'AFRIQUE |
   |
| LES ESPOIRS DE CORONTHIE | WOKHOYIKHI | WOKHOYIKHICDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| The name translates as The Hopes of Coronthie which is a district of Conakry. Where ever you go you will hear their music being played. The sounds of balafon, kora, djembe, bolon and gongoma mixed with the voices of their three main singers in an energetic display that is captivating to say the least so do have a listen. An extreemely rare album indeed as according to Wassassou West African Drum and Dance Company who made it there were only 250 copies produced just for them. Track 4 has a click just after the start and a tiny fade a few seconds from the end. Other than that the rest of the tracks are perfect. Track 4 click and fade has been removed and repaired on the CDC. | 1. SEXY LOVE
2. DIVORCE ACOUSTIK
3. WOKHOYIKHI
4. DIVORCE MODERNE (remix)
5. DARI
6. MIKHIDI
7. N'GA (Maman/Mother) |
   |
| LES GRANDS BALLETS D'AFRIQUE NOIR | AFRIQUE XERA | BIP-94CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Singing, kora, balafon, guitar and various percussion instruments from this 14 strong traditional ensemble make for an absolutely stunning show. | 1. AFRIQUE XERA
2. SOUNDIATA
3. DOUNDOUMBA-COTEBA
4. FOTON XONE
5. WARA
6. MAKEINDE
7. KAKILAMBE
8. TIMINI
9. XAWARE |
   |
| MAMA DIABATE | DABANKO | DABANKOCDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| A lovely mixture of traditional and modern styles from The Biche du Manding as she is affectionately known. The modern instruments are there but its the kora, balafon and flute that attracted me the most and of course Mama's wonderful singing backed by the deliciously sweet chorus. (F.T.Index: in no particular order although Moba was my favorite, Mamanko, Dokee, Koyin, Sida, Elegance, Bakoutouna, Mansa Boudou, Dabanko, Moba, Petit Conde.) [10T/57M] (biche is doe, hind or pet) | 1. MAMANKO
2. DOKEE
3. KOYIN
4. SIDA
5. ELEGANCE
6. BAKOUTOUNA
7. MANSA BOUDOU
8. DABANKO
9. MOBA
10. PETIT CONDE |
   |
| MAMA DIABATE | NAMBIYO | BGDA9408CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| The Biche du Manding as she is affectionately known, had me totally hooked in the first few seconds of the title track. The music is awe inspiring in its beauty with Adama Conde's wonderful balafon, Ansoumane Kamissoko's superb lead guitar and Mama's own beautiful cora playing. The singing of Mama, Fauta Diabate and Leopoldine is absolutely stupendous. (F.T.Index: Nambiyo, Danka Boli, Tenen Kaba, Gbankole, Bantan.) [8T/33M] (By the way, biche = doe, hind or pet) | 1. NAMBIYO
2. KOUMBE DIARA
3. TENEN KABA
4. BANTAN
5. GBANKOLE
6. DANKA BOLI
7. FASSOULOUKU
8. KOUMBE DIARA |
   |
| MAMA YERGUE BARRY | DJIKE | DJIKECDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
Recorded at Studio JBZ in Abidjan, Ivory Coast by Pamphile De Souza and its a cracker. Arrestingly gruff voiced Mama has some great backing from the band which includes guitars, a variety of percussion from the electric linn to the calebasse and a horn line of sax, trumpet and trombone. Add to that keyboards, flute and ngoni and you pretty much have an orchestra. Now bring in the lovely chorus vocals of Maimouna and Mimi Barry to put the cream on the cake. Loved it all except for the last track which sounded a bit like a funeral dirge.
Searching the Internet came up with an album BDGA 93004 pictured below, but no trace at all of this album. Nor could I find any info on Mama except that he was a blind Fulani griot and played the calabash. Having listened to the clips on Awsome tapes from Africa it was the same artist but Djike had a much more modern sound. There is also another younger singer with the same name. Confusing or what.
 | 1. ADOUNA
2. DJIWO
3. DINGUIRAYE
4. KOULOUDYA
5. BOBO BOUROUMA
6. KANSATO
7. NENE
8. SAMBA DANNA
9. GOLLE
10. MAMADDOU BHOYE BARRY |
   |
| MANIAN DAMBA | DJANTO CHININA | BGDA9511CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Gorgeous just doesn't do this album any justice at all. Manian is a modern praise singer who sings without deafening the listeners or the musicians. Her soft but also sharply beautiful voice is backed by Djanka Diabate, Mama Keita and Assitan Keita all of who are well known singers in their own right. The music is an absolutely exquisite mixing of beautifully played guitars and the traditional n'goni, cora and balafon. Fode Baro's percussion programming is just perfect and I must admit that I hardly even notice Rakesh Toure's keyboards - was he really there? (F.T.Index: Lansirila, Toubani, Sissoko, M'ba, N'lani Ila, Tougna Laro, Fama Alla, Gny Fola, Ibraya.) [10T/55M] | 1. TOUBANI
2. GNY FOLA
3. SISSOKO
4. LANSIRILA
5. M'BA
6. FAMA ALLA
7. MANSAYA
8. TERIYA
9. N'LANI ILA
10. TOUGNA LARO |
   |
| MOMO (WANDEL) SOUMAH | MATCHOWE | 82814-2CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| Recorded in 1991 at Studio Aston in Paris with Jazz a Paris. It has become one of the most important Afro Jazz sessions recorded. The culmination of a lifetime’s work investigating the intersection between the American jazz tradition and the traditional rhythms of Guinea. Combining the influences of Charlie Parker and John Coltrane with the rhythms of the Soussou and Bagas of Guinea. Momo who died in 2003 created a timeless sound over a career lasting 50 years. The LP version released in 2018 has only 6 of the 11 tracks that were originally on the CD. | 1. MATCHOWE
2. KONIA
3. BASSA
4. TOKO
5. TEPE
6. MIDJE
7. M' MOUWAMA
8. M' MU AKOLON
9. AFRO BLUE
10. BOKME
11. AOUTARA |
   |
| MORY KANTE | A PARIS | 829690CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| One time lead singer of Mali's famous Rail Band after Salif Keita left. This was his third album released in 1984 with the original version of Ye Ke Ye Ke. He would re-release it in 1987 as a million seller funky top of the charts version on the Akwaba Beach album. Listening to the other tracks on this LP you can hear where the sounds all came together for reworking of Ye Ke Ye Ke. He died in May 2020 at a hospital in Conakry at the age of 70. | 1. YE KE YE KE
2. GNAGA LEMBA
3. WARI MASSILANI
4. CA VA LA BAS
5. M'BALOU
6. SOUMBA |
   |
| MOUCTAR PARAYA BALDE | WAKI-LARREH | WAKICDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| A wonderful album from the smooth voiced Mouctar and his backing vocalists Maimouna and Mimi Barry. The keyboards and lin drums are in there but mixed in so cleverly with the guitars and the more traditional sounds of the flutes, ngonis and various other drums plus a lively horn section that they become an essential part of the musical picture. See if you can resist guitarist Djekoria Mory Kante as he plays on Guigol - I would buy this album just to get this track alone! Dance to it, Listen to it, whichever you do its a magic album through and through. ( F.T.Index: Guigol, Tagadho, Djouhairatou, Bamora, Momara, Fabolan, Bamba Sawa, Monyere, N'yame. ) [10T/49M] | 1. MONYERE
2. BAMORA
3. MOMARA
4. FABOLAN
5. BAMBA SAWA
6. DJOUHAIRATOU
7. N'YAME
8. TAGADHO
9. GUIGOL
10. WAKI-LARREH |
   |
| NAGNA DIABATE | LA FINESSE | BGDA012CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| A really gorgeous album from traditional singer Nagna and her band. Balafons and n'goni's play side by side with guitars and percussion to create the perfect vehicle for the powerful voice of Nagna and her lovely backing singers Aicha and Awa. Although he isn't mentioned, somebody plays some lovely flute especially on side 'B'. Smashing all the way through, a little gem in fact. There is an unlisted ninth track which is a section from track 2. Denko Ya which was added to the cassette as a filler. It has been included but as on the cassette it remains unlisted. | 1. NAGNA DJELI
2. DENKO YA
3. BAKONKO CISSE
4. TERI DJOUKOU
5. ON DJARA MA
6. SOUARE LA
7. SANDIAO SIDIBE
8. LADJI KONKO
9. Unlisted DENKO YA filler. |
   |
| OUSMANE KOUYATE | BENI HAMINANKO | SA300011CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| Having played with les Ambassadeurs since 1977 and then with Salif Keita (on Soro and Ko-Yan) he released this, his first solo album, back in 1982 followed by Kefimba in 1985. An instant hit with his Western and Africa fussion which got Sterns to sign him up for a three record deal in 1990. A deal that died with the release of Domba in the same year. [37M] | 1. BENI HAMINANKO
2. N'NY
3. DEYIN KASSILA
4. BINTOU
5. BAFIN KONO |
   |
| PATHE MOLOKO | BHADOMO BHADOMO | BHADOMOCDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Modern Guinean music with a mix of electric and traditional instrumentation. Singer Pathe's gravely and somewhat monotone voice contrasts quite nicely with that of sweet voiced chorus girls Kouta Camara and Tofan. Having checked out the web I found at least one other album of his out on CD but no mention whatsoever of this one which I would assume was his first one. Have a listen to the clips and you will see what I mean. 49 Mins. | 1. FOUTA
2. AICHA
3. ATTEYADEN
4. ADOUNA
5. NEEDY
6. BHADOMO
7. SABOU
8. BAH WANSAN |
   |
| SABRE SOUMANO | ITOULIBALAN | CK7CD017CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| Another wonderful album from the powerful but velvet smooth voice of Sabre and this time with sweet backing from the trio of Maimouna, Oume and Mimi Barry. Guitars this time are courtesy of Djessou Mory Kante on solo and accompanied by Moussa Dioubate. Pin back your ears and just listen to her go on Seth and Kaba my two favourite tracks. | 1. GENERAL
2. SETH
3. TAMA
4. DEMBAGNOUMA
5. MANSADEN
6. KABA |
   |
| SABRE SOUMANO | MOUSSOULOU | BIP108CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| Wonderful singing from the rich voice of Sabre and the sweet backing trio of Djanka, Sona and Sayon Diabate, Guitars from Ibrahim Soumano, Kaba Kante and Babajan Kaba. Alpha Camara is on drums and Sadio Sissoko plays some great ngoni. [8T/M] | 1. MOUSSOLOU
2. I DA KAN
3. FOLIKELA
4. DIANANKO
5. N'FA NANA
6. TELEN BA
7. M'BARA TAMA
8. KONKON SARA |
   |
| SABRE SOUMANO | SIX KILOS | CK7CD018CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| Following on from Itoulibalan comes seven more tracks from the same session and artists. Once again the powerful voice of Sabre and her sweet backing trio of Maimouna, Oume and Mimi Barry grabs your attention right from the start and hold it to the end. Guitars are again courtesy of soloist Djessou Mory Kante and accompanied by Moussa Dioubate. An absolute cracker of a set as you can hear from the clips. Track 8 is a repeat of track 1 but so good you will not mind. | 1. SIX KILOS
2. PAPA
3. BOUBA
4. TOURE
5. OLGA
6. ALEXI
7. BARAKA
8. SIX KILOS |
   |
| SAFIATA CONDE | N'FADJI | NFADJICDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Wonderfully powerful vocals from Safiata and her rather nice backing vocalists Maimouna, Oume and Mimi Barry and Ama Cissoko. The singing is offset in places by the rather thin sound of Zacharia Mamboue's keyboards, other than that I found it a very nice album indeed. The album was mixed by Pamphile De Souza, who also provides the Lin drums, at Studio JBZ in Abidjan. (58M/10T) | 1. KOKOURA
2. KENKOU BENNA
3. KOGNOUMALON
4. LOI
5. N'FADJI
6. N'YAMIRA
7. BARO KAGNI
8. KEGNIN
9. VICTORIA
10. AMADIYA GNE |
   |
| SEKOU BEMBEYA DIABATE | DIATA GUITAR D'OR | 121602CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| A superb album by ex-Bembaya Jazz leader Sekouba Bembeya, otherwise known as 'Diamond Fingers'. His incredibly beautiful guitar playing is here accompanied only by fellow guitarists Djeli Moussa Kouyate on rhythm and Iblouse Kouyate on bass who provide a gorgeous traditional backing to Sekouba's almost virtuoso performance. No drums, no balafon and not even any singing, just pure guitars but like Baaba Maal and Mansour Seck's classic 'Djam Leelii' this album is a guitar masterpiece. (F.T.Index: Diata, Tou, Kolankoma, Mamiwata, Balake, Kani, Deri, Anfila.) [8T/60M] | 1. DIATA
2. DERI
3. BALAKE
4. MAMIWATA
5. KOLANKOMA
6. KANI
7. TOU
8. ANFILA |
   |
| SEKOUBA BAMBINO DIABATE | KASSA ET BONYA | SYL-83200CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Compiled from the two cassettes Kassa and Bonya recorded at the same time at Studio Harryson in Paris. The insert card reads like a 'Who's Who' of African music. To name just a few of those taking part: Djanka Diabate and Mama Keita on chorus, Djely Moussa Kouyate, Yves Ndjock, Baba Sissokho, Djessou Mory Kante and Sekou Bembeya Diabate on guitars, Moriba Koita, Lansana Kouyate and Djely Moussa Conde respectively on ngoni, balafon and cora, the horns of Bolognesi, Slominsky and Hatot, electic instrumentation from Jean Phillip Rikel and Philippe Guez, and all arranged and directed by Boncana Maiga. That's as may be I hear you say but what does it sound like? Quite simply its gorgeous from end to end with styles drawn from a variety of artists. You'll notice a similarity with Salif Keita's 'Soro' one minute switching to Kante Manfila's 'Kankan Blues' the next, pump in a bit of the Amazones and you begin to get the feel of this masterpiece. Please note that the tracks Cinema Wondo and Maloya are not on the 11 track CD STCD1074. This CDR does however contain all 14 tracks from these three albums. Track 8 Miri is actually Iti Miri Nma on STCD1047. | 1. KASSA
2. AUTORAIL
3. DAMANSENA
4. KOUMAKAN
5. CINEMA WONDO
6. MALOYA
7. AN NYA DEME
8. MIRI
9. CANADIA
10. IMAKOUN
11. BONYA
12. KASSOU MAMA
13. NA SOUMBOU
14. DIOMMAYA |
   |
| SEKOUBA BAMBINO DIABATE | LE DESTIN | BOM2055CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| Wonderful music and vocals sums up this vibrant album. Loads of balafon and guitar along with drums and various strings make up the musical backing to the magnificent voice of Sekouba and the girl chorus. This album's music is so good it would be worth getting even if it was an instrumental! This album is definitely destined to be a classic. Contains eleven tracks, the first six are the original Le Destin cassette while the other five are from Kasally Sama cassette minus the repeat of N'diati. | 1. KA SOUMA MAN
2. BANKO KA
3. A NYARA N'NA
4. DIOULA
5. A BARANA
6. SUPER LANDAYA
7. KESSALY
8. TOUGNA
9. SAMA
10. OUGNAFOLA
11. N'DIATI |
   |
| SEKOUBA KANDIA KOUYATE | NYOUMEKELA | BGDA92007CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Beautifully played kora, balafon and guitars form the background for the singing of Sekouba who's tremendous voice has incredible power. The second track alone could earn him the title 'Pavorotti de Afrique'. The music while retaining its African roots is modern, fast and with that unmistakable 'Paris' stamp on it. Definitely danceable and also very listenable. (F.T.Index: Nyoumekela, Nyonten, Tele, Dounyarote, ) [6T/34M] | 1. NYOUMEKELA
2. RIEN QUE LA PAIX
3. DJOLIBA
4. DOUNYAROTE
5. TELE
6. NYONTEN |
   |
| SONA DIABATE DES AMAZONES | SONS DE LA SAVANE | SLP77CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| Superb album from Sona with help from fellow vocalist Condette Kouyate and backing from M'mah Sylla. Demba Camara plays some sparkling guitar and marimba with Maitre Mamadou A. Barry on flute and saxophones. | 1. HAFIA
2. KINIKINIKO
3. 22 KELE
4. MAMA NYEPOU (LANNAYA)
5. YEKEKE
|
   |
| SONA DJELY KOUYATE | DOUBAYA | BGDA91006CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Sona can really belt out the songs when she gets going and this album is no exception. Her crisp vocals are delivered at lightning speed with pinpoint accuracy and tremendous power.The up-tempo but still very traditional sounding music owes a lot to the artistic interpretation of Cheick Smith. (The F.T.Index: Super Word Sonko, Kadia, Djalakoro, Doctor, Soko, Doubaya.) | 1. DOUBAYA
2. SOKO
3. KADIA
4. SUPER WORD SONKO
5. DOCTOR
6. DJALAKORO |
   |
| SONA DJELY KOUYATE | HOMMAGE A SONA MAMADY CONDE | SS-2165CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Every bit as good as 'Doubaya' and still sticking firmly with the traditional sound of Guinea but on a mellower note. Guitarist, Moutou Kouyate along with n'goni player Garba Tounkara and kora player Djely Moussa Conde provide the tinkling string sounds for which guinea is famous while Djely Modou Kouyate provides some lovely balafon playing. (The F.T.Index: Super Konkoba, Kani Molebe, N'dagnan ) | 1. KOUYA SIDIYA
2. N'DAGNAN
3. KANI MOLEBE
4. SUPER KONKOBA
5. GBANSAN MANDI
6. N'TA M'BADA |
   |
| SYLI AUTHENTIC | DANS L'ARENE | SLP57CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| Released back in 1976 this album is stunningly beautiful with guitars cascading notes in all directions, a great bit of drumming to back it all up and great vocals to finish it all off. | 1. ANDREE
2. AYA NA
3. MAFORY BANGOURA
4. N'BESSOMA
5. FABARA
6. SENERO |
   |
| VARIOUS ARTISTS | 40EME ANNIVERSAIRE SYLIPHONE Vol. 2 | 38202-2CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| Wonderful compilation of some of Guinea's top bands and singers. Have a listen and be amazed. (12T/ 76M) | 1. KOUYATE SORY KANDIA - SOUARESSI
2. MYRIAM MAKEBA - DJIGUINIRA
3. BEMBEYA JAZZ - DEMBATY GALANT
4. HOROYA BAND - SASSILON
5. NIMBA DE N'ZEREKORE - GON BIA BIA
6. TELE JAZZ - SENSENKI
7. ORCHESTRE DE LA PAILLOTTE - KADIA BLUES
8. BEMBEYA JAZZ - PETIT SEKOU
9. 22 BAND - KANKAN WOUSSE
10. ENSEMBLE INSTRUMENTAL DE LABE - PDG LANNATA SINE
11. BALLA ET SES BALLADINS - MANA MANA
12. KELETIGUI - MADERI |
   |
| VARIOUS ARTISTS | DISCOTHEQUE 76 | SLP66CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| Bembeya Jazz National feature on four out of the five tracks on this album. The instrumental number 'Petit Sekou' allows Sekou Diabate to exhibit his prodigious talent and another good performance by the band is found on 'Kana Sarakabo'. This release also contains the only recorded performance by the group Super Lion, who were the all-male orchestra of the National Gendarmarie of Guinea. | 1. KITI
2. TELEPHONE
3. PETIT SEKOU
4. AH KANI
5. KANA SARAKABO |
   |
| IVORY COAST |
| ANOMAN BROUGH FELIX | LE PASSE AND LE PRESENT No. I | E024391-4CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Ivorien Star who only gets a one line mention in 'Sterns Guide' and 'African All Stars'. Why? He's been going since the early 60's but probably hasn't released any albums abroad. The crazy thing is that both these albums are brilliant from start to finish. The early Congolese/Cuban and even Jazz/Blues infuence flows out from the beautifully played guitars and the laid back vocals of Anoman and the Ivoiris Band. CLASSIC SOUNDS. (Double CDR includes LE PASSE AND LE PRESENT No. II ) | 1. MEKIE FEUSSON
2. LOGBOTSA
3. ME N'DAYA BIEN
4. FANTA JE T'AIME
5. BOUCHE YE YE
6. CHOVETIN
7. PAPA KOUASSI
8. BINDETO
9. BOPON HIBIEN
10. CHI ALAYAI
11. J'AI ENVIE DE L'EMBRASSER
12. HINCHO
13. FICHE NOUS LA PAIX |
   |
| ANOMAN BROUGH FELIX | LE PASSE AND LE PRESENT No. II | E0221191-4CDC | TC | £ 0.00 | |
| (Included on LE PASSE AND LE PRESENT No. I) | SEE ALBUM ABOVE. |
| Sorry no image |
| CHINO REM'S | LOBODJO | E011591-4CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| A super little album of 'Du Slow' music which you probably have never come across before, it's basically Ivorian Polihet beat mixed and merged with western ballad ideas! This is one of those rare albums where you can float away with Chino's soft vocals and the group's harmonious vocal backing. Instrumentally, it's drums and keyboard with some lovely guitar to provide the buffer to the normally overpowering Polihet beat. Recommended listening if you want something just that bit different. Released by EMI Pathe Marconi C.I. back in 1991. | 1. LOBODJO
2. SOUGOUKALABA
3. DJEDJEKELE
4. KAKAKA
5. ANLE BOLIE
6. DIGBEUTETI |
   |
| DELTA GROUPE | GBO YE BLI | E0149192-4CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
Zeekee McZogba (real name Marc Zogba) the lead singer and the rest of the group are all obviously Beatles fans and their music is unmistakable in its origin! Brilliant lead guitarist, John Tay makes his strings sing just like angels. More Liverpool than Africa but having listened to it time and time again, I just can't resist it. Most tracks are recognisable as Beatles music but so differently arranged and 'Africanised' that you couldn't call them 'covers'. My favorite, the guitar based track 'Sapiou' is gorgeously addictive and became a big hit. I know as I'm just putting it on again for another fix. So as they say on 'Ato Yem', Ye, Ye, Ye. Released by EMI Pathe Marconi C.I. back in 1992.
CONDITION AS NEW BUT NOT SEALED. | 1. GBO YE BLI (Le malheur et tombe)
2. DJOUMAN
3. ATO YEM
4. SAPIOU
5. DIZIGNON
6. LE TRAPPEUR |
   |
| EBA AKA JEROME | TRAHISON | EBACDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| A compilation from two LP's plus a track from a compilation album. TRAHISON comes from both 52 201 and DISCO001. LA VERITE from 52 201. VILIEMON from DISCO001. DJIBLITO from DISCO001. MASSOUA MO from SOUND D'AFRIQUE - ISSP4003. [5T/61M] | 1. TRAHISON
2. LA VERITE
3. VILIEMON
4. DJIBLITO
5. MASSOUA MO |
   |
| FLANI DOUMBIA | TELE LE BI | 94002CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| And now for something totally different.... the traditional sound of the Ivory Coast which bears more than a passing resemblance to the Wassoulou sound of Mali. The drums pound out the beat to some really power packed vocals from Flani and her chorus girls, Djenabou and Saran Doumbia. However its the wonderful sound of the tam tams of Sekouba Traore and Adama Sanogo Moneba 'talking' their way through the songs that steals the show. Backed by the doun-doun and doun-dounba drums of Chaka Dembele and Petit Moussa, for me, the drummers and the smashing rhythmic mixture they are knocking out are definitely the high points in this lovely album. (F.T.Index: Tele La Bi, Sabari, Fatou, Tomoro ) [6T/30M] 1994. | 1. TELE LE BI
2. NA MO SIYA
3. SABARI
4. GNANGBOYA
5. FATOU
6. TOMORO |
   |
| FRANCOIS LOUGAH | THE BEST 20 TITLES | 010LSG94CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Super compilation of tracks which span the twenty years of Francois's career. Not as you would expect, a collection of crackling old recordings but a brand new recording of the old hits that have been spiced up. Starts off with some stunning Congolese style guitar and synth from Kouadio Briskar, Doudou and Bamba M Yang. Superb vocals from Francois and backing girls Awa Gombo and Zita - guaranteed to set the dance floor ablaze from end to end. After the halfway mark it is totally different, starting off with some gorgeously sung 'Du Slow' tracks and then into the thumping rhythms of 'Polihet' dance music. | 1. KOUDOU - LOULOUE - AWAHOUN - KANKAN - DOUBEHY - ELISA - PEKOUSSA - MOTO - MAYNOU
2. DEHYMINIKE
3. EKAMIE - LETTRE - MARIE
4. BEHY - COUGLIZIA - CONTRASTE
5. CLIBO-CLIBO - THOUAGNY - AWOLOPKACRE - ZIZIENOMON |
   |
| JESS SAH BI | JESUS CHRIST NE DECOIT PAS | JSB001CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Gospel music with a difference. It's beautiful in every way you can think of. Recorded in the U.S.A. with Roger Fortner on guitars and Gary Davis on keyboards and percussion. Softly played guitars pick out the tunes with perfect timing and Jess and Brenda's vocals are just stunning. Starts out with 'Ile de Goree', about a Princess caught by slavers and sent to America, acoustic guitar and soulful vocals abound. The other tracks are lovely ballads with Jess playing some great harmonica. Side two kicks off with the catchy 'Sehe Voule' with overtones of Bob Dylan, harmonica and guitars to the fore. A perfect marriage of African and Country music? A REAL GEM, DON'T MISS IT. | 1. ILE DE GOREE
2. IL VEUT MARCHER AVEC TOI
3. Y VOU BALE VA
4. LOUE
5. SEHE VOULE
6. FORTIFIE - TOI
7. IL VEUT MARCHER AVEC TOI
8. LOUE |
   |
| LES ASSOCIES DU BTS | BTS GALERE | E0118192-4CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| The members of the group are all students and this is their first album. Which is a lovely cocktail of the Ivory Coast's own fast paced 'Zouglou' dance music. Which if you've not come across it before is modern music with loads of beat but still retaining the ethnic roots from which it sprang. There are some great songs and in style it sounds a lot more Paris than Abidjan. A bit short with only four tracks but boy do they go! | 1. BTS GALERE
2. CELESTINE NA DOUWO
3. DJONFADJOH
4. PROMOTION |
   |
| LOU SUSANN NASU | ANGLOUI BIA | E141294CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Lou comes from a family of musicians and is considered to be 'The Voice' of Ivorien music. She uses traditional songs and rhythms as a source for her music. She has released quite a few albums and with her sweet, clear voice and the modern guitar, keyboard and percussion backing, will I'm sure have many more. The music won't set the dance floor alight but certainly shows off the modern Ivorien sound to great effect. Released by EMI Pathe Marconi C.I. back in 1990. | 1. ANGLOUI BIA
2. TIGONA
3. ZEBLE
4. ENWE |
   |
| MATTHA FATOU | YAFAMA | LX93033CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| One of the first African records I bought back in the 80's which I was told came from Cameroon although I now know that she actually comes from the Ivory Coast. Mattha sings ever so sweetly like some little girl lost while Kitsuku and Meiway play some haunting guitar alongside Dje Kimo's intruiging keyboards. This record is superb and so different from anything else that it has remained a favourite of mine since the day I bought it. Pure Magic. ( F.T.Index: Yafama, Nafigui, Malienlou, Saya, Nanan Houphoet. ) [5T/30M] | 1. YAFAMA
2. NANAN HOUPHOUET
3. SAYA
4. NAFIGUI
5. MALIENLOU |
   |
| NAYANKA BELL | A TOULA (VISA) | CDS6820CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| Nayanka is one of the most perfect singers I've heard in years, her voice is smooth, sharp, clear and powerful all at the same time. In other words wonderful but that's not all, the music is gorgeous too! Not surprising as Boncana Maiga is in charge of a line-up that includes Yves N'jock and N'doumbe Djengue on guitars, Moriba Koita on n'goni, Papa Kouyate on percussion and djembe and a magic trio of horn players in Hatot, Slominski and Bolognesi. Nayanka started singing during the 80's as a member of the 'Orchestre de la R.T.I.' under Manu Dibango and now lives and records in Paris. Superb Album. ( F.T.Index: Mvodzam, A Toula, N'damah, Targui. ) [10T/44M]) Recommended. | 1. A TOULA
2. AHOU
3. IWASSADO
4. MON PARI
5. TARGUI
6. MVODZAM
7. N'DAMAH
8. SAAYOTE
9. OUKALADADO
10. SYMPHONE/CORRIDA |
   |
| PETER ONE | ZUZU I | E02521191-4CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Stupendous, Magic, call it what you want but this Paris and Ivory Coast recorded album of South African style music is one of the best I've ever heard. The tunes are all so catchy that you'll be hearing them in your sleep. Beautifully played and sung throughout the whole album. It left me so stunned that the only thing I could think of was 'Why can't the South Africans produce an album as good as this?' I could listen to it for ever. FANTASTIC. | 1. BANTUSTANS
2. NAWANDI
3. SIDA DJE
4. WO WO WO |
   |
| ROSE BA | SOLEIL | E02812192-4CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
Rose's album is a bit like a magicians hat, you never know what she is going to pull out of it next. All the tracks start off with a hooky almost Zouk style intro but then the rabbits start to appear in the shape of guitarists Pascal and Briscard and the tempo changes as they let loose Congolese seben style. The best track without a doubt is the cover version of Rochereau and Mbilia Bel's 'Nerobie' which is absolutely gorgeous. Mind you having played it again 31 years later I have just fallen in love with Ouyi. [6T/40M] Released by EMI Pathe Marconi C.I. back in 1992.
CONDITION AS NEW BUT NOT SEALED | 1. BIE
2. SOLEIL
3. OUEYI
4. MONY
5. TANTI HENRIETTE
6. NEROBIE |
   |
| USTIN AHIPEAUD AND J.W. POSSE | AKPON RAGGA FEELINGS | UST10855CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| It isn't RAGGA. The music is pure African and literally throbs from start to finish with an incredible performance from keyboard wizard Ibis Adou and guitarist Briscard 'Pacheco' T-Kat. Sax player Seydina excels throughout as do the wonderful backing singers. Ustin who sings, plays drums and also doubles on bass guitar is marvellous and gets the music going at a cracking pace! He draws inspiration from all over Africa as 'Justin' to give him his proper name, has played with Egyptian reggae band 'Pennies From Heaven', Afro Jazz band 'Deka Koma', 'Sammy Massamba' and even Rai artist Cheb Moumen. The sound of Congo D. R. shines out on 'Kapa Kapa' with some great guitar but otherwise it's a bit hard to pin down. Mind you, after you've heard the intro track 'Last Time' you won't care where it comes from. YOU'LL BE TOO BUSY DANCING YOUR SOCKS OFF TO WORRY ! (The F.T.Index: Take your pick. I loved 'em all) | 1. LAST TIME
2. DAGBAZE
3. AWAWALE
4. PANA MONE
5. LAST TIME
6. KAPA KAPA
7. TAM TAM
8. HEAVY SONG
9. ANAZE
10. KAPA KAPA |
   |
| KENYA |
| BIGGY OKATCH AND ORCH. SUPER HEKA-HEKA | NYATHI NYAKACH | BIGGY04CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Probably the biggest star of benga music in Kenya at the moment with a load of cassettes out. Having written that in mid 98, about four months ago I've just been informed that he's died. Still......! amazing guitar work with strings twanging in all directions while Biggy's really gutsy vocals power out over the rest of the band's sweet harmonies. The bass guitarist really thuds it out while the drummer seems to concentrate on snare as an interesting sideline to his once lucrative drumming job. However his drums will certainly get the old pins going like pistons in the sebens. The inlay shows only four tracks but in actual fact there are twelve - four singles sides A and B plus two of the singles repeated = twelve? ( F.T.Index: Adoche, Hellena Nyabondo, Nyathi Nyakach, Isaiah Ogwe. ) [12T/59M] | 1. NYATHI NYAKACH ( parts 1 & 2 )
2. ISAIAH OGWE ( parts 1 & 2 )
3. HELLENA NYABONDO (AKOTHE) ( parts 1 & 2 )
4. ADOCHE ( parts 1 & 2 )
5. HELLENA NYABONDO ( second version parts 1 & 2 ) |
   |
| D.O.7. SHIRATI JAZZ | MILLY AUMA | CPOLP591CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| | 1. ROSE APONDI
2. DORCAS AKINYI
3. MILLY AUMA
4. JUIUS OUMA
5. LUKAS AUKO
6. ALEX OJWANG
7. JOSWA OMUCHO
8. NYOCHUNA AKOTH |
   |
| GABBY OMOLLO AND OMONDI JASSOR | LUNCH TIME | EHSP9901CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| Never heard of Gabby and Omondi? Well you're not alone, neither had I until this CD popped onto my desk. Now I wouldn't part with it for all the tea in china. Superbly tailored singing from this talented duo is supported by some of the most wonderful guitar playing I've heard in years. The drummer belts out the toe tapping beat with a little intriguing help from what sounds like our strident old friend - the Fanta bottle. Just wait till you hear 'em go on Baba Otonglo, now thats what I call supersonic guitar. An absolute cracker of an album from end to end and not to be missed. ( F.T.Index: All tracks dead heat for first place but Baba Otonglo, Juma Nyar U.K., Famili Masikini, and Lunch Time, deserved to win by a whisker. ) [10T/52M] | 1. LUNCH TIME
2. KILIO CHA WAZAZI
3. ANJELI NYAR ALEGO
4. SWEKO NO. 1
5. TONY ONYANGO
6. FAMILI MASIKINI
7. JUMA NYAR UK
8. JALUO ASILI
9. KIMBELE MBELE
10. BABA OTONGLO |
   |
| H. N. OCHIENG KABASELLEH | FROM NAIROBI WITH LOVE | EHS9701CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| Top Kenyan star Kabaselleh with his Lunna Kidi Band and their hip swiveling old style rumba that's worth its weight in gold. Velvet vocals laid over glittering guitar riffs and all driven by the drummers pounding bass. It might have been recorded back in the 80's but time means nothing to music of this quality as it sounds as fresh and danceable today as it did twenty years ago. ( F.T.Index: Sije, Oyundi, Hommage a Owino Ger, Jela, Africa Dance. ) [5T/65M] | 1. SIJE
2. OYUNDI
3. JELA
4. HOMMAGE A OWINO GER
5. AFRICA DANCE |
   |
| JOHN NGEREZA AND LES WANYIKA | SAFARI YA SAMBURU | CPOLP656CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Smashing four track cassette from John Ngereza and top Kenyan group Les Wanyika. The beat pounds on while the harmonious vocals of John and the group swirl around the tinkling guitars and horns. [4T/37M] | 1. SAFARI YA SAMBURU
2. MPENZI RUKIA
3. PENZI HALINA SIRI
4. MASIKITIKO |
   |
| JOSEPH KARIUKI AND KIARUTARA MWANZO BOYS BAND | MUTIKANJIKIE - WIRA NI WIRA | KPZC10CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Stunning 14 track album which came to me re-recorded from an old cassette before I transfered it to CD-R for my own collection. Just have a listen to the clips. Although the front cover of the cassette has Mutikanjikie on it, the spine says Wira Ni Wira. Call it what you will it is still fantastic. | 1. MUTIKANJIKIE
2. NJERI MAMA
3. GITIRO KIA MUKA WENE
4. RIMIRA CIANA
5. MWENDWA MARY
6. MINYORORO
7. NDIKWENDA ICERA
8. BABA NJURU
9. MUTHENYA MUNENE
10. NJOHI NI TWANYUIRE
11. NGAI AROMOTEITHIA
12. WANGECI
13. WIRA NI WIRA
14. UTONGA NI MATIGARI MA NDA |
   |
| KENGE KENGE ORUTU SYSTEM | WACHO GITIMO | SALCD049CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| A real throbber of a locally produced album featuring a mainly percussion backing to some very interesting sounding local string and wind instruments. However the boys vocals are up front all the way through. | 1. AMOLLO.COM
2. AMILO NYAR KOLAL
3. ZAINABU
4. SARAH NYAR KOSELE
5. DR. REGE
6. RAPAR ADEYA ADONGO |
   |
| LES MANGELEPA | 1st ANNIVERSARY ALBUM | CASLP2004CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| 1. Embakasa - (Vivi), 2. Maindusa - (Moustang), 3. Mimba - (Evani), 4. Nyako-Konya - (Kai-Kai) on my collection CDR plus Makorokoto Vana Ve Zimbabwe from OM0001 - (Dr. Nyamuswa) | 1. EMBAKASA
2. MAINDUSA
3. MIMBA
4. NYAKO-KONYA
5. MAKOROKOTO VANA VE ZIMBABWE |
   |
| LES MANGELEPA | 2nd ANIVERSARY ALBUM | CASLP2016CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| More fragrant Zairumba from the group with one of Kenya's sweetest sounds. Singers Kai-Kai, Moustang, Evani and Macky take it in turn to do the vocals on the four songs. The guitar picking is exquisite, the horns heavenly and the singing is simply out of this world. What an album - a guaranteed cracker. ( F.T.Index: Halleluya, Pambana, Walter, Maboko Pamba. ) [4T/M39] | 1. WALTER
2. PAMBANA
3. HALLELUYA
4. MABOKO PAMBA |
   |
| LES MANGELEPA | GOLDEN HITS OF.......SHINDANO YA MOTO | ASLP956CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| More Mangelepa magic with Mangelepa Kamili with Tambwe Williams, Kizunguzungu Pt 1 & 2 with Badibanga Kai-Kai, Trouble Pt 1 & 2 with Bwamy Capitaine and last but not least, Sakina with Mukala Coco. | 1. MANGELEPA KAMILI
2. KIZUNGUZUNGU Pt 1 & 2
3. TROUBLE Pt 1 & 2
4. SAKINA |
   |
| LES MANGELEPA | MADINA | CASLP2025CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| One of Kenya's best Zairumba bands which was formed back in 1975 and has since then been regularly topping the charts except when they got deported for a while in 1985 after making this album. Led by Bwamy Walumona their beautifully played music and vocal harmonies are simply breath taking. The guitar playing is wonderful but it shares top of the bill with a tremendous horn line up that has layer upon layer of brass cascading in all directions. Take a good listen to the title track to see this in all it's glory and while you're at it you'll hear the vocals in English - not roughly put together but masterfully fitted to the music - so suprised on hearing it that I nearly fell out of my seat and I was strapped in at the time! ( F.T.Index:Madina, N'kimba, Kamwala, Lolo Mukena. ) [4T/31M] | 1. LOLO MUKENA
2 KAMWALA
3. MADINA
4. N'KIMBA |
   |
| LES MANGELEPA | MAKOROKOTO VANA VE ZIMBABWE | OM0001CDC | 12in | £ 0.00 | |
| Recorded in Zimbabwe at Shed Studios obviously as a tribute to Mr Mugabe and has some cracking guitar play. [2T/12M] (This album is included on CASLP2004) | |
| Sorry no image but see |
| LES MANGELEPA | SAFARI YA MANGALEPA | CASLP2027CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Just blows you away with its sparkling guitar, velvet harmonies and superb horns, what more could you ask for. Extra tracks like Pambana, Halleluya and Maboko Pamba. ( F.T.Index. Safari Ya Mangelepa, Zoao, Harare, Odesia. ) [7T/67M] Tracks 5, 6 & 7 are different recordings from those on CASLP2016 | 1. SAFARI YA MANGELEPA
2. ZOAO
3. HARARE
4. ODESIA
5. PAMBANA 1 & 2
6. HALLELUYA 1 & 2
7. MABOKO PAMBA 1 & 2 |
   |
| LES MANGELEPA | THE AFRICAN STARS COLLECTION Vol. 5 | JJLP005CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| Released on the Jumbo Jet label by Polygram it contains the following tracks: Ole Ole, Amua, Detshu, Dracula. The copy in my own collection also has two tracks from The Riot Continues album released by EMI. Nganga-Kimetu and Ekubuku. The other two tracks on the album - Mangelepa Kamili and Sakina were released as part of the Golden Hits album. | 1. OLE OLE
2. AMUA
3. DETSHU
4. DRACULA
5. NGANGA-KIMETU
6. EKUBUKU |
   |
| LES MANGELEPA | THE MALAWI TOUR | ASLP921CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| Real magic from the group, twelve strong at this point, which was recorded live on a tour of Malawi back in 1978. Although the applause does sound a bit canned to my ears the music is just wonderful. Their super smooth vocals are enhanced by some wonderfully picked guitar to say nothing of the horns when they breeze in and blow you away. All you have to do to be at the concert is close your eyes and you will be in the best seats in the house. Or at least you would be if you were not up and doing that hot carpet shuffle. Go, Go, Go. ( F.T.Index: Ole Ole, Saad, Malawi Zikomo, Kanemo. ) [4T/37M] | 1. OLE OLE Pt 1 & 2
2. SAAD Pt 1 & 2
3. MALAWI ZIKOMO Pt 1 & 2
4. KANEMO Pt 1 & 2
|
   |
| MAROON COMMANDOS | DAWA NIMUONE HANI | POLP532CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| Great music from one of Kenya's most famous bands. This time with Paul Mwandembo and Tuesday Oguro with a track each while Habel Kifoto is on the other two. Pure magic from way back in 1982. | 1. DAWA NIMUONE HANI
2. TUCHEZE SAMBALE
3. DADA MDAKU
4. WAZAZI WAKO WAMENIKATAA |
   |
| MARY AND ALEX OMINDE | NI NANI KAMA YEHOVA | EHS2001CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| When I saw the word - Yehova - in the title I straight away thought Gospel Music like South Africa's Holy Cross Choir, The Holy Spirits and latterly the sound of Rebecca Malope. The answer was yes, it was Gospel, however I wasn't prepared for the beautiful and infectiously joyous sounds that came off my little silver disc. Mary, who has been blind from birth, has truly been blessed with an outstanding voice and with backing vocals and simple but superbly played music from her husband Alex, Abel Amoyi and John Katana they have combined to produce an absolutely heavenly album. I'm not religious but I can't get the catchy sound of Ni Lazima out of my head. There is no F.T.Index as every track is simply just wonderful. [8T/44M] | |
   |
| MORENO BATAMBA | EVERLASTING MEMORIES | MORC003CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| While most tracks are to be found on The Greatest Hits album these are in most cases from different recordings. An absolutely cracking set which makes you wonder why he is still almost unknown outside Kenya. | 1. VITUKO MAJENGO
2. PILI MSWAHILI
3. UREMBO SI HOJA
4. MALI KWA MALI
5. WAKE ZA WATU
6. ANGELA
7. DUNIA NI DUARA
8. MAPENZI YA MSHUMAA
9. BIBI HARUSI
10. KAZI NI KAZI
11. MAPENZI YA SHIDA
12. SINA WIVU
13. PILI MSWAHILI PT. 2 |
   |
| MORENO BATAMBA | NIPE MAPENZI | NIPECDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| More great music from one of Kenya's best kept secrets. | 1. KADOGO
2. MAPENZI NI MAZOEA
3. MANI BUDA
4. OMANDE
5. PILI MTALI
6. NIPE MAPENZI
7. LOSELE |
   |
| MORENO BATAMBA | THE GREATEST HITS OF | MOR/C001CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Stupendous is a bit of an understatement for this somewhat mono sounding recording taken from old 7 inch singles. Just have a listen to the music and you will see what I mean. | 1. DUNIA NI DUNIA PT. 1
2. DUNIA NI DUNIA PT. 2
3. BIBI HARUSI PT.1
4. BIBI HARUSI PT 2
5. MWANA DADA PT. 1
6. MWANA DADA PT. 2
7. UREMBO SI HOJA PT. 1
8. UREMBO SI HOJA PT. 2
9. MAPENZI MALI KWA MALI PT. 1
10. MAPENZI MALI KWA MALI PT. 2
11. PILI MSWAHILI PT. 1
12. PILI MSWAHILI PT. 2 |
   |
| MORENO BATAMBA | VIDONGE SITAKI | MOR/C002CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Incredible album that shows why he is still held in such high regard in Kenya. | 1. VIDONGE SITAKI
2. MAPENZI YA SHIDA Pt.1
3. MAPENZI YA SHIDA Pt.2
4. BI MASHA
5. WANITOA MAPENZI
6. ANGELA
7. BASEKA
8. ADIAMA |
   |
| OGUTA BOBO | OLD IS GOLD | OKO003CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| According to The Rough Guide to World Music - Not much is known about the late Oguta Bobo Otange but that he's a compelling accordion player from among the Luo of western Kenya and his music covered the gamut of topics from serious social commentary to the lighter side of love. I can't add much to that except that I found Oguta's attractive rather gutsy vocals extremely intriguing when backed by the mixed rhythmic metallic and leather percussion and his simple but precise accordion play. While its no dance floor stomper it certainly is a pleasantly infectious sound. Just listen to him steaming through Julias Ouma, now that's what I call style. [10T/40M] | 1. NASHON ABUNGU
2. ODONGO NGORE
3. ADIANG RIMBA
4. EDWARD GOR
5. OMOLO ALANDO
6. C. ONDIGO
7. OGOLA ODUOGO
8. ANDREW MALELA
9. JULIUS OUMA
10. Z. ORATO |
   |
| OMARI SHABANI AND JOHN NGEREZA | THE BEST OF... | TAM002CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| When top Kenyan band Simba Wanyika split up in the late 70's the majority of the band led by Omari Shabani and guitarist John Ngereza formed offshoot Les Wanyika. This album contains amongst others their hit tracks Paulina and Pamela. Its crystal clear with lovely guitaring and infectious singing and simply friggin brilliant throughout. Absolute magic miss it at your peril. (F. T.Index in no particular order: Paulina, Pamela, Haki Zetu, Kajituliza Kasuku, Kujenga Nyumba, Ufukara Sio Kilema. ) [6T/57M] | 1. PAULINA - OMARI SHABANI
2. PAMELA - OMARI SHABANI
3. HAKI ZETU - JOHN NGEREZA
4. KAJITULIZA KASUKU - OMARI SHABANI
5. KUJENGA NYUMBA - OMARI SHABANI
6. UFUKARA SIO KILEMA - JOHN NGEREZA |
   |
| ORCHESTRA SUPER MAZEMBE | HITS OF MAZEMBE VOL 4 | ZEMAC4CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| | 1. MOKANA Pts. 1 & 2
2. NDEKO Pts. 1 & 2
3. ILENA Pts. 1 & 2
4. YO-MABE Pts. 1 & 2 |
   |
| ORCHESTRA SUPER MAZEMBE | KAIVASKA | 205340CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| Recorded at C and S Studio in Nairobi but released in Europe on LP by Virgin with the following tracks. Mbanda Ya Mobange (Longwa), Kassongo (Katele), Jiji (Tabu Ley Arr. Mazembe), Nanga (Lovy), Bamama (Kassongo We Kanema/Majo), Samba (Katele), Malaba D'amour (Music Buddy Holly/Words Kassongo), Mokano (Lovy), Mwana Nyiau (Lobe). Five of the tracks are to be found on the Earth Works release Super Mazembe - Giants of East Africa CD although they differ quite markedly in length from the originals on the LP. [9T/38M] | 1. MBANDA YA MOBANGE
2. KASSANGO
3. JI JI
4. NANGA
5. BAMANA
6. SAMBA
7. MALABA D'AMOUR
8. MOKANA
9. MWANA NYIAU |
   |
| ORCHESTRA SUPER MAZEMBE | MALOBA D'AMOUR | AFRIZZ007CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| During the 1980s with various line-ups of Zairean musicians the group Mazembe which means earth movers were one of the most popular bands in Kenya. They came to Kenya in the 70s from their home country of Zaire. This Kenyan cassette was released in the UK in 1990 on CD with the addition of their hit track Shauri Yako. | 1. KASSONGO
2. NABINAKATE
3. MALOBA D'AMOUR
4. SALIMA Pts. 1 & 2
5. SAMBA Pts. 1 & 2
6. MWANA NYIAU Pts. 1 & 2 |
   |
| ORCHESTRA SUPER MAZEMBE | SHAURI YAKO - PEPEPE | ET001(12)CDC | 12in | £ 0.00 | |
| Mazembe means 'The Earth Movers' and they certainly did with this internationaly renowned version of a Kenyan classic by Guashi Ntembo which they released in 1984. [2T/18M] (Is included on EMALP) | |
| |
| ORCHESTRA SUPER MAZEMBE | WABE-ABA | EMALPCDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| (Also includes ET001(12) on the CDR) | |
| |
| QUEEN JANE | NDIMUNOGU | HOKO9309CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Jane Nyambura has become the top female Kikuyu pop star with a bit of help from four of her brothers and sisters and I might add with very good reason. Their shrill vocals are beautifully sung in the traditional folklore style to a stunning backing of sparkling benga style guitars with the beat coming from both the bass guitar and the simple percussion. A guaranteed tootsie tapper which will have you skipping round your lounge like a impalla on speed, be warned its infectious! (F.T.index: Mathiko Ma Baba, Konman, Wendo Ndwonjaga, Nduraga Ngweterire, Njuku, Kandogo, Ningwendete, Ndimunogu, Kienjeku, Karema Hiti, Kunjoera Nindarega, Uiru. )[12T/62M] | 1. NDIMUNOGU
2. NDURAGA NGWETEREIRE
3. NJUKU
4. MATHIKO MA BABA
5. WENDO NDWONJAGA
6. KAREMA HITI
7. UIRU
8. KUNJOERA NINDAREGA
9. KANDOGO
10. NINGWENDETE
11. KONMAN
12. KIENJEKU |
   |
| SAMBA MAPANGALA AND ORCH. VIRUNGA | MABIALA | EDVLP01CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| Wow! This is the sort of music I just love to bits. Original rumba hits of the 70's and 80's from one of Kenya's most sought after and popular bands. Wonderful vocal harmonies from Samba and the crew, guitars going mad bouncing riffs in all directions and horns adding a profusion of brassy flourishes to say nothing of the snare driven sebens. Absolute heaven all the way. ( F.T.Index. Kimotho, Betty, Mabiala, Rama. ) [4T/38M] Was later released on cassette as Mabiala - Betty | 1. MABIALA
2. BETTY
3. KIMOTHO
4. RAMA |
   |
| SHAMA SHAMA | GREATEST HITS | CASLP2028CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Features the following tracks: Mopa Zoba - (Mopero), Mama Aye - (Mopero), Kemto Emancipee - (Mopero), Basaleli Ngai Likita - (Mopero), Pamphi - (Yeampy) and my favourite, the stunning Banga Ya Moto - (Mambo Ley) | |
| |
| SIMBA WANYIKA | MBERE YA MUNGU | CPOLP1026CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Their superb vocals are crystal clear and with backing from guitars that really can sing, a heavenly horn section that must have turned the Angel Gabriel green with envy and a drummer who's so infectiously toe tapping that I'm starting to wear big holes in my office carpet, what else can you say about Simba Wanyika except - Pure Magic. ( F.T.Index: Punguza Papara Zako, Pesa Ni Taabu Sana, Pamela, Mbere Ya Mungu, Leka Ulole. ) [5T/39M] | |
| |
| SIMBA WANYIKA | PEPEA | KMLNCD01CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| The Lions of the Wilderness recorded this album in Holland in 1991at Studio PARS with extra guitar and percussion being added later. The tracks are Mwongele, Wenzako, Pamela, Sikujua Utabadilika, Nakupenda Cherie, Pole Pole and Maria. All of them had been released before but had changed greatly over the 20 years since the group had been formed originally as Arusha Jazz, a town in Tanzania where they were staying before they moved to Kenya. | |
| |
| SIMBA WANYIKA | SHILLINGI MAUA TENA YAUA | CASLP2014CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Four tracks and 37 minutes of pure magic. Shillingi, Mpenzi Rejea, Wana Wanyika and last but not least, Mwana Sikia. | |
| |
| SIMBA WANYIKA ORIGINAL | KENYA VOL. I | AMG003CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| Four tracks and nearly forty minutes of pure heaven. Released way back in 1988, it was an instant classic. Gorgeous vocals from Wilson Peter Kinyonga backed by the rest of the band float over the lovely drumming of Michael Mwita and Tuwail's saxophone displays. However, it is the guitars that steal the show with a glittering display that is hard to beat from anywhere in Africa. | 1. BABA ASIYA
2. MARCELINE #2
3. TUSHIRIKIANE
4. HASIRA HASARA |
   |
| VARIOUS ARTISTS | 20 BEST OF EAST AFRICA 1950's | ZILVOL1CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Early pre - benga collection of wonderful Swahili style guitar playing and with some gorgeous singing as well - oh, and don't forget that simple shake, rattle and roll percussion that gives it a touch of real grooving atmosphere. An absolute classic and a must for East African guitar lovers and a real shame it doesn't say who the artists are! (Track List) Nampenda Jane, Jerida Mpenzi, Asiyependa Shule, Makarani, Bibi Mzuri, Masumbuko Wangu, Kazaliwa Wawili, Mbele Hujaoa, Kibera, Umasikini, Julieta, Kenya Yawaka Moto, Usidhalau Bibi, Tina Wangu, Marafiki Wengine, Vijana Mnayesoma, Reuben Ochieng, Asante, Ayuma Nakupenda, Bibi Si Kitu. [20T/60M] | |
| |
| VARIOUS ARTISTS | EDITIONS CHRIS Vol. 3 | ECV3CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Another compilation album from the Chris Music Store in Nairobi with another five complete 7inch singles. Recorded from vinyl and with side A having virtually no volume on the left channel for most of the last 3 songs. Also there is a good bit of crackle and background hum and hiss. They are though very beautiful songs when given a clean up as they are on this CD-R.[10T/49M] | 1. MAYOPA - PT. 1
2. MAYOPA - PT. 2
3. COUNCILLOR - PT. 1
4. COUNCILLOR - PT. 2
5. ROSSY MARRIE - PT. 1
6. ROSSY MARRIE - PT. 2
7. MWANA KISUMU - PT. 1
8. MWANA KISUMU - PT. 2
9. VIVA CHRISTMAS - PT. 1
10. VIVA CHRISTMAS - PT. 2
The singers and bands in order are: SAMBA MAPANGALA - (ORCHESTRA VIRUNGA), KAYEMBE NYONGA - (SUPER BWAMBE), LONGWA DIDOS - (SUPER MAZEMBE), LOVY LONGOMA - (SUPER LOVY), KASONGO WA KANEMA - (MASSIMA LA MUSICA). |
   |
| VARIOUS ARTISTS | GUITAR PARADISE OF EAST AFRICA | CDEWV21CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| | |
| |
| VARIOUS ARTISTS | SONGA MBELE - KENYAN CLASSICS Vol 2 | SO3CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| The second album from 'SONGA', a little gem with complete singles from Orch' Shika Shika, Orch' Wela Wela, Francis Danger and Prince Njeru. Definitely RECOMMENDED. | |
| |
| VARIOUS ARTISTS | THE NAIROBI BEAT | ROUCD5030CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| | |
| |
| VARIOUS ARTISTS - ZILIZOPENDWA | TWIST AND TWIST AGAIN | CPOLP2003CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Imagine it's the late 50's early 60's and Kenya is echoing to the sound of the twist.... The what..... the twist, yes the same as made famous by Chubby Checker, but mind you, there is a bit of a difference. When it got over to Africa they didn't have much in the way of drum kits so they improvised as only Africa can with some lovely, if basic, percussion which literally shakes, rattles and rolls along. The super sweet vocals, almost barber shop in style, are accompanied by some smashing guitar picking. Not to be missed. The 12 tracks were actually 15 and they weren't in the right order anyway! [15T/41M] | 1. KONDAKTA
2. WEE MWATUMA
3. MULOFA YANGU
4. ARUSI YANGU
5. SOFIA TWIST
6. UGONJWA WA MAPENZI
7. KENYA YA LEO
8. NJAGALA TWIST
9. SIKUTI TWIST
10. ADUI YAKO
11. MY BROWN GIRL
12. HAKUNA MWINGINE
13. HADIJA NGAWA
14. NAKWENDA CONGO
15. HARAMBEE HARAMBEE |
   |
| MADAGASCAR |
| DADA'S | MALAKISA | MALAKISACDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Bursting forth with their lively vocals this group from the Northern tip of the island play a style of music called Malakisa. Their modern sound with its brightly played keyboards and drumming throbs out the message that its time to dance. I particularly liked the slightly Irish jig sound of D.S. and the bouncy beat of Jeanne and Malinianao. They along with the title track and Sarimbavy have all found a place on my computer juke box. A very rare item as not a mention anywhere on the web for the group or this tape. [9T/38M] | 1. MALAKISA
2. SARIMBAVY
3. MEVA
4. FOMBA LEHILA
5. ASAR PIAINA
6. D.S.
7. MANDRY RANO
8. JEANNE
9. MALINIANAO |
   |
| D'GARY (or GARRY) | RYTHMES DU SUD | MA90016KCDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
Garry or D'Gary's real name is Ernest Randrianasolo and he was born in 1961 in Antananarivo, the capital. Garry and wonderfully powerful singer Tata Rahely share the credits on this traditional sounding but still modern album. The guitars are very much to the fore and make the running throughout but the addition of traditional style percussion and keyboards. Just have a listen to the gorgeous guitar playing in Betepotepo. Tata's singing comes straight from her heart and she really made this album come alive when it was released in 1991. She went on to sing with Tsimihole but sad to say that she passed away suddenly in 1999. Of the twelve tracks Magnabily and Ataovyeto are my favourites with Milamina and Balansy Mitongila not far behind.
SEEMS TO BE TOTALLY UNKNOWN ON THE INTERNET | 1. BETEPOTEPO
2. ZARAZARAO
3. VAVARANO ANDRIRY
4. MAGNABILY
5. ATAOVYETO
6. ROVABEGNA BETROKY
7. TANY MANDRY
8. VELOMA AMY ZAZA
9. TSINDRIA MIEPO
10. MILAMINA
11. BALANSY MITONGILA
12. ANTSA HELY |
   |
| DOORS' GROUP | MANAHIRANA | MA0309KCDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
Released back in 1992 on the MARS label with not a trace of it to be found on the internet. Auteur Compositieur it says was Theodore Stephan Razanadahy with thanks to John Mac Dean for help with the mixing. Other than that I can not tell you much about the Doors Group so please have a listen to the mix of various local musical styles that they have produced on this rather rare cassette.
A bit of extra information has come to light. If you spell it Dors Group you will find that Theodore died in 2019 aged 70 and was with the group since it was formed in 1983 in Mangarano Toamasina. The name Dors was taken from his first name Theodore and he was also a composer with the band Super 7 along with Jean Kely and Basth. There are a few 7" singles out there from the 1980's but no mention of this cassette at all. | 1. MANAHIRANA
2. RAVORAVO
3. TSY ADIKO ANAO TAMANA
4. TONGAVA MAMANGY
5. MANDAINGALAINGA
6. LE BOTO
7. SAMBY TSARA
8. AMPY IZAY
9. SADY MAMO VERY DARA
10. IASIMBOLA
11. HIVAVAO NY VINTANA
12. SARIN-TSIKA ROA
13. HERISETRA MAHAFATY |
   |
| ENSEMBLE DE VALIHA DE MADAGASCAR | VALIHA | CCACCDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Valiha's are like zither's and if that has you stumped then think of a harp that is played laying flat! The twelve Ensemble members don't all play valiha's, there is also a wide variety of percussion and flutes beavering away as well. Mainly based on traditional folklore the music is far from being slow, twangy and boring it is in fact fast, even furious, has a heck of a beat, a very modern sound and will be loved by everyone who hears it. Reminded me very much of the music of the Pampas cowboys of South America but much more fragrant. A superb album. (F.T.Index: Raha Misy Potraka, Segasy, Sanganehana, O! Sa! E, Ny Lantra Mangamanga, Salama Nareo Topoko. ) [11T/37M] | 1. SANGANEHANA
2. KETAKA
3. O! ASA! E
4. NY LANITRA MANGAMANGA
5. SEGASY
6. CEUX DES QUARTIERS NY AO AN-TANANA
7. KIDAOMBARAMITA
8. SALAMA 'NAREO TOMPOKO
9. RAHA MISY POTRAKA
10. RAVO
11. VELOMA |
   |
| FANJAVA | ANTAGNAVO | MA2109KCDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Fanjava led by Randrianambinina Etienne is one of the island's favourite groups when this was released back in 1993 and you'll have a smashing time jumping and jiving your way through all the diverse dance styles on the album. The unforgettable Bawejy with its haunting mix of guitar and song The bouncy drum and guitar driven beat of the Watcha tracks to say nothing of the catchy melodics of Salegy and the aptly named Sudaf jive style. (F.T.Index: Tsao Lahosany Mamany, Aza Mifankaratsy, Antagnavo, Ny Zaza, Logomamy,Efa Indroe, Seraphine. ) [9T/37M] ULTRA RARE with no mention of the original cassette on the web. | 1. LAZAN'ANDONGOBE
2. ANTAGNAVO
3. TSAO LAHOSANY MAMANY
4. NY ZAZA
5. LOGOMAMY
6. AZA MIFANKARATSY
7. OH MOUTROTROU
8. SERAPHINE
9. EFA INDROE |
   |
| JEAN RIGO | SANADERA | SANADERACDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| A fast paced track which is shown as a Sanadera style but to me sounds more Salegy is the introduction to singer Jean Rigo and his band. Next comes an Antosy track which I had not come across before but it turned out to be a traditional style from the North West of the island and here much modernized. Next and lovely it is too, a Sega song. I immediately thought Mauritius but it turns out that they originally imported the style from Madagascar. Watch out for the Watcha track Dada Kaseky which along with Ah Cherie went straight into my computer juke box. There seems to be almost nothing out there on the web about him except a few tracks on YouTube and Facebook. However none of them appear on the two cassettes I have here which were released, one in 1992, and this one around the same time. Rare would appear to be an understatement for these albums. | 1. SANADERA (Sanadera)
2. TSY LAMODA (Salegy)
3. ALAMINO (Antosy)
4. AH CHERIE ! (Sega)
5. DADA KASEKY (Watcha)
6. MISY RAHA NANDALO (Malesa)
7. MAGNINO (Zouk Love)
8. AZA MALAHELO (Slow) |
   |
| NINIE | TSARA OLO BE | TSARACDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| As soon as the slightly husky voice of Ninie flows out over the guitars and drums on the title track you know you're on a winner. This lovely singer hails from 'Nosy Be' or 'Little Island' which is on the North-West coast and although she teaches English at college she doesn't sing in it. The music was described to me as mainly a mix of bawejy and salegy but it was the funk influenced last track that I found outstanding. Got to No. 4 in the 1996 Madagascan charts, it should have been No. 1. (F.T.Index: Zanahary, Allo Allo, Ataonao Adala Zaho, Samy Mizaha My Tiany,Tsara Olo Be, Maro Lehilahy, Mandiniha Hely.) [9T/49M] | 1. TSARA OLO BE
2. MARO LEHILAHY
3. SAMY MIZAHA NY TIANY
4. AKORY ATAOKO ANAO
5. EFA JANGA
6. MANDINIHA HELY
7. ALLO ALLO
8. ATAONAO ADALA ZAHO
9. ZANAHARY |
   |
| TARIKA SOLEY | RAOZY MANAMBAKA RAOZY | RAOZYCDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| The name translates so the makers at Mars Studios told me as Sun Band although translation programs say Sole Band. Which ever, they play modern versions of Malagasy classics. What is more they play them beautifully and with heavenly vocals to go with them. Led by singer and guitarist Toto Mwandjani. They disbanded In the late 1990's and Toto was then regularly invited by Mars to record and perform with the superstars of salegy, including Feon'ala, Jaojoby, Mily Clement and Ninie. It was pointed out to me by Mars that track 2 is based on Hira Gasy while track 6 is known locally as the party starter. A lovely album with 5 tracks going into my computer juke box and also extremely rare. | 1. RAOZY MANAMBAKA RAOZY
2. ZAZA MITOMANY
3. MANDRY VE NY AO AN-TANANA
4. MBOLA BITIKA
5. VIAVY RAOZY
6. AFINDRAFINDRAO
7. INY HONO IZY RAVORONA
8. MANDIHIZA RAHITSIKITSIKA
9. DIAVOLANA FENOMANANA
10. OMBIN-TSARETIN-DRALEVA |
   |
| TIANJAMA | SOANADA | MA0209KCDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Watcha, Salegy and Bawejy are the styles of music that the group play on this 60 minute and 12 track album. The inlay says 13 tracks and 70 minutes but somewhere along the line they lost 3 tracks but added 2 others! Watcha with its profusion of guitars sounds gorgeously East African Rumba in style, while the Salegy fairly belts along with it's bounding island beat. Bawejy seems to melt the other two styles together into a very addictive and distinctive rhythm of its own. Lovely lively vocals throughout and some incredibly beautiful guitar playing, almost Soukous style, have made this my favorite Madagascan album of all time. Totally different from the 'Euro' releases of Malagasy music, this one is essential listening. (If they ever come to the U.K. this is one group that you mustn't miss at any price). | 1. SOANADA
2. DONIA REGAREGA
3. ATERO AMY BABANA
4. SANGA SIRANA
5. SABINA
6. DADY ROPILANY
7. ZEGNY VAOVAO
8. TSIAKAFARA TODY
9. VOLA PARATA
10. DOUDOU FINI
11. ZAHO TANORA + IADAN I TOTO
12. EKA LEMARUY (1ere partie) |
   |
| TIANJAMA | SPECIAL MALESA | MA0509KCDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| A couple of tracks from the previous album will be found on this one but as this time all seven tracks are played in the soft keyboard/accordion style of Malesa they are almost unrecognisable. While not as dance orientated as the other two albums the music still manages to enthrall the listener with its soft vocal harmonies and bouncy guitar playing to the Malesa rhythm. RECOMMENDED and VERY RARE. | 1. HODY ZAO AMARAY
2. OAH MALESA
3. INO MAHA MAIKY AVAO
4. OAH NINE
5. SAMY MIHETSKY
6. EKA LEIMARIJY
7. MBOLA HO AVY ZAHO |
   |
| TIRIKE | OVAO FOMBANAO | OVAOCDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| A hot and throbbing dance album from Etindraza Enomeany Augustin and Tirike, not to be confused with Tarike which means band. Also from the land of the thorns, they play a foot stomping style called Tsapika with a bit of Salegy thrown in for good measure. I wouldn't describe their superb guitaring as fast but I hear they've got coolers fitted! Just listen to 'em go on Tsy Mijaly, makes you wonder where Diblo goes for his holidays doesn't it? PURE MAGIC. (F.T.Index: Tsy Mijaly, Mararegn'alko, Senge Senge, Valiko Tiako, Hajalany Malaza.) [10T/51M] | 1. OVAO FOMBANAO
2. MARAREGN'AIKO
3. SENGE SENGE
4. HAJALANY MALAZA
5. TSY MIJALY
6. ANDEHA AHO BABA
7. VALIKO TIAKO
8. NAHODA
9. TAMBATAMBAZO
10. MIPOLIA IHA |
   |
| MALAWI |
| KASAMBWE BROTHERS BAND | NDILIBE AMBUYE | PAM005CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
Recorded in Malawi in 1991/92 at MCDE Studios and released in UK by Pamtondo. At one time the most pirated cassette in Malawi. Fourteen wonderful tracks from the Brothers at the peak of their youthful powers. Pure magic from the the three boys who make up the band, the oldest is 18, the youngest just 12 years old. Gorgeously rootsy guitars, one of which is home made, as are the drums, all vibrantly played with loads of feeling. Sweet vocals add the finishing touch to this really danceable album. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
It was made in the U.K. so you would think it would be easy enough to find details about it. However just you try finding out anything about it anywhere on the web and you will I'm sure end up here. Comes complete with an A4 information sheet about the band and the lyrics. | 1. MABVUTO ANGA POYENDA
2. OUR GRAND FATHER
3. PEMENE WACHOKA
4. MNYAMATA WINA
5. NDILIBE AMBUYE
6. CHECK YOUR STEP
7. BAMBO MULI KUTALI
8. ASUWENI ABANDA
9. ANZATHU WENA
10. CHIBALE KUMAYENDERANA
11. ANYAMATA A KASAMBWE
12. ANAMBEWE TINAPANGANA
13. HEY HOW ARE YOU?
14. KUNDINYAT |
   |
| MALI |
| ABDOULAYE DIABATE | BENDE | 09287-2CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| Traditional griot music with modern electrics to really bring it to life. Have a listen. This CD-R is perfect as the first track on the original Cobolt recording was faulty with a gap not long after the start. | 1. BENDE
2. BALANI
3. MASSAYA
4. SENE
5. FORONTO
6. GNOKO
7. MONZON
8. DJORO |
   |
| ABDOULAYE DIABATE | NAMAWOU | SYL83135CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Gorgeous album of traditional songs mainly played on Ngoni and Balafon with a bit of help from guitar played by Djely Moussa Kouyate. Abdoulaye's singing is really smashing and the girls backing him include Mah Damba and Assa Damba. As it's recorded in Paris they also got Jean Philippe Rykiel to do the keyboards and balafons. Absolutely fabulous tracks Yaala and Tall are not to be missed. | 1. FANTANYA
2. DJIBI
3. MASSASSI
4. SIKI
5. YAALA
6. NAMAWOU
7. YAYAN KONO
8. TALL |
   |
| ABDOULAYE DIABATE | TABALE | 83178CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Produced in Paris by Boncana Maiga with a line-up that includes vocalists Sekou Kouyate, Mah Damba, Assita Keita and Mama Kouyate - guitarists Djely Moussa Kouyate, Saffre Coulibaly and Hilaire Penda - percussionist Mare Sanogo and last but not least that famous horn trio of Hatot, Bolognesi and Slominsky. Abdoulaye turns in a masterly performance with some lovely singing especially on the title track reminded me a bit of Salif Keita's 'Soro'. (F.T.Index: Djiriyo, Kanou Saba, Son Fon, Tabale. ) [6T/36M] | 1. BIMOU
2. KANOU SABA
3. DJIRIYO
4. SON FON
5. TABALE
6. DJIRIYO (Instrumental) |
   |
| ABDOULAYE SARRE | LA BELLE | 1078CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| The title track has to be unique as far as Malian music goes, when Abdoulaye's traditional hunters story is interupted by a dispute between Shakara and Rokia Sangare which ends up in tears, absolutely terrific. The rest of the album is just as good as the music flits between Malian traditional and the more modern Wassoulou sound but this time it's the amazing guitar playing of Brahima Konate and Bakary Traore that's outstanding. Just listen to the lovely bluesy message coming across on Woye Sangaye. Also in there is ace drummer S. S. Rougeot taking time off from his own group and a lovely chorus line up in the shape of Oumou Sissoko, Fatoumata Diabate and Maimouna Kouyate. Wonderful. (F.T.Index: La Belle, Ndiagni Ba, Woye Sangaye, Banamba Kaw, Ngana Ke.) [8T/38M] | 1. LA BELLE
2. MALI MOUSSOW
3. NDIAGNE BA
4. SARRE MAKOUNDE
5. NIKO
6. BANAMBA KAW
7. NGANA KE
8. WOYE SANGAYEA |
   |
| ABLAYE DIT DOSSIN TRAORE | CENAAJANI - VOL 2 | IK019CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| This is the second album from Ablaye and once again shows us the softer traditional sounds of Mali that come from the mix of balafon and simple percussion. Although featuring the same line-up of artists and instruments as in the first volume, this time the whole tempo of the music is much faster and the vocals more intense in their effect. (While I prefered the slower pace of the first album I found the last track on this album, 'Bekandina', was absolutely essential to my Malian collection.) (F.T.Index: Bekandina, Cenaajani, Tekereni, ) [6T/49M] | 1. CENAAJANI
2. ARASA
3. TEKERENI
4. YAYOROBA
5. BENGADI
6. BEKANDINA |
   |
| ABLAYE DIT DOSSIN TRAORE | MOGOYA - VOL I | IK018CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| The traditional sounds of Mali comes to the fore on this relaxed album by Ablaye who sings and is also percussionist and calabash player. Both Kindjo Diarra and Diarra Traore play the balafon and noted percussionist Dounanke Koita also doubles up as arranger. Ablaye's rough yet velvety voice is very complementary to the softly resonating sounds of the balafon and the accompanying subdued percussion. (F.T.Index: Mogoya, Woroyafan, Arime, Curi ) [6T/49M] | 1. MOGOYA
2. WOROYAFAN
3. MANGONI
4. SAMAN
5. CURI
6. ARIME |
   |
| ABOUBACAR KISSA CUBAIN DE SEGOU | MALIBA | CK7061CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Aboubacar as his name implies comes from the town of Segou and he was originally a singer with the town's famous band, 'Super Biton de Segou' Powerful and gritty voice with rather nice chorus girls and somewhat unusual music which includes trumpet as well as guitars and more traditional sounds. Musically it is quite different from the usual Malian sounds in that it has an almost melancholy sound to it especially Democratie which sounds almost as if they had left the door to the next studio open during recording. [7T/38M] | 1. DJANIEBA
2. WALEGNUMA
3. DEMOCRATIE
4. GARBA MAMA
5. KIRABU
6. SO KARAFE
7. MALIBA |
   |
| ABOUBACAR SIDIKI PARE dit VIEUX | BARONI | BARONICDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| A rather nice album from singer, composer, guitarist and percussionist Aboubacar who is better know as Vieux. With a bit of help from Mamadou Diakite and Karamoko Simaga on guitars, Oumar Diallo on keyboard and Backing singers Tata Sacko and Hawa Sidibe. Recorded in 1998 at Studio Yeelen in Bamako which I had never come across before. [42M] | 1. BARONI
2. CHERIE - CHERIE
3. FOLIKAN
4. KANKELEN TIGUI
5. DELIKO
6. SUBO
7. YELEMA
8. KAYUMAN |
   |
| ADAMA YALOMBA | NAMARAKO | CK7689CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Originally released in Mali in 2004 by Mali K7 under the name Dumuni. It was re-released in 2014 by Camara Production as Namarako. Recorded at Studio Bogolan by Yves Wernert and features Amy Wassidje, Awa Diabate, Binke Traore and Ramata Diakite in the chorus line. While Djadje Traore, Karamoko Diabate, Dramane Diarra and Sekou Kante provide the guitars. Adama himself not only sings but also plays Djembe and M'bole. Keyboards, programmation and a some bass guitar come from Yves Wernert. A very interesting modern Malien sound so have a listen.
| 1. DUMUNI
2. NAMARAKO
3. ANK KA WILI
4. MONKOSSON
5. AFRICA
6. BANA.
7. AN BE TA DON
8. POLITIKI
9. HODON
10. DJANDELE
11. DOUAOU
12. LAFIA BE DI |
   |
| AICHATA SIDIBE | LA VIE EST SI BELLE | AICHATACDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| A very nice album from singer Aichata that on first hearing brought memories of early Nahawa Doumbia immediately to mind. The music is a bit more modern in sound and instrumentation with sax and for the first time that I have ever noticed on Malian music, a piano! However the guitars are there alongside the calabash, n'goni and djembe and Ismael Wonder on chorus with Maman. The modern traditional mix is nice and with a bit of unobtrusive rap springing a pleasant suprise every so often. I hate rap but this album is a very pleasant all the way through. | 1. YIKI
2. LA VIE EST SI BELLE
3. MANU MANI
4. KOKOYO
5. KANUNA
6. I MA KOU
7. KONARE A. BAH
8. KOBENA KUMA |
   |
| AMADOU DJELIBA BAH | AMADOU | OU003CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Singer, composer and n'goni player Amadou and Hamadi Bori Kasse who also plays n'goni are the only two artists on this very traditional album. Quite what or where the simple percussion is coming from I haven't worked out yet! No dance floor classic this one but I can't wait for a hot summers day, deck chair on the patio, ice cold 6 pack and then let the world drift by while listening to the lovely laid back sounds of the n'goni's and Amadou's strident vocals. [4T/41M] | 1. GARBARE
2. N'DIAROU
3. MALI HAMMA MADI
4. SEYE GALARE |
   |
| AMADOU ET MARIAM | SOU NI TILE | 557118CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| Mariam sings while Amadou also plays guitar. Accompanying them are a world wide selection of artist. Stephane San Juan on drums and percussion. Shihab M'ghezzi Bekhouche on bass. Matu on Fender Rhodes, Hammond XB3. Walde Baba Sissoko on Tama. Andres Viafara and Alberto Rodriguez on trombones. Barbaro Teunter Garcia on Trumpets. Loic Landois on harmonica. Sameh Gatalan and Johar Ali Khan on violin. Alain Hatot on transverse flute. Idwar Iskandar on ney (arabian flute) and last but not least Awa Timbo and Sanata Doumbia with the background vocals. The playing is superb, the music is magic and I still think the original tapes they took these tracks from were superior. Gorgeous album. | 1. JE PENCE A TOI
2. COMBATTANTS
3. MOUNA
4. PAUVRE TYPE
5. DOGONS
6. BAARA
7. DOUNIA
8. A RADIO MOGO
9. DJANDJOLA
10. ON SE DONNE LA MAIN
11. MON AMOUR, MA CHERIE
12. A CHACUN SON PROBLEME
13. TEREE LA SEBIN
14. TOUBALA HONO
15. C'EST LA VIE |
   |
| AMBASSADEUR INTERNATIONAL | MANDJOU | BLP5040CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| A five track LP with the original version of Mandjou (not the Island one) along with Kandja, 4 V, N'toman and Balla, the last track is not out on any compilation CD's. | 1. MANDJOU
2. KANDJA
3. 4 V
4. N'TOMAN
5. BALLA |
   |
| AMI KOITA | LA SUBLIME - DJAMBA KONO | AK005CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| I put the tape on without reading the inlay card and sat back and started to really enjoyed some great Paris influenced Malian songs. However by the time I got to the third track, 'Koro Ta', I had to rethink it as Ami went back to a very traditional number which was wonderful. Switching over to side 'B' sent me scratching around for the inlay to find out what should be on there instead of this slightly strange Soukous music that was now booming out! Enter now, Wawali Bonane on vocals and the magic of 'Huit Kilos' and Kayen Madoka on guitars. The first mix of Malian and Congolese music that I had ever heard. Wonderful but with those three on it and Ami as well what else could it be. A real gem this one which was released back in 1992. Her cooperation with Zaire's Afrisa International de l'an 2000 didn't go down very well in Mali however and Ami was forced to remove her cassette from sale in her home market. On selling my collection copy in 2021 I went as usual to make a CD-R to replace it in my collection and found it had a couple of small recording flaws. While searching the web for a better version I found that the cassette did not match up with recordings possibly taken from an LP that was probably produced at the same time for the Zaire market. Anyway to cut a long story short I noticed that the three YouTube tracks, which were all that I could find, were quite a bit longer. I realized then that EMI Mali K7 had speeded up the recordings on the cassette for some unknown reason. The edited CDR version in my collection now sounds much better. | 1. DJAMBA KONO
2. FAMA DEN
3. KORO TA
4. DJOMAGA DJELI
5. PETIT
6. CELEN |
   |
| AMY KOITA | AFRICAWE | AFRICAWECDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Stunning stuff from one of Mali's top artists. Recorded at Studio Bogolan in Bamako in 2003 and sounds a very polished product. Not quite Paris but getting there. Unlike the cassette this CD-R is in the right order. | 1. AFRICAWE
2. TELE BELEN
3. DUNIA
4. DARO GUELEN
5. DARHAT
6. BONGO
7. DJIGON KARILIEN
8. FATOU
9. BONNE ANNEE
10. MOGO KAN |
   |
| ASKIA MODIBO AND THE BAMNAYA | DJIGUIYA | DJIGUIYACDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| One of Askia's first Wass-reggae albums although he does have previous albums of Manding music released under his real name of Modibo Kone. As soon as you hear the music you will know why Alpha Blondy took him under his wing. Later on Ibrahima Sylla took him to Paris to record an album which was released by Sterns as a CD called Wass Reggae. None of these tracks are on the CD. This CD-R is taken from a locally recorded cassette so the music quality is not as good as it could be. Nonetheless a very interesting set of tracks. | 1. DJIGUIYA
2. ALLAH-AKBAR
3. MOUSSO DJOUGOU
4. LADILIKAN
5. R.F.K.
6. SOUTE MONEBO |
   |
| ASSITA TOUNKARA AND BAKOROBA DIABATE | FOUROU | SAM077192-4CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Husband and wife, Assita and Bakoroba have got together with Keletigui on balafon and Mama Sissoko on guitar for a lovely album of laid back Malian traditional music. Abdoulaye Samassa, who produced it, has added a bit of Paris style musical improvisation here and there but it doesn't detract from the album's overall ethnic feel as exemplified by the track 'Dougou Mimadia' Gorgeous music and singing throughout. | 1. FOUROU
2. GNAGARAN FOLI
3. ASSOU DEMBELE
4. DOUGOU MIMADIA
5. SEBABOUGOU
6. BARODA SOUMALE |
   |
| AZIZ WONDER | JAH IS MY GUIDE | JAHCDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| An unusual and extreemely rare album from Mali is this bright and breezy 1993 Reggae offering from Aziz and his band. As you would expect it's keyboards and guitar up front but the drummers also get the chance here and there to remind you that they can take up the running as well. The girls in the chorus don't usually get much of a chance here but they are lovely and deservedly get to take centre stage on Wary Wary. A bit short in length at 25 minutes as the title track got a repeat play at the end of the original cassette. This album is still a very interesting set of songs. Have a listen and enjoy. (F.T.Index: Tchamatchama, Shake Them Down, Pauvre Voyageur Ou Poor Traveler, Wary Wary, Jah Is My Guide ) [6T/25M] | 1. TCHAMATCHAMA
2. DON'T FALSE MY PEOPLE
3. WARY WARY
4. JAH IS MY GUIDE
5. PAUVRE VOYAGEUR OU POOR TRAVELER
6. SHAKE THEM DOWN |
   |
| AZIZ WONDER NI PINADJOW | GUELEYA | CFMK79502CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| A modern Malien reggae album recorded by Mali K7 in Bamako back in 1995. It has got some very interesting almost hypnotic and very catchy songs. I love it but I don't think my descriptive powers will do it justice so please have a listen to the clips and make up your own mind. | 1. JIGIYAFOLY
2. YEOYIRI
3. RASTA CONTROL
4. AVENTURIER
5. GUELEYA
6. PEACE IN AFRICA |
   |
| BABANI KONE | BARIKA | MK79809CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Her next cassette album released in 1998 is definitely not to be missed. You have just got to hear this marvelous set of tracks from the powerhouse voice of Malien diva Babani. Just have a listen. | 1. NTA FOLA
2. DIAGNINKO
3. SOYEBA
4. DAGNAN
5. KOBARIKA
6. GNANIMA DJOUGOU
7. MARIE LOUISE
8. SARA NANA |
   |
| BABANI KONE | SANOU DJALA | CK7335CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| Her first cassette released in Mali in 1996 and it's a real belter as Babani's deceptively fragile looks hide a voice that rolls like thunder. (8T/38M) Also released on CD two years later by Sterns as STCD1085. | 1. MOUSSO GNINIKAN
2. TAMAGNOSON
3. BARADJO
4. DJOHORO
5. DJELI BABA
6. SANOU DJALA
7. LAGARE
8. NANIYE |
   |
| BABILI KANOUTE | CORA | AA002-4CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| You do see some wonderful covers on African cassettes and seeing Babili with his cora strapped on his back and riding a little blue moped immediately tells you that he is a travelling musician. What it doesn't tell you though is just how superbly he plays that cora. There's no singing, just the wonderful sounds of a real maestro at work. On most albums the beautiful sound of the cora is nearly always in the background so this album is a real gem of a find when that much revered instrument takes centre stage in the hands of a master musician. You will find him listed as a member of the famous ENSEMBLE INSTRUMENTAL NATIONAL DU MALI, need I say more. (F.T.Index: No favourite as all tracks are wonderfull, so have a listen to a bit and see what you think.) [6T/32M] | 1. SOUNDJATA
2. LAMBAN
3. ININIAMANKAN
4. TOUTOU
5. M'BE DIATA LEMA
6. NYA NYA |
   |
| BADIE COULIBALI ET SON ENSEMBLE DIANDJIGUI DE SEGOU | VOL. 1 | IK013CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Badie plays the traditional ngoni while the other two sadly unnamed musicians provide the calabash percussion and some rather nice guitar play. Listening to it reminded me of the early Ali Farka Toure albums. Don't bother looking this album up on the web as you will only find my entry. | 1. DEDIE AU CSTP
2. DEDIE A L'ADEMA
3. KONO BALOLEBE
4. BADALA MALE
5. N'DABE MALA
6. FEZIN |
   |
| BADIE COULIBALI ET SON ENSEMBLE DIANDJIGUI DE SEGOU | VOL. 2 | IK014CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Volume ll with more traditional ngoni music and some nice guitar play. Thumping calabash percussion sets the beat while Badie's own ngoni playing and vocals drive the songs smoothly on. Like Volume 1 a soft more traditional version of the early Ali Farka Toure albums. Also last one in stock. The seventh track which was on the cassette was a two minute filler from track 3 which has not been included on the CDR. [48M/6T] | 1. GARBA
2. N'FINZIN
3. BANANI
4. MALI DEMISSENOU
5. C.N.I.D.
6. FOUROUKERA DIAGOYE |
   |
| BAKO (BACKO) DAGNON | KEDO VOL 2 | KEDOCDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Bako or Backo as it says on the album was already a well known singer having spent ten years singinging with the ENSEMBLE INSTRUMENTAL NATIONAL DU MALI. Released in 1995 this, her second cassette, came out well before she found fame with her first CD's in the early 2000's. Rare isn't the word for this album as only my site and Frank Bessam's list the two volumes. [52M/8T] | 1. FILA NA DJAMOU
2. KEDO
3. SAMA KORO
4. MARI I MAKOUN
5. WAWABA
6. NGNEMIRILA IMA
7. KOSSA WALE
8. KITA FOLI |
   |
| BAKO (BACKO) DAGNON | NNAH VOL 1 | NNAHCDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Bako or Backo as it says on the album was already a well known singer having spent ten years singinging with the ENSEMBLE INSTRUMENTAL NATIONAL DU MALI. Released in 1995 this cassette came out well before she found fame with her first CD's in the early 2000's. Guitar player Djelimadi Tounkara leads the band with balafon by Keletigui Diabate. Rare isn't the word for this album as only my site and Frank Bessam's list the two volumes. | 1. N'NAH
2. SOUNDIATA
3. KANOU DIABA
4. BIMO MAGNIN
5. TIYA MOGNOGO
6. DOLO MAGNI
7. HINA YE DARIRO
8. KAMADIA |
   |
| BAKOROBA DIABATE | FIFI JOLIE VOL III | BD5007CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Third album from Bakoroba and his backing singer or singers (no liner notes) and from what I can gather he is a top notch artist. Having played with ENSEMBLE INSTRUMENTAL NATIONAL DU MALI before going solo but having not made a living from his music due to piracy in Mali he found other work in Paris. Although lots of mentions of CD's Bakoroba Vol 1 and 2 plus Wariko and the Paris made Sumu Sekou Cisse on the internet I couldn't find this album mentioned anywhere at all or even any of its tracks. Images on the internet all show him rather fuller in face and older than the picture on the cassette so this could be an earlier album. The recording had no manufacturers name on it and was rather hit and miss volume wise so my collection CDR has been edited to make it quite listenable. [4T/30M] | 1. FIFI JOLIE
2. PONT COURA
3. AN KA YONKO MINE
4. KOLON |
   |
| BAMBA DEMBELE ET LE GROUPE | DJOLIBA PERCUSSIONS Vol. 1 | SYL8350CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| No notes inside so I have no idea who is playing what. I do know that the female singers are really giving it their all as their powerful vocals stream out over the throbbing drums . The band, twelve stong on the cover photo, play flute, balafons, ngoni and kora's as well as the various drums. The music on all tracks belts out right from the start but it's the stunningly thunderous rhythmic drumming that ends each track that will take your breath away. You don't get this in the studios - this is for real. [38M] | 1. MORIATA
2. MANSADIN
3. YERI YERI
4. FANTAN NI MONE
5. KOUMA MAGNI |
   |
| BAMBA DEMBELE ET LE GROUPE | DJOLIBA PERCUSSIONS Vol. 2 | SYL8351CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Just like Volume 1. tracks this time are Halamandia, Liberia, Djoliba Percussion, Kouma Magni. [41M] | 1. HALAMANADIA
2. LIBERIA
3. DJOLIBA PERCUSSION
4. KOUMA MAGNI |
   |
| BINTOU SIDIBE | VOLUME II | SAM182292-4CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Great mix of modern and traditional instruments and music with Bintou's super vocals powering out. My favorite tracks are 'Aye Ben Djila' and 'Tieba' but the real cracker has to be 'Beni Siya' which is outstanding. You may disagree as the varied musical content is great on all the eight tracks. Recommended for anyone who likes the great female singers of Mali. Released in 1992 by EMI Pathe Marconi C.I. | 1. AMADOU BA GUINDO
2. BARIKA BOGNALA
3. KA DJOUROU NANI
4. AYE BEN DJILA
5. N'DIAGNA MOGO
6. TIEBA
7. SARA MA
8. BENI SIYA |
   |
| BOUBACAR TRAORE | LES ENFANTS DE PIERRETTE | KAR001CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| An incredibly atmospheric and totally stunning album from Malian blues guitarist Boubacar that makes his first two Paris released albums actually sound dull in comparison. Having had to endure a live solo performance and believe me I do mean endure, I was absolutely knocked out by this gorgeous release. Blues guitars backed by simple gourd percussion and balafon shouldn't be able to sound this good but they do. Having just done a quick check on all his CD's, track 1. and 4. would appear to be only on this cassette unless they have been released under another name also the track lengths are very different, longer in fact. Also having just played track five in comparison to the CD track it was totally different. Looks like this album is pretty unique as it does not appear anywhere else on the web. I loved that 'Mali Twist' for something really different. Shades of The Shaddows? UTTERLY BRILLIANT. [9T/56M] | 1. MAOU LAYE MARA
2. KELE MAGNI
3. LES ENFANTS DE PIERRETTE
4. BA DENOU
5. KALILOU
6. TOUGA MAGNI
7. MASTRI
8. MALI TWIST
9. BEBE BO NADERO |
   |
| COUMBA SIDIBE | DJANDJOBA | SAM268CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Wonderful stuff as Coumba and her thunderous warbling get to grips with some smashing tracks. Bako Keita picks some real mean guitar while Mamadou Sidibe and Lassana Diabate back him on ngoni and bass guitar respectively. Abdoulaye Diabate's keyboards and electric percussion hold onto that traditional rootsy sound that proclaims this to be the music of Mali perfectly. The trouble with Coumba is that her singing style is so musical in itself she doesn't actually need any backing - just listen to her go on Manika Sira, Souba or Djguiballa - pure magic to the ears never mind the tootsies. Who needs music when you can sing like that. ( F.T.Index: Manika Sira, Souba, Djguiballa, Pouikanpoui, Sissi, Tani Gony, Djanjoba, Fouru. ) [8T/51M] Sadly she passed away 9th of May, 2009. | 1. DJANDJOBA
2. FOURU
3. MANIKA SIRA
4. SOUBA
5. DJGUIBALLA
6. POUIKANPOUI
7. SISSI
8. TANI GONY |
   |
| COUMBA SIDIBE | DOUNOUYAN EXPLOSION DU WASSOULOU | SHA02901CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| I don't know about explosion, the opening track is more like a damp squib when compared with the Sanghan album. However you have to listen to the fuse fizzing before the dynamite blows your rear end off....and this album is no exception. The primer ignites with 'Ninin' and the main charge goes off with 'Baba'. As with all good things the best is saved until last. A CRACKER. (F.T.Index: Ka Lanongon Yan, Tche Kani Wele, Baba, Ninin) | 1. DOUNOUYAN
2. NININ
3. BABA
4. TCHE KANI WELE
5. HEE ! ! ! NDANANI
6. KA LANONGON YAN |
   |
| COUMBA SIDIBE | MANSA | CK7473CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| My own CD-R now has the tracks in the correct order unlike the original tapes and CD's. Talking of tracks, what a cracking set they are on this her final album which Coumba made in 2001 before passing away in 2009. The chorus comes from the late great Ramata Diakite and unusually Adama Yalomba who is also now making a name for himself. Magic album, just have a listen. | 1. SOLI
2. TELEPHONE
3. MANSA
4. NAMARATO
5. COGOYON
6. AYE WILI
7. AYE BO SIRALA
8. WELE WELE
9. SANDJI |
   |
| COUMBA SIDIBE | SANGHAN | FDB300017CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| The latest release from Coumba, who has probably the most stunning voice in Mali. She is backed throughout by a guitar and kora led group that plays some of the best music to come out of that part of Africa in recent years Together the 'Voice' and the 'Music' are as near to heaven as I can imagine. Incredibly beautiful. (F.T.Index: Nabahe-Tabahe, Souya, Deligllelema, Djagolla) | 1. DJAGOLLA
2. DELIGLLELMA
3. SOUYA
4. LOLAYA
5. SANGHAN
6. SOU
7. KOLIMAGNI
8. NABAHE - TABAHE |
   |
| DAOUDA SANGARE - FLANI | KAMBELE N'GONI DE GANADOUGOU | OUO15CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Absolutely amazing album of traditional ethnic Malian music and song. I thought I'd heard it all and then this stunner smacks you right between the eyes. From the cover and title I expected some great N'goni playing, which is just what I got along with some superb singing and wonderful percussive accompaniment. However I wasn't expecting the flute player who totally steals the show from all the other traditional instruments with sounds that defy description or even any idea as to how he could produce them. Hearing is believing and this album is simply unique, both fascinating and incredibley beautiful. | 1. MAIMUNE DIALLO
2. BADALAKONO
3. N'TEKENI FILE
4. GNANI SOROMANGOU
5. LOLO
6. SIAKA BESSOM MOUSSO |
   |
| DIABA KOITA | KHASSONKE | BIP91CDCDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| | 1. SEBEN DJARA SEBEN
2. TOUTOU
3. LELILE-MIREILLE GASSAMA
4. KELEEABA
5. KULANDJAN
6. WAYE
7. N'DIAYE MAKHANSE |
   |
| DIARRAH SANOGO | BOUGOUNIERIE | AM91021CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| I thought it sounded rather good as soon as the music started but I certainly wasn't prepared for the feast that was to follow. As Diarrah launched into her first song it was apparent that here was a superb album by an artist who was totally unknown outside Mali. Her voice was vibrant, full of the passion and fire that has become synonymous with the Wassoulou sound and the music was absolutely superb as well. Whilst I hadn't come across either Moussa or Saiba Doumbia who were providing the beautiful guitar playing I was overjoyed to find that old friends, sisters, Rokia and Assetou Sidibe ( LES SOEURS SIDIBE ) were belting out the chorus, Just listen to 'em go on Diarabi. (F.T.Index: Diarabi, Faso, Kampa Lare, Pinia Mi You, Djougouya, Avion Billet ) [6T/32M] | 1. DJOUGOUYA
2. FASO
3. KAMPA LARE
4. AVION BILLET
5. DIARABI
6. PINIA MI YOU |
   |
| DJENEBA DIAKITE | FOUROU | FOUROUCDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| A lovely soft album of sweetly sung wassoulou songs from top artist Djeneba and her group plus help from husband Madou Ba Traore. No point in trying to describe the beauty of the music, just have a listen to the clips and make up your own mind. | 1. FOUROU
2. MOUSSOLOU
3. DENWOLO LAHOU
4. WASSA
5. RABBANA
6. NEBA HOUFOLA
7. DJIGUIYE
8. N'GOYE N'GAYE |
   |
| DJENEBA DIAKITE | GNOGONDEME | MC19CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Back to basics Wassoulou from writer and star singer Djeneba and her group 'Farafina Lolo'. The partnership of Djeneba and composer and guitarist Madou Bah Traore has without the use of keyboard, drum machines or other fripperies produced a superb new album. Madou plays lead, Dramane Traore is on bass, Benogo is on the tinkling n'goni and Drissa Bagayogo pounds it out on the djembe. However much Djeneba's beautifully sung and power packed vocals are enhanced by the lovely chorus of Sata Sidebe and Fanta Doumbia I'm sure you will find that the seductive and throbbing sound of the traditional music is the thing that will stamp itself firmly on you memory. WONDERFUL. (F.T.Index: Kanou, Sora, Djigui, Denko, Gnogondeme, Tunga, Nani, Nelson.) [8T/38M] | 1. GNOGONDEME
2. DJIGUI
3. SORA
4. KANOU
5. DENKO
6. NELSON
7. TUNGA
8.NANI |
   |
| DJENEBA DIAKITE | PIRATERIE | 09265-2CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| This album could be the 'Wassalou Sound' Volume 2 except that it is all sung by one artist! The wonderfully powerful yet sweet voice of Djeneba is on stupendous form backed by some gorgeous music from a whole tribe of Traore's, there's Abdramane on Balafon, Mamadouh Bah on Guitar, Ibrahima on Djembe, Ousmane's vocals and last but by no means least, the wonderful Boubacar on Kamele N'goni instead of his usual Guitar! This album should have been entitled 'The Traore's present Djeneba Diakite'. However it doesn't matter what you call it, the album is an absolute knockout. Originally released on cassette as LIBERIA. | 1. LIBERIA
2. DENKAGNY
3. FASOYE TOMOYE
4. ANABAN
5. DJOUROUNI LADY
6. PIRATERIE
7. TAOUME MAIDE
8. AEEM
9. WASA
10. KUNFEKO |
   |
| DJENEBA SECK | BARIKA BARIKA | CK7263CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Djeneba's singing is simply gorgeous as she belts out another stunning set of songs just as good as, if not better than, those on 'Kankeletigui' if you can remember that album from 1994. Just listen to the beautiful guitar play of Djeli Moussa and Sekou Kouyate accompanied by Lassana and Akorba Diabate. Mamadou Kone and Alpha on n'goni and percussion respectively add a traditional flavour to the music which is enhanced with a few modern flourishes from keyboard wiz Jean Phillip Rykel. However it's the singing of Djeneba and the chorus of Assaita Keita and Kande Diabate that is really outstanding. A real stunner. [6T/31M] | 1. BARIKA BARIKA
2. FASSA MAGNI
3. KONKANKOKONONI
4. MALIDENW
5. MAYA
6. FALA |
   |
| DJENEBA SECK | DJOUROU | SYLAF96065CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| Put together in Paris by Ibrahima Sylla this album has a more Western feel to it but still retains its Malien roots sound. Great backing singing from Nanou Coul and Wande Kouyate while Djely Moussa Kouyate's guitar is on top form. Last but by no means least I must mention the superb input from Senegalese percussionist Thio Mbaye. The crystal clear recording almost makes you feel that you are right there in the audience. Beautiful. | 1. ATIKORO
2. ABIBAN
3. MALI DJE
4. NDIYANI
5. DJOUROU
6. A MEWOME
7. ARMY MALI
8. NTEN NKO FILE
9. SAMA
10. TILEKE
11. FOUROU
12. KOUMASSE |
   |
| DJENEBA SECK | KANKELETIGUI | AM92003P92CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| This album has swept all before it across Francophone West Africa. With very good reason, Djeneba's voice is on tremendous form, rather like a powered-up version of Nahawa Doumbia if you can imagine that. The gorgeous accompanying music is totally traditional in style but also uses modern instruments to enhance and expand the ethnic sounds. A brilliant album that should without doubt be given a home in every collection of Malian music. (The F.T.Index: Ladilikan, Baro, Mirimagni) | 1. KANKELETIGUI
2. BARO
3. MIRIMAGNI
4. LADILIKAN
5. DJOUGOUYA
6. KEWALEDJOUGOU |
   |
| DOGOMANI DAGNON | SANOUKOULE MADY | SAMASSACDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Stupendous stuff all the way through - great music superb vocals and now even better that Wawamba's sudden and unexpected end has been fixed. Tracks 6 and 7 are marked BIS which means encore or repeat but not quite as they are slightly different recordings. She began her career with the National Instrumental Ensemble of Mali at the end of the 1960s and used her stunning voice as an instrument of seduction. It worked as I love it. | 1. SANOUKOULE MADY
2. BOUNTANI
3. KEME BOURAMA
4. GANGNY DJO
5. WAWAMBA
6. KANIBALA
7. KANIBALA (bis) |
   |
| DOUMBIA M. SESSE | KONONY | OMA001CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| A cracker of an album from Doumbia and his unmentioned backing band. His very striking and razor sharp voice is a real pleasure to hear but its the glittering modern Malian style guitar picking that steals the show at every opportunity - wonderful stuff. The very sweetly sung backing from the also unnamed chorus girls is also pure magic. Definitely gets my recommendation. | 1. KONONY
2. SIDA
3. KANADJORO
4. DESTIN
5. DOUNOUGNAN
6. MOGOKAN
7. DJOUGOU
8. DIARABY |
   |
| ENSEMBLE INSTRUMENTAL | RAOUL FOLLEREAU DE BAMAKO | ARF001CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| The inlay card looks like a play school collage but hidden behind it is stunningly beautiful album. The first thing that hits you are the layers of notes cascading from the cora's, and interweaving with the sweetly played balafon, soft percussion and the lovely flutes. As if that wasn't enough the singers are also absolutely wonderful as well. The narration in the homage to Raoul is incredibly atmospheric, its simplicity adds immensely to its beauty. In fact I think this album is one of the most beautiful of all the traditional albums that I've ever heard from West Africa, not just Mali. Miss it at your peril, it's a real stone bonker! Follereau was a French journalist who made helping lepers and beating leprosy his life's work. His world wide foundation has offices on Ave Raoul Follereau in Bamako. (F.T.Index: Hommage A Raoul Follereau, Sabali, Beneko Jaby, Jula Bemba, Mben Diyala. ) [5T/44M] | 1. BENEKO JABY
2. JULA BEMBA
3. MBEN DIYALA
4. HOMMAGE A RAOUL FOLLEREAU
5. SABALI |
   |
| ENSEMBLE INSTRUMENTAL NATIONAL DU MALI | VOLUME II | LIAISON1CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Another stunning release from the twenty four members of this star studded and elite troupe. Singing their heads off are Souadou Soumano, Oumou and Fatouma Diabate, Dogmani Dagno, Dogmani and Djeneba Doumbia, Fanta and Adama Sacko, Saranfing Kouyate, Noumouncounda Damba, Fissa Maiga, Bintou Sidibe and N'faly and Siriman Sissoko. While the wonderful traditional backing comes from Babily Kanoute on kora, Djelimady and Modibo Diabate on balafons, Makan sacko on djely dounou, Madou Diallo on flute, Fanga Diawara and Mahamane Cisse on traditional violins, Binefou Koita on n'goni, Mady Diallo on m'polon and djembe and finally Abdoulaye Kone on n'tamani. The only other thing to say is that it is an absolutely wonderful album. (F.T.Index: Mama Salia, Securite, Wato Malila, Dialonka, Diaba, Mamadou.) [8T/52M] Released in 1993 and I couldn't find any mention of it on the web | 1. FASO BAARA
2. DIAWARALA
3. SOGO
4. SOWETO
5. DUNIA
6. DIABA
7. LOUTIGI
8. MAGNOUMAN |
   |
| ENSEMBLE INSTRUMENTAL NATIONAL DU MALI | VOLUME III | LIAISON2CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Another stunning release from the twenty four members of this star studded and elite troupe. Singing their heads off are Souadou Soumano, Oumou and Fatouma Diabate, Dogmani Dagno, Dogmani and Djeneba Doumbia, Fanta and Adama Sacko, Saranfing Kouyate, Noumouncounda Damba, Fissa Maiga, Bintou Sidibe and N'faly and Siriman Sissoko. While the wonderful traditional backing comes from Babily Kanoute on kora, Djelimady and Modibo Diabate on balafons, Makan sacko on djely dounou, Madou Diallo on flute, Fanga Diawara and Mahamane Cisse on traditional violins, Binefou Koita on n'goni, Mady Diallo on m'polon and djembe and finally Abdoulaye Kone on n'tamani. The only other thing to say is that it is an absolutely wonderful album. (F.T.Index: Mama Salia, Securite, Wato Malila, Dialonka, Diaba, Mamadou.) [8T/52M] Released in 1993 and I couldn't find any mention of it on the web | 1. WATO MALILA
2. DIALONKA
3. SECURITE
4. DIABA
5. MAMOUDOU
6. DAGALY
7. SOSSO
8. MAMA SALIA |
   |
| ENSEMBLE NATIONAL | INSTRUMENTAL DU MALI | SYL8379CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Original 70's recordings taken from vinyl of the forty strong group that features amongst others such singers as Hawe Drame track 1, Maimouna Damba track 2, Djeli Madi Sisoko track 3, Coumba Sidibe track 4 and Wande Kouyate track 5, before they became household names. In fact probably their first recordings. The music is totally traditional being played by a profusion of koras, balafons, flutes and drums. This cassette was released my Mali K7 in 1992. | 1. ZAZURU
2. SAMA
3. LAIDU
4. DIYA YE BANNA
5. NAKANA |
   |
| FANTA NAYA DIAWARA | DELI YANGUELIN ( VOLUME II ) | AM91002CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| This second album from Fanta follows much the same line as her first one except that Sidi Mohamed Koita's lovely guitar features a lot more. I don't know why this should be, as both albums were recorded at the same time and with the same line-up, but this album is slightly more guitar orientated? For that matter the music is also a bit more up-tempo and the style is slightly more Paris than Bamako even if it was recorded at Studio Sequence in Abidjan! (F.T.Index: Deli Yanguelin, Yala Kono, Togola Mourini, Bara Dala, Sabali, ) [6T/34M] | 1. DELI YANGUELIN
2. BARA DALA
3. SABALI
4. YALA KONO
5. TOGOLA MOURINI
6. SAYA MAGNI |
   |
| FANTA NAYA DIAWARA | DJAKA WARA ( VOLUME I ) | AM91001CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| A really lovely album of Wassoulou music from Fanta, who's rough edged vocals compliment Sidi Mohamed Koita's sweetly played guitar perfectly. It's also got some nice drumming and n'goni backing from Solomani and Seydou Camara. Scores a definite ten out of ten on the Wassoulou scale and gets my seal of approval! (F.T.Index: Dibi, Mana Mani, Ikana Dj Or O, N'toman.) [6T/31M] The cassette had a short filler after tracks 3 and 6 taken from tracks on the other side. These have not been included on the CD-R. | 1. DJAKA WARA
2. N'TOMAN
3. IKANA DJ OR O
4. YANKA DI
5. MANA MANI
6. DIBI |
   |
| FANTANI TOURE | DANS BOZOLA | BOZOLACDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Released in 2000 for local consumption in Mali on cassette only. It comes three years after Sterns CD release of N'tin Naari and follows the same mix of modern and semi traditional Bambara music. To some it may be a bit rough and ready but to others it is just beautiful. I'm definitely one of the latter. She was born in Bamako, in the popular district of Bozola, on May 30, 1964, four years after the independence of Mali. He first name was actually Fatoumata but she was known as Fantani. She died on december 3, 2014 at the age of fifty and will be much missed. | 1. YAKARE
2. YA-ARIYA
3. BESSE FOLY
4. DJUDJOU
5. DJUKUSSAKA
6. BOZOLA
7. MUSSELOUW
8. NALOMA
9. DEN-KELE
10. KELEMASSADEN
47 MINUTES |
   |
| FILANY | KENEDOUGOU | FILANYCDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| His real name was Daouda Sangare but his nickname was Flani which has change for some reason unknown to Filany. He died in Bamako on January 12, 2008 at the age of 63. I will always remember him as the lead singer with the Super Djata Band alongside guitarist Zani Diabate. Listening to this tape you can hear in it a lot of the style that made the Super Djata album so great. Instruments being played are ngoni, kamale-ngoni, balafon, flute and djembe. ABSOLUTE MAGIC. | 1. DOUGA
2. DAMBE
3. KONONAGAN
4. LAYDOU
5. TAKASSEGUI
6. LOLO
7. YIRI-BINE
8. KONOTEKOUMA |
   |
| HABIB KOITE | CIGARETTE ABANA - SIRA BULU (Epopee Manding) | CIGARETTE | TC | £ 0.00 | |
| In 1991 Habib went to Perpignan in France to take part in the Voxpole Festival. He won first prize which was a week in a studio with a sound engineer but as he was on my own he was only able to record two songs. Cigarette Abana and the traditional Sira Bulu about the epic tale of Sundiata. On his return to Mali he recorded an instrumental version of both tracks which were released on this cassette which became an instant country wide hit. | 1. CIGARETTE ABANA
2. SIRA BULU
3. CIGARETTE ABANA (instrumental)
4. SIRA BULU (instrumental) |
 |
| HABIB KOITE AND BAMADA | MA YA | CJ003CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| Abolutely stunning second studio album from Habib and his group Bamada which was released back in 1998. With four tracks straight into my computer juke box it is easy to tell how beautiful the music and the vocals are. Just have a listen to the clips and I'm sure you will agree that it is a must have in your collection of Malian music. | 1. WASSIYE
2. MA YA
3. BITILE
4. SIRATA
5. FORO BANA
6. SARAMAYA
7. KUMBIN
8. MARA KASO
9. PULA KU
10. KOMINE
11. I MADA
12. MANSANE CISSE |
   |
| HABIB KOITE AND BAMADA | MOUSSO KO + CIGARETTE ABANA - SIRA BULU | CD001CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| A long awaited album release from one of the rising stars of modern Malian music. Singer, song writer and guitarist, Habib has here added nine extra tracks to his original hit single tape 'Cigarette Abana and Sirabulu' that was released back in 1993. No matter what type of music he plays, fast or slow, modern or semi-traditional - he gives it a new musical slant. Souleymane Ann provides the furious drumming and backing vocals while Wahab Berthe and Boubacar Sidibe belt it out with their powerful Malian style guitar playing. The stunning percussive sounds of traditional instruments such as tamani, taman-ba, cragnan balafon, djembe and barra come courtesy of Baba Sissoko and Sidiki Camara. Dance wise, the last but one track 'Kunfe Ta' with its pounding drums, throbbing guitars and driving vocals is a masterpiece of dance floor mania. Thankfully you've still got the atmospheric and acoustic 'Koulandia' to wind down with. PURE MAGIC. (F.T.Index: Nimato, Cigarette Abana, Kunfe Ta, Nanale, Din Din Wo, I Ka Barra, Muso Ko, Sira Bulu, Koulandian, Den Ko, Fatma.) [11T/54M] Tracks 12 - 15 are the original versions from the four track cassette Cigarette. | 1. KA BARRA
2. MUSO KO
3. DEN KO
4. NANALE
5. FATMA
6. SIRA BULU
7. NIMATO
8. CIGARETTE ABANA
9. DIN DIN WO
10. KUNFE TA
11. KOULANDIAN
12. CIGARETTE A BANA
13. SIRA BULU
14. CIGARETTE A BANA (Instrumental)
15. SIRA BULU (Instrumental) |
   |
| HADJA SOUMANO | NTERI DIABA | SYL8393CDC | TC | £ 0.00 | |
| A simply stupendous album of Malian praise singing that should be used as the benchmark against which all the others are measured. Boncana Maiga is in the driving seat and on keyboards with Djelimady Tounkara and Moussa Diabate on guitar, Moriba Koita on ngoni and not forgetting Djely Mady Diabate on balafon. Hadja's vocals are simply staggering. An all time great 'Must have it' album. ( F.T. Index: Ayebo, Boureima Sylla, Mandin Kono.) (See HADJA) | 1. NTERI DIABA
2. BOUREIMA SYLLA
3. AYEBO
4. MANDIN KONO
5. SOSSO
6. DJOMBO |
| Sorry no image but see HADJACDC |
| HADJA SOUMANO | THE BEST OF | HADJACDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| A fourteen track compilation with all the tracks from Tounga Magni, Les Aigles du Mali and Nteri Diaba with the exception of the two Les Aigles instrumental versions. | 1. TOUNGA MAGNI
2. LOUNTAMBA
3. NI DJUGU YABE WOLO SA
4. KOUNGO BA
5. KANIBOLI
6. MOUSSOBE SA DENDE NOFE
7. LES AIGLES DU MALI
8. SAMBE SAMBE
9. NTERI DIABA
10. BOUREIMA SYLLA
11. AYEBO
12. MANDIN KONO
13. SOSSO
14. DJOMBO |
   |
| HADJA SOUMANO | THE BEST OF.... ( From Tounga Magni and Nteri Diaba ) | EMK004HCDC | TC | £ 0.00 | |
| A fabulous compilation from 'Nteri Diaba' and 'Tounga Magni' which sadly are no longer available. However eight of the best tracks out of the twelve plus two from 'Aigles Du Mali' are on this album and what a cracker it is too. ( F.T. Index: Tounga Magni, Ayebo, Boureima Sylla. ) [10T/56M] (See HADJA) | |
| Sorry no image but see HADJACDC |
| HADJA SOUMANO | TOUNGA MAGNI | SAM0401924CDC | TC | £ 0.00 | |
| Flaming brilliant and that's putting it mildly! A mix of modern and traditional instruments played with superb precision and thought to Hadja's fantastic vocals. Very modern in style but totally retaining its traditional roots, this album is definitely set to be a 'Classic'. Innovation wise you can't beat the kora played in lead guitar style on the last track. I wouldn't say that this album was the pick of the newsletter more like the 'PICK OF THE YEAR'! ABSOLUTELY STUNNING. (See HADJA) | |
| Sorry no image but see HADJACDC |
| HANK JONES AND CHEICK TIDIANE SECK | SARALA | 528783-2CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| World renowned U.S. jazz pianist Hank Jones at 80 years of age meets with his roots in the shape of Cheick Tidiane Seck and the Mandinkas. Who are the Mandinkas? ....Cesar Anot, Moriba Koita, Djely Moussa Conde, Assitan 'Mama' Keita, Sekou Diabate, Aly Wague, Amina Annabi, Lansine Kouyate, Ousmane Kouyate, Mare Sanogo, Maniam Damba, Djely Moussa Kouyate, Moussa Sissokho, Eric Vinceno, Kasse Mady Diabate, Jorge Amorim, Tom Diakite, Fatoumata 'Mama' Kouyate and last but not least Kante Manfila. What a line-up, what music, absolutely stunning. Released back in 1995. | 1. ALY KAWELE
2. SARALA
3. MANINGAFOLY
4. TOUNIA KANIBALA
5. KOMIDIARA
6. FANTAGUE
7. MAKE
8. WALIDA YA
9. SOUNDJATA
10. HANK MIRI
11. HADJA FADIMA
12. MORIBA KA FOLY |
   |
| HAWA DRAME | DJANDION | SYL8384CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Another one of those lovely traditional albums that very rarely find their way onto the record shop shelves. Hawa's voice is very definitely outstanding on songs that are quite basic. The nearly all string orchestration with just a bit of simple calabash percussion is definitely worth a much closer listen especially if you're into Malian roots music. A couple of the songs were a bit roughly recorded but that that has been put right on this CDR. Long and lovely to listen to throughout and even the couple of tracks that ended a bit suddenly have been corrected. ( F.T.Index: Djandion, Mbaoudi, Demeba, So Danso, Diambandjo, Mayabe Diyabo. ) [6T/48M] | 1. DJANDION
2. MBAOUDI
3. DEMEBA
4. SO DANSO
5. DIAMBANDJO
6. MAYABE DIYABO |
   |
| HAWA DRAME | NAMABLE | SYL8391CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| The second of those lovely traditional albums that very rarely find their way onto the record shop shelves. Hawa's voice is again definitely outstanding on songs that are quite basic. The nearly all string orchestration with just a bit of simple calabash percussion is definitely worth a much closer listen especially if you're into Malian roots music. Like Djandion it is lovely to listen to throughout. [5T/46M]
| 1. NAMABLE
2. NIONGOMARI
3. HINEBE DELILA
4. DJOBA
5. NOUMOU FOLI |
   |
| HAWA DRAME | SADA DIALLO VOLUME 1 | SAM077492-4CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Tracks: Sada Diallo, Damba Yorodjan, Den Batiguiya, Dion Be Ni Dakan, Sira Dala Sama, Aye Woyo Dadonkan, Maakan Mangnie, Ika Kanou Bi Kanou. | |
| |
| HAWA DRAME | YELEMA | CK001CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| One of those lovely traditional albums that very rarely find their way onto the record shop shelves. Hawa's voice is outstanding on songs that are very basic but the nearly all string orchestration is definitely worth a much closer listen especially if you're into Malian roots music. Seven tracks, very long and lovely to listen to throughout. | |
| |
| INA BABA COULIBALY | ALLAH HOLLAME SIDI MODIBO | CK7031CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| A wonderful traditional album from superb singer Ina who's echoing nasal toned vocals are a delight to hear. Not only the singing is great, the music is too, with Sekou Kouyate and Djeli Moussa Kouyate playing with care and precision on guitars, Fode Tounkara playing brilliantly on n'goni and Djoke Sissoko on traditional flute. ( F.T.Index: Woullou Maliki Gagne, Dimoyaoutata Barkinade, Allah Hollame Sidi Modibo, Borou Djenga Niadia, Faguimba Keita, Samba Sissoko, Ainabe Tiedou, Gollobe Mali. ) [8T/42M] | 1. ALLAH HOLLAME SIDI MODIBO
2. BAROU DJENGA NIADIA
3. FAGUIMBA KEITA
4. SAMBA SISSOKO
5. WOULLOU MALIKI GAGNE
6. AINABE TIEDOU
7. GOLLOBE MALI
8. DIMOYAOUTATA BARKINADE |
   |
| INA BABA COULIBALY | LOBO | LOBOCDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Wonderful traditional album from superb singer Ina with Sekou Kouyate on guitar, Abdoulaye Sackone on n'goni, Djoke Sissoko on traditional flute and bass and percussion by Bako Keita plus the booming doundoumba played by Moriba Koita who also plays n'goni. Add to that the voices of Mama Assitan Keita and Niama Tounkara and you've got one hell of an album. [41 Minutes] | 1. MAMIPIAKA
2. ASNALEILE
3. LELIMA
4. MBIDONE
5. YOMI
6. LOBO
7. ALAWELA
8. N'DJAWOUNANE
9. SAMBASADA
10. WADJOU SIDY |
   |
| KADJA TANGARA | SEGUIN MAGNI | HYBONISS001CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Modern Malian music beautifully sung by the gorgeously voiced Kadja and her four girls. Basically ethnic instrumentation with the addition of guitar and keyboards make for some really rhythmic music, mind you, having the arrangements made by non other than Boncana Maiga certainly helps. BEAUTIFUL ALBUM. | 1. SEGUIN MAGNI
2. KONIFALE
3. BALLONTA NAOU
4. KELE TCHEOU
5. KALIFA
6. BARA |
   |
| KAGBE SIDIBE | L'ADIEU | MGS1114CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Very nice album from Kagbe with her rough but powerful voice booming out above the usual chorus girl backing. No liner notes so no idea who is playing but it is really does sound teriffic. | 1. DOUGOUNALO
2. SARAMA
3. MORILE
4. U.T.B.
5. FANTAN DIMI
6. DJOMBENI
7. MELEKE
8. SEYDOU FANTA |
   |
| KAGBE SIDIBE | VOLUME I | MAILPS1056CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| A real stunner of a first album from Malien songstress Kagbe with some beautiful backing from the guitars of Bayini Koita and Amadou Bagayoko. Boy, can those guys tweak the old strings or what? As if that wasn't enough Kagbe also has some superb backing vocals which really adds the finishing touch to what can only be described as a Wassoulou masterpiece. I haven't heard Vol II yet but I've already got it on order. Be warned, nail down the furniture as this girl is brilliant. [6T/34M] | 1. KOULOUMBA
2. PATRON
3. BREHIMA
4. DJE KANI DJELI
5. BANA
6. DIA WALE NI |
   |
| KALORY SORY | RASTA MALIEN | SYL83124CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Now resident in the Ivory Coast he is a Reggae singer mainly in the Malinke language of his native Mali. Nice vocals from Kalory and his three girls plus a rich backing sound from Emmett McDonald on trombone, Kwame Divine on trumpet and Manu Yodan on sax. In general it's pretty laid back sound but I particularly like 'Nga Taffe' on side two. Nice album all round. Released by EMI CI back in 1992. | 1. RASTA
2. DOUROUNI
3. WALATA
4. SIETIGUI
5. NGA TAFFE
6. PETIEKE |
   |
| KANAGA DE MOPTI | PAWI | PAWICDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
From the city of Mopti in the centre of Mali come the traditional group 'Kanaga' and although they play instruments both traditional and modern its almost impossible to hear any modern sounds what so ever! The powerful voice of Sekou Diankouba and the chorus girls definitely takes a back seat on the album. In the driving seat is the strangely un-named flute player who steals the show from both the singers and the other musicians. The overall effect of the music is one of peace and tranquillity with the loudest sounds actually coming from the rhythmic hand clapping of the chorus girls. Definitely one for those hot summer evenings in the garden with an ice cold four pack! Lovely. [8T/50M]
2011.......I have just completed making a CD-R of this album for my own collection and when I got this cassette twenty years ago and wrote the write-up above I had not heard anything else by Kanaga de Mopti and so thought no more about it. However it is quite different musically so was it actually Kanaga De Mopti?
2012 ....... I did contact Boureima Diabate who sang on the cassette and he has listened to my samples and confirmed it is all correct. His web site was at a "http://mali.educanet2.ch/kanaga/.ws_gen/?6" but this now seems to have been taken over by some unconnected German site? Boureima also confirmed the titles of the songs and the pictures of their costumes. The over ten minute long track 5 is superb. | 1. PAWI
2. DOSSI DOSSI
3. DANANE
4. NGOLONI KELEN
5. YAGANA BABA YEYA
6. SENIWE
7. WAGOULOUME
8. KOUNALI |
   |
| KANDIA KOUYATE | SA KUNU SA | SA KUNUCDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Recorded at Studio Liaison in Bamako, this album is a lovely example of traditional singing from the rich and power packed voice of Kandia. It is also a superb example of traditional music with notes cascading from the balafon, kora strings tinkling and the throb of the n'goni all the way through. Thankfully they managed to keep the bleedin synth well caged and away from the music. Just one minute short of an hour of pure bliss. Miss it at your peril, they don't make many albums this good. (The F.T.Index: Alla Le Djon Sona, Kita Kourou, Mande Mansa, Lagare) | 1. SA KUNU SA
2. GNE BORI IFE
3. LAGARE
4. MANDE MANSA
5. DEN MUSO KALAN
6. MANSA YOUMAN
7. ALLA LE DJON SONA
8. KITA KOUROU |
   |
| KENE STAR SIKASSO | LALA | CK7102CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
Blimey! You just gotta read this.... It's got a tinny sounding horn line up. It's got warbling keyboards. It's got twangy guitars and a variety of squeaky voiced singers and was probably rather roughly recorded back in the 70's. Having said that it is absolutely 'bleedin' gorgeous from end to end. Oh! If only they could make more music like this. INCREDIBLE.
Ebay - Jan 2008 - LP of this album went for fifty pounds. | 1. LALA (21'27)
2. HODI HU YENYAN (5'34)
3. KENE OUGU FANGA (7'29)
4. FITRIWALE (6'47) |
   |
| LALA DIABATE | Vol. 1 - NKANOU | CK7033CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| A lovely musical mixture from what appears to be a modern backing band fighting for supremacy over a traditional ensemble and loosing - ha ha! On the trad side you've got ngoni, various drums, flutes, balafon and percussion while on the modern side there are guitars, drums and a bit of background keyboard. Lala's voice with its distinctive nasal drone booms out over the battling musicians to great effect and there's a nice chorus to take over when she's not belting it out. ( F.T.Index: Djougoule, Dounigna Baro, Nkanou, Lalla, Dia, Sougoulon. ) [6T/33M] | 1. NKANOU
2. LALLA
3. DJOUGOULE
4. SOUGOULON
5. DOUNIGNA BARO
6. DIA |
   |
| LES AMBASSADEURS DE MOTEL | DIANDJON | SAF50.014CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| Original Ambassadeurs from 1976 with Salif Keita singing. | 1. DIANDJON
2. WARA
3. KIBARU
|
   |
| LES AMBASSADEURS DE MOTEL DE BAMAKO | VOLUME 1 | SAF50.030CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| Wonderful album released back in 1977 with singing from Salif Keita, Ousmane Dia and Kante Manfila. ( F.T.Index: Yassoumouka, Fatema, Super Pitie, Bolola Sanou, Mali Denou, Sabar, Saranfing. ) [7T/41M] | |
| |
| LES AMBASSADEURS INTERNATIONAUX | MANDJOUGOULON - WASSOLON-FOLI | CEL6635CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| | |
| |
| LES SOEURS SIDIBE | NI LA KANI | MAIKANO1070CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Sisters Rokia and Assetou who I'd not come across before have got to be one of the hottest sounds to come out of Mali. Music that reminded me of the classic 'Zani Diabate and the Super Djata band' and vocals that sound slightly reminiscent of the 'Lijadu sisters'. Put the two together and you've got an incredibly brilliant album. Like the sisters I don't recognise any of the musicians but they are all fantastic, tam tam - Mamane Samake, kamale n'goni, karignan and guitars - Souleymane Sidebe and Kader Gueye, keyboards and percussion programming - Ernest Dompreh. If this album doesn't get you charging round the dance floor then you've probably died. Check your pulse. HOT and BRILLIANT! | 1. NI LA KANI
2. MBEBA
3. DEMISSIN KANI
4. SABALI
5. NTOGOMA
6. FILI FIN |
   |
| LOBI TRAORE | BAMBARA BLUES | 82816-2CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| This CD is in fact two absolutely amazing cassette albums featuring the same set of songs but played as differently as chalk and cheese! The first album showed the roots of the Blues like I've never heard before. Great traditional vocals and guitar from songwriter Lobi, Stephane Sarlin and Michel Jules while the throbbing drums come courtesy of Zani Diabate no less, on Djembe and Djelli Baba Sissoko on Tamari plus the magic flute of Mamadou Diallo. In the second album Lobi together with fellow guitarist Wurrie Moktar and percussionists Eric Barre and Philippe Berthier get together at Studio Oubien in Bamako and make an electric version of the same Bambara blues songs that have now become classic. Lobi's soft vocals and gorgeous guitaring floats around Wurrie's hypnotic rythms with effortless ease. Superb. | 1. SONTAN N'GNI
2. NI TOUGOU LA MOGO MINKO
3. BAMANA DIMA
4. TCHANA DIANI
5. MALO MAGNY
6. ABARIKA
7. MOGO YA KASI KABO
8. WARANI
9. SONTAN N'GNI
10. MALO MAGNY
11. ABARIKA
12. NI TOUGOU LA MOGO MINKO
13. BAMANA DIMA
14. MOGO YA KASI KABO |
   |
| L'ORCHESTRE NATIONAL - A | DE LA REPUBLIQUE DU MALI | BM30L2605CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| A wonderful album of Malian music and the only one from the 'A' formation of L'Orchestre National. There were actually three groups formed by the government from the National Orchestra of Mali after independence from France. The 'B' group, which only issued one cassette, eventually joined with the 'A' to form the Orchestre National Badema while the 'C' group went on to become Zani Diabate's Super Djata Band. The 'A' was led by renowned multi instrumentalist the late great Keletigui Diabate more famous later for his roll in Les Ambassadeurs. This album has some really wonderful guitar playing from Keletigui and also some great vocals. | 1. MALAMINI
2. TAARA
3. JANFA
4. SON T'AW LA
5. DUGA
6. SAAKOBA
7. NONSI KOMOTIGI
8. CIWAARA |
   |
| MADJAN DOUMBIA | N'BESSOKOMA | CK7118CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Nice Wassalou hunter style music with an un-named chorus and band. Madjan's crisp sounding vocals rises above and compliments the backing girls voices. No inlay notes so no idea who is singing or playing. I listened to every internet copy I could but everyone used the original tape with the flaws in it. The remastered tape here is as good as it gets. | 1. N'BESSOKOMA
2. BENSSEMAN
3. BIMOGOLOU
4. LEROULE
5. DJIGUIASSI
6. DIANE |
   |
| MAH DAMBA AND MAMAYE KOUYATE | DEN NIALE | CK7332CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Wonderful album of traditonal music and singing from Mah and her ngoni and flute playing husband Mamaye. The three guitarists are up front but there's plenty of n'goni, balafon and flute bringing up the rear. Not a keyboard or drum machine in sight and boy can Mah get the old tonsils throbbing. Smashing voice, great music, a beaut of an album. ( F.T.Index: Konami, Den Kolo, Lahidou, Saya, Sowou Tara, Niarela, Ndialla, Den Niale. ) [6T/38M] | 1. DEN NIALE
2. KONAMI
3. DEN KOLO
4. NDIALLA
5. LAHIDOU
6. SOWOU TARA
7. SAYA
8. NIARELA |
   |
| MAIMOUNA DEMBELE | FARAFINA DJOGO | OK027CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| You could tell this was going to be a good album simply by the beautiful soft singing and lovely music. The variety of instruments being used was starting to sound more like an orchestra so when the horn section came in I had to checked out the inlay card and who should be in there - none other than - NATIONAL BADEMA. Long time , no hear, but now back with Maimouna instead of Kasse Mady and with a very impressive album to boot. Maimouna's voice is soft and soothing as is the singing from the girls in the chorus but its the georgeous music of National Badema that really makes this album superb. Loved it all the way through. (F.T.Index: Daamu, Jeeya, R T M , Ngoyo, So Bin Do.) [6T/34M] | 1. SO BIN DO
2. NGOYO SEGI
3. JEEYA
4. MAA NIN KA KO
5. R T M
6. DAAMU |
   |
| MAMA KOITA AND DOUNANKE KOITA | BE K'I JANTO | BIEN018CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
How do you describe this album is the first problem. The first four tracks are entitled Minianka which is a language and people of southern Mali, Burkina Faso and the Ivory Coast. The songs are sung by Mama Koita and are fairly straight forward traditional music with traditional instrumentation and great singing from Mama and his group. The last three tracks are entitled Bobo which is also a language and people in southern Mali and Burkina Faso. The songs are sung by Dounanke Koita and they are extraordinary. Again traditional music with traditional instrumentation but this time it is drum driven, faster and faster with Dounanke's mesmeric vocals. My Mali K7 cassette says released in 1993 but I have also seen that it was released in 1991. Also, lucky guy, he is also credited with playing keyboards on the Zani Diabate and the Super Djata Band album back in 1985.
As a matter of interest somebody please let me know if you also think tracks 6 and 7 are in the wrong order? | 1. YA YIRIPO
2. ILA WOLOLA NALEGENI
3. YA MILE
4. PIOUCANI
5. WAWE PARI
6. ZAMA BE TYIDA
7. BIO MAWE WAWI |
   |
| MAMADOU DOUMBIA | KELEA DIOUGOU | CK7047CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Top Malian star Mamadou alias 'Percey' realy belting out the Manding sound with gorgeous backing vocals from Mama Keita and Aissata Demba. Papa Kouyate on percussion is helped by the marvelous Djele Moussa Kouyate and Sekou Kouyate who provide the guitar magic that has the whole album throbbing from end to end. Just have a listen to my favorite track, 'Secheresse'. The ethnic sound really belting the hell out of the Paris style and showing how it should be played. A very unusual album as the seven track CD version also released by Camara does not contain the last track. STUNNING ALL THE WAY. | 1. ALLA MANDOGO
2. SOKONA
3. MOMDOLE
4. MAGO DIARA
5. MALI LECOLEDENU
6. KELEA DIOUGOU
7. SECHERESSE (DABAKALA)
8. MALE MOUSSOU |
   |
| MARIAM DIAKITE | VOLUME I | SY001CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Traditional Wassoulou songs from singer Mariam with chorus from Tata, Kadia and Ramata Diakite before she became famous. Some nice guitar from Bayini Koita, Maha and Lamine Soumano to accompany Benogo's n'goni and the regulating beat of Solomane Sidibe's djembe and the metalic strum of his karignan. I must admit that I found the girls voices much nicer than Mariam's, She sounds a bit stretched to say the least. Having checked out the net and discographies this appears to be her only release. Even Mali-K7 who issued it don't list her. I wonder why? Makes the title Vol. 1 sound a bit optimistic. Recorded in 1994 at Studio KIP-K7 in Bamako. | 1. SAYI YIRIBALA
2. DOUNIA
3. CHRIS SEYDOU
4. DIOULA
5. NA
6. SOUNOGO |
   |
| MOGONTAFE SACKO | MOGONTAFE | OU-011CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Born in 1934 (or 1937) into a family of Griots at Segou, Mali, she was through no fault of her own given the name Mogontafe which translates as 'nobody loves you because you are so ugly' which is totally untrue of this magnificent singer. She has been singing since the 50's and this album released in 1990 is a prime example of her work. Superbly played balafon, flute and kora provide the exquisite traditional backing to her songs. The music alone makes this album a classic let alone her lovely singing. One of the original founder members of l'Ensemble Instrumental du Mali with which she sang for many years. She released 4 LP's on the Sonafric label in the 1970's and also released the album Fifi Doumbia on the Syllart label in 1987. This cassette from Mali K7 is only mentioned here and nowhere else on the web. She retired in 1990 and sadly she passed away in 2002. | 1. WALE NYUMAN
2. IKANA N'DIANFA
3. MANDELA
4. LAMBA
5. KELE MASA DJURU
6. DJIGUIN'TANIA |
   |
| MOHAMED LAMINE TRAORE alias JOHN | DJOUDJON | 155CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Released back in 1994 with gorgeously seductive chorus singing from the Diakite girls Tata, Kadia and soon to become famous, Ramata. Their singing is only upstaged by the deep throb of Mohamed's voice and the wonderful sound of Bayini Koita's guitar. Add a bit of keyboards, ngoni, karagnan and djembe and you have a very smooth album of modern Malian music. | 1. DJOUDJON
2. KELEN NASIGUI
3. KELE MAGNI
4. SABALY
5. DIARABI
6. KO KUMA |
   |
| MOLOBALI TRAORE | BAMANANA KONO VOL. 1 | AEMD001CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Another wonderful album of traditional music from Wassoulou singing star Molobali and her band. Nanou Coul, Maimouna Sidibe and Lamini Konta provide the sharp chorus line while the soft guitars of Ibrim Cisse and Kalifa Kone float along in company with Zoumana Fane's n'goni. The simple percussion comes from the tam tam of Madou Diarra while Remi Mariko's flute adds to the atmosphere. A first rate album from an explosive singer of classic Wassoulou. (F.T.Index: Ani Souro Baro, Tie La Sigui Dioro Bena, Sebi Kebali. Kobi Na Wati. ) [6T/38M] Issued 1993. | 1. ANI SOURO BARO
2. SI NI DON BALI
3. KOBI NA WATI
4. TIE LA SIGUI DIORO BENA
5. SEBI KEBALI
6. DEMISSIN TIMI |
   |
| MOLOBALI TRAORE | BAMANANA KONO VOL. 2 | AEMD002CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Soft and smooth traditional Wassalou with outstanding vocals from Molobali backed by a wonderful chorus from Nanou Coulibaly, Maimouna Sidibe and Lamini Konta.Guitars, flute, tam tam and n'goni provide the lovely music. | 1. KABAKO
2. DATI NGANATO
3. LOBI LOBI
4. DE LI FARAMANDI
5. SANGA TIGUI
6. PIRATI |
   |
| MOLOBALI TRAORE | DIALABA | DIALABACDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| From 1993 a lovely Wassoulou traditional album from wonderful singer Molobali with the help of Solo Coulibaly on violon, Baba Kone on Guitare, Mahamane Tandina on keyboards and percussion. A slow start which is quite calming but with some rather nice guitar play from Baba Kone which picks up the pace as it goes on. | 1. DIALABA
2. SIGUIGNOGO DJUGU
3. FISAN
4. NE MA NE
5. N'DOUNDE
6. KELE MAGNI |
   |
| MOLOBALI TRAORE | MOLOBALI 92 | IK010-4CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Beautiful album of traditional music and singing from Molobali and her band. Simple vocals, simple percussion and simply loads of strings and things. N'goni's and one string lutes abound and mix perfectly with the bits of electric guitar. No credits on the inlay but boy oh boy is that guitarist good! (F.T.Index: Dianjo, Niania, Tindro) | 1. MONIAN
2. LABAN KASI
3. NIANIA
4. DIANDJO
5. TINDRO
6. DELY MAGNIN |
   |
| MOLOBALY TRAORE | NAFIGUI | NAFIGUICDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| A very nice album from singer Molobaly which also features Djeneba Seck and Sadio Sidibe in the chorus. | 1. DEMBE
2. NAFIGUINI
3. BONYA
4. DJOUGOUYA
5. SONFO
6. FLANOU
7. KAMALAMBA
8. MANIAN
9. FANTAYA
10. MAKANKONO |
   |
| NABINTOU DIAKITE | MA OULENI | MAUOLENICDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| Released in 2005 this is a great album which shows how she has polished up her act since releasing Nadiaramiye. A new line-up but with help still from Oumou Sangare. | 1. MA OULENI
2. OUMOU
3. CHERIF
4. DIA YE BANA
5. N' NALENA
6. AN DIA
7. SIGUI
8. DOGONI
9. MALI DENW
10. DONSO |
   |
| NABINTOU DIAKITE | NADIARAMIYE | NABINTOUCDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Wonderful 1998 album from rising star Nabintou Diakite. Djeneba Seck, Alima Toure and Oumou Sangare provide the chorus while Kassim Sidibe knocks out some very nice tunes on the n'goni helped by Adama Drame and Bah's guitars and Alto Fofona's flute and last but not least the thudding beat of Basidy Keita's Djembe. [30M] | 1. NADIARAMIYE
2. DIARRALBY LEE
3. BE DIAGNEMOKO
4. DJENINA WELE
5. SO TOUBANI
6. TAMA DIAYE SEKIKOYEE |
   |
| NAHAWA DOUMBIA | KOUROUNI | A5005CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Kourouni (or as Sterns Guide II calls it 'Djankonia') was Nahawa's first album released way back in 1980 and it is still being produced in Mali today, which speaks volumes for its popularity. Nahawa's stunning vocals first came to prominence with her hit album 'Didadi' where she was backed by a studio full of session musicians. Here however the sum total of her backing is one superbly played acoustic guitar! Listening to this album has for me been a tremendous experience and in fact I think it's true to say that this album is in fact 'A TRUE CLASSIC'. On this CDR the recording is more strident than the MP3 downloads and the tracks which appeared on the Best Of CD. However these are the original full length tracks. | 1. KOUROUNI
2. TOU DIBILE
3. TJEFOUROULE
4. DJANKONIA
5. NIANIMANJOUGOU
6. SOKONON WOULOUNI |
   |
| NAHAWA DOUMBIA | SAKORO MERY | AS90004CDC | TC | £ 0.00 | |
| Her second album released back in 1990 and every bit as good as the first. (Included on CDR of A5005) | 1. SAKORO MERY
2. DJIGUI YIRI
3. MAI NI WOULA
4. DEMISSEW KOULOU |
| |
| NAINY DIABATE | NAFA | STCD1083CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
Contains all all 14 tracks from her two tape albums Farafina Mousso and Magnoumago.
Farafina Mousso
Guitarists Cheik Oumar and Modibo, both Diabate's, definitely steal the limelight with their playing. Nainy's lovely crisp vocals stand absolutely no chance against their superbly interpreted rendition of kora played on guitar. Sad to say, but her singing is totally overshadowed by the guitarists. Even N'goni player Ba Sekou Kouyate must be Wondering why they needed him. The track 'Dincole' is a perfect example of 'anything you can do I can do better with a Guitar'. A super album of modern versus traditional Malian music, if you can stop listening to the guitars, if you can't, it's outstanding.
Magnoumago
This is the second of Nainy's albums that I've got hold of and 'wow' does it go or what? Her voice absolutely belts out over the music and the chorus girls in one of the most impressive displays of vocal power that I've heard in years. A far cry from her first album Farafina Mousso where she got lost behind the band a bit to say the least. The traditional style music is very nicely played with soft and fragrant guitar up front backed by kora, balafon, drums and keyboards.
| 1. FARAFINA MOUSSO
2. NAINY KANA KASSY
3. KANOU
4. DINCOLE
5. SANKOY DJELI
6. MAMAYA 1
7. FOSSAKADI
8. MAGNOUMAGO
9. TREINANKO
10. MASSASSI
11. MOUSSO DJE
12. NAFA
13. KONO
14. NAKAMADI |
   |
| NANOU COUL | MALIBA | CK7413CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Absolutely stunning set of songs from the wonderful Nanou Coul and her band and chorus girls. I was asked by one of my contacts if I would like a copy of this very hard to find album. He then very kindly sent me a picture of the cover which did not match up to the other ones on the web. They appeared to be CD covers altered from the original cassette inlay. He also sent me two different sets of tracks, one set was marked slow and the the other set fast. Now this is were it gets interesting as neither set matched the music available on the web from Utube, Amazon and others. They all carry the same picture but the tracks are very different in sound and length from the ones I had. I wonder if anyone knows the answer to this. Anyway having listened to the tracks and compared them I found that most of the fast versions were better but slightly too fast while of the slow versions tracks 4 and 6 were better when speeded up. Having slightly altered the speeds of the recordings I am very happy with how my collection CDR sounds as you can hear from the clips. | 1. BARRA
2. DJONFOLY
3. MOUSSOW
4. DJORONANKO
5. DIYANIE
6. ARTISTE
7. MALIBA
8. DIYENATIQUE
9. SONIKA LEMOU
10. ANABOLO |
   |
| NANOU COUL | TIE BA | TIE BACDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Superb set of songs from razor sharp songstress Nanou and the band. All the tracks were composed by Nana Coulibaly, to give Nanou her real name, or by guitarist Mamadou Sissoko, probably better known to newsletter readers as 'Mohamed Jony', who this time round plays keyboards! Malian singing star Djeneba Seck along with Mai Sidibe provide the chorus while Mahama Sissoko plays guitars and n'goni to Bakari Diabate's percussion. Definitely one of the Wonders of Wassoulou! (F.T.Index: Tie Ba, Mousso Fissiriwale, Aye Diourou La Yoba ) [6T/34M] | 1. TIE BA
2. MOUSSO FISSIRIWALE
3. DANAYA MABALOU
4 ANKA FOUROU BOGNE
5. AYE DIOUROU LA YOBA
6. DIEME NI |
   |
| NATIONAL BADEMA | TIRA MAKAN | SYL8355CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| From way back in 1981 comes the stunning sound of National Badema one of Mali's top groups at the time. Hearing is believing..... | 1. TIRA MAKAN
2. SAMA
3. KANA BLA N'A
4. GUEDE
5. CIRO
6. NAKANLE |
   |
| N'NAN DIAKITE | YANTOMADIA | ACSB008CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| I bet you haven't heard of her until now, I know I hadn't but she is now definitely one of my favourite Malian singers. N'nan's stunning voice is classic Wassoulou to say the least and that also applies to the backing provided by Adjaratou Cisse and Mah Doumbia. If the voices aren't outstanding enough then the pulsating beat of Bramawoule Sidibe's tam tam and the deep rhythmic throbbing of Sayo Keita's dum dum should just about take your breath away if it doesn't blow your head off first! Fast, furious and great fun! (F.T.Index: Kola Bamko, Bama, Yantomadia, Djirimoko ) [6T/33M] And lastly a comment by Akenataa who has just bought a copy. Simply great! Probably the only recording of pure sokonikun rhythms out but the producer/remixer spoils it a bit with a looped electronic beat accompanying the drums. Well Akenataa, I don't know about that as I still think it's a great album. | 1. YANTOMADIA
2. DJIRIMOKO
3. BOLONDA
4. BAMA
5. KOLA BAMKO
6. NOUMOUNAKALOU |
   |
| N'NAN DIAKITE ( Na Diakite ) | SAN FINNE | 158CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Made in 1994 for Studio Kip K7. The opening track sounded a little strange as N'nan's microphone had an echo to it but the backing singers, her neices Ramata, Tata and Kadia Diakite didn't. Her rough almost gravely voice contrasts with the sweet backing vocals of the soon to be famous Ramata Diakite and her two cousins. | 1. SANFINE
2. NGNALE
3. DOUNIAN
4. DIAMADOBA
5. DENAFOUFE
6. DELILE
7. NDENKELEN
8. KAMALEN |
   |
| ORCHESTRE RAIL BAND DE BAMAKO | ORCHESTRE RAIL BAND DE BAMAKO | BM30L2606CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| From the opening seconds its easy to see why the band have become so popular and famous. Wonderful percussion driven music with great vocals and some super brass sounds combine to make this a must have album. ( F.T.Index: Rail Band, Koro Koni, Gansan Na, Mali Cebalenw, Sunjata. ) [5T/49M] | |
| |
| ORCHESTRE REGIONAL DE KAYES | BEST OF THE 1st BIENNALE 1970 | BM30L2604CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| This LP represents the Orchestra's only recording - on the excellent Barenreiter-Musicaphon series. It is a travesty that with the exception of a few tracks on the double-CD 'Musiques du Mali vols 1 & 2' these seminal LPs have never been released on CD. They represent some of the finest modern music to have been recorded in West Africa. The Kayes Orchestra were particularly outstanding, with arresting, searing guitar solos performed in classic Mande songs such as Duga and Malisajo. This information on Orchestre Regional de Keyes has been taken from the Radio Africa webpage. | 1. SANJINA
2. KAYI
3. KANYUMAN
4. DUGA
5. MALISAJO
6. TERENA
7. BADAGE |
   |
| ORCHESTRE REGIONAL DE SEGOU | BEST OF THE 1st BIENNALE 1970 | BM30L2601CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| Magic as the 13 piece orchestra of Segou bounces in with the modern sound of Korodogo. Next come the more traditionally styled Da Monzon and Lefenin with the horns taking turns with the singers. The stylish but sad sounding Batumanbe is soon left behind by the fast paced and happy sound of Sabu Man Dogo. Finally finishing off with the beautifully played Mali gundo. If you like horns over simple malian percussion and even simple songs then this is it. ( F.T.Index: Korodogo, Da Monzon, Lefenin, Batumanbe, Sabu Man Dogo, Mali Gundo. ) [6T/41M] | 1. KORODOGO
2. DA MONZON
3. LEFENIN
4. BATUMANBE
5. SABU MAN DOGO
6. MALI GUNDO |
   |
| ORCHESTRE REGIONAL DE SIKASSO | BEST OF THE 1st BIENNALE 1970 | BM30L2603CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| Loved it even if the first track is a recitation. Having said that, its wonderful as the music tinkles along in the background while the arresting voice of the speaker keeps you glued to his story. The canned cheering was probably great stuff back in 1970 but it does make you jump when it spontaniously erupts out of nowhere. Then its hot foot to the dance floor with the superb Mali Senekelaw and once you've settled into the swinging rhythm the vocals will take over big time. Nafarima is next and very nice but Batuta Mori with its trinkling guitar play and smooth vocals is a fitting finale especially when it shifts up a gear. ( F.T.Index: Recital, Mali Senekelaw, Nafarima, Batuta Mori. ) [4T/50M] | |
| |
| OUMOU SANGARE | LABAN | 4294CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| New release from Oumou which while not quite traditional is very nicely roots orientated with some lovely traditional flute playing, calabash percussion and of course that beautiful voice. However those of you looking for a more modern side will love the up tempo beat and the magic guitar playing that goes hand in hand with the catchy vocals of Oumou and her girls. (F.T.Index: Ya La, Sina, Magnumako, Been, My Yetima, Malado, Laban, Tcheou, Wa Yeina, Ne Bife.) [10T/47M] | |
| |
| OUMOU SANGARE | MUSSOWLA DIALA | 5097CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| | |
| |
| OUMOU SANGARE | WOROTAN | WCD045CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| A Wassoulou wonder that topped the World music Charts for months when it was released. In Europe it grabbed first place on the radio world music 'Most played list' for the whole of 1996. This is Mali's most celebrated female singer's third album and mixes traditional with exquisite ballads. Oumou and her band are joined by sax player Pee Wee Ellis who's horn line-up with Winston Rollins and Greame Hamilton was arranged by James Brown and Van Morrison. Also released as 8 track tape 'Den' without tracks 'Sabu' and the traditional 'Kun Fe Ko'. (F.T.Index: N'guatu, Djorolen, N'diya Ni, Den, Sabu, Kun Fe Ko, Baba, Worotan, Tiebaw, Fantan Ni Mone. [10T/59M] | 1. KUN FE KO
2. N'GUATU
3. BABA
4. WOROTAN
5. DENW
6. N'DIYA NI
7. TIEBAW
8. SABU
9. FANTAN NI MONE
10. DJOROLEN |
   |
| PAPUS DIARRA | PEKELE | IC0996CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| I wasn't over impressed by the first three tracks but on the others the gruff voiced Papus and his shrill chorus girls are wonderfully offset by Pape Noir and Diamou Traore's guitar play while the dbembe's pound out the beat. A bit rough round the edges but that is more than made up for by the music. The title track gets a second unlisted play in a slightly different recording at the end. Although made in 1996 track 6 definitely had echoes of Zani Diabate. [7T/31M ] | 1. MAMA
2. DOMBA LAFILY
3. AMADOU SIMAGA
4. PEKELE
5. KOROLEN
6. N'GNAGARAN FOLY
7. PEKELE |
   |
| RAIL BAND | MELODIAS DU MALI | KLP1043CDC | LP | £ 0.00 | |
| The Rail band on top form with five superb tracks which includes on the final track the voice of Fanta Damba. Tracks : Soundiata, Mali Tebaga Mogoma, Maki, Armee Malienne Chant Fanta Damba and le Rail Band. (See KLP1040) | |
| |
| RAIL BAND | MELODIAS RAIL BAND DU MALI | KLP1040CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| (Includes KLP1043) | |
| |
| RAMATA DIAKITE | DJONYA | CK7543CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| A beautiful album from the late great Ramata who sadly passed away on 30/10/09 in Burkina Faso. This album was released in 2003 on the Camara label. Like many of Camara's tapes this one had tracks in the wrong place. 1-7 is side 2 and 8-13 is side 1. The CDR is all corrected. No point in telling you how good the music is - click on the tracks and be amazed. | 1. NA FARMA
2. DJONYA
3. YALAMBALI
4. A MA TIEN
5. KANA KASSI
6. DJINA NAKAN
7. J.N.V.
8. MISSION
9. AN GA GOGNON MINE
10. FAMA
11. WASSOLON
12. AN KIRA
13. SIGUI GUELEMAN |
   |
| RAMATA DIAKITE | I DANSE | FT010CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Brilliant in all departments and I just loved the final track. | 1. NOUMOUYA
2. LEROULE
3. DERI FARAMANDI
4. NYUMA KELA
5. I DANSE
6. YIN NI FYIE
7. N'DIALE
8. POULO
9. N'TANA
10. N'TERY |
   |
| RAMATA DIAKITE | MABAN | CK7702CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
Modern Mali at its best with this superb album from the late great Ramata Diakite. Traditional styling with a modern beat is rather nice but on Maban I could swear it was a touch of Cream or the Blues Breakers. Trying to track down information about the artists playing on the album proved very confusing. This album was released in 2003 but a CD album called Maba was released in the U.S.A. with the same cover picture but a totally different set of tracks in 2006. If anybody out there knows what is going on then please let me know.
Thanks to Arturo in the Canary Islands for this:
Maba is a failed album, the friends of Ramata tried to make a World Music best seller but they made an album without soul, something is saved thanks to Ramata. They did not even know how to write the titles correctly, and the 'photo' of Ramata is a shame.
Having kindly sent me MP3's of the tracks I can tell you Arturo wasn't kidding.
| 1. SIGUI
2. DJANDJO
3. YAFA
4. SIRADO DENW
5. NIANGRAN
6. DJELI MADOU
7. MABAN
8. SOUTE MONNAI BO
9. DINIALE
10. SEGUELE
11. HE HA HE
12. AN KA TA MAIRIBA |
   |
| RAMATA DIAKITE | NA | 09291-2CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| Superb second album from the late Ramata who packed power and fireworks like Nahawa Doumbia. She died too young and will be sadly missed. You can have too much of a good thing and that is why this album only got 6 out of 10 tracks in to my computer juke box. BRILLIANT.[10T/49M] | 1. AYE YAFAMA
2. DASSE
3. DIBI
4. MOGOBALOU
5. NAMA
6. SABA
7. SINA MOUSSO
8. AMADOU
9. SONTE SARAMALA
10. NA |
   |
| ROKIA TRAORE | MOUNEISSA | LBLC2524CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| | |
| |
| RONCHI TANKO | VOLUME I | URTCDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Usmane Ronchi Tanko and his group play music the like of which I've never heard before and I'll bet that when you hear it you'll be as stumped and as stunned as I was. Traditional percussion and rhythms form the base to the stunningly beautiful music that get faster as the songs go on. Backed up by some gorgeous flute playing and tinkling percussion plus the super singing of Ronchi and his band, ten seconds into the first track and I was hopelessly hooked on this marvelous music. The recording was done by Usmane himself. STUNNING. He doesn't seem to be mentioned anywhere else on the web so if anybody out there has any info on him or his music I'd love to hear from you. | 1. BAKON GIDANA
2. SO NAA KA
3. BANCHE BA
4. BAMBARI
5. BAKOMI
6. MEI KIRKI |
   |
| SALI SIDIBE | TOUNKAN MAGNI | SYL8362CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| A bit of a strange opening with the title track having a couple of instances where what sounds like electronic feedback becomes part of the throbbing musical backing. The rest of the album is prettymuch standard Wassoulou sound though. The Djen Magni here is the original Malien version not the Sterns released English version. | 1. TOUNKAN MAGNI
2. NTANAN
3. DIABY
4. SANTANA
5. YAN KADI
6. DJEN MAGNI |
   |
| SALI SIDIBE | WALE GNOUMA DON | KBK910CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| It's 1990 and super singer Salimata is back with another wonderfull album. Features N'goni, Violon, N'bolon, Djembe,Balafon and some lovely Flute plus great backing chorus from Aminata Diabate and Fatim Sissoko. Unlike her previous albums where her voice took precedence this album is outstanding as the music comes to the fore with some lovely little solo's from the musicians involved. Definitely her best album and musically outstanding. Tracks: Wale Gnouma Don, Kolola, Musee, Armee, Douga Diabira, Wassolon Foli. | 1. WALE GNOUMA DON
2. KOLOLA
3. MUSEE
4. ARMEE
5. DOUGA DIABIRA
6. WASSOLON FOLI |
   |
| SALI SIDIBE FARABA | NOUMOUSSO. VOLUME 1 | SHAKARACDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Tracks: Noumousso, Kodouman Korobali Te, Douka Ni Yala, Sole Kon Non, Djinade Bole, Sigui Nade. (29M) | |
| |
| SALIF KEITA | SIRGA | SIRGACDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| This album is ultra rare as the music came from the soundtrack to the film L’Enfant Lion. It was released only in Mali for the charity S.O.S. Albinos. Wonderful mixture from Super Star Salif. On three of the tracks his haunting vocals and that of the girls in the chorus reminded me of 'Soro' but without the hi-tec sounds, just drums and kora. However the third, fifth and sixth tracks probably owe their source more to 'Amen' being simple and atmospheric both vocally and musically. (F.T.Index: Ni Sanoubabife, Djembe, Cherie,) [6T/36M] | 1. NI SANOUBABIFE
2. DJEMBE
3. BEES
4. CHERIE
5. IGNEDJITE
6. SAMA |
   |
| SALIF KEITA AND AMBASSADEURS | BITHIELOULE | EB0024CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| If you bought the Rounder 5053 album you will have the track 'Sali' which is one of the three tracks on this 25 minute tape. The other two, 'Bithieloule' and 'Kankelen-Tigui' were also recorded in the early 70's and have only just surfaced from obscurity. All three are supreme examples of the early laid back Cuban style of that period. Salif's vocals are outstandingly beautiful while the guitars are sweetness itself. In fact this album is absolutely gorgeous from start to finish. ESSENTIAL. | 1. BITHIELOULE
2. SALY
3. KANKELEN - TIGUI |
   |
| SARAN ET TATA | WARY BE MOGO SANIA | MAI1073CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| It's an absolutely gorgeous album but it wasn't until I read the inlay that I realized why. Dibe Saran and Tata Diakite are fronting Amadou Bah Traore and L'Orchestre Farafina Lolo, which should ring a few bells with those who bought the stunning Djeneba Diakite albums a few years ago. Released way back in 1992 the traditional ensemble is led by wonderful guitarist Amadou and includes balafon, kamale n'goni and flute among the other players. The girls lovely singing is in perfect harmony and for a first album it's a smasher even if the studio did cut off one of the tracks rather than fading it out! Loved the flute playing. (F.T.Index: Djembe Bara, Iti Dia, Tandi M'bama, Ibi Dja.) [6T/28M] | 1. ITI DIA
2. FRANCIS WARI
3. DJEMBE BARA
4. IBI DJA
5. TANDI M'BAMA
6. DERI |
   |
| SEKOU KOUYATE | DIAGNEBA | KBK906CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Sekou is a specialist in Manding music and comes from Mali although now resident in the Ivory Coast. A whole clutch of Kouyate's make this album look like a family outing, Sekou on lead vocals and guitar, Doussou on chorus, Lassana on balafon, Mamaye on ngoni and last but not least Djely Moussa on guitar. Gorgeous music and singing which was recorded in Paris at Studio Harryson. The original Mali stars album was released in 1990 by Syllart and this cassette was released in Africa by EMI who produced it for Samassa Records. [8T/54M] | 1. DIAGNEBA
2. HOMMAGE A JEAN-MARIE KONE
3. SINIGNE SIGUI
4. YAYI
5. KELEYA KELE
6. SADA
7. FAGNON DIARRA
8. ALASSANE |
   |
| SIBIRI SAMAKE | VOLUME I AND 2 | AA010-7CDC | TC | £ 12.50 | |
| Sibiri Samake et les chasseurs de la commmune IV as the full title reads. This 2 CD album should carry a health warning about track one. The music is very quiet and you tend to turn it up even if Sibiri's vocals are a bit loud - DON'T. Sibiri and 'The Hunters of Commune Four' play totally ethnic music on all the instruments shown on the cover, including the flipping shotgun! Simple percussion in the form of a karignan or scraper bell and ngoni, a home made forerunner of the kora provide the music to this live recording of call and response Manding hunting songs from the open savanahs of Mali. They only play music for six months of the year as they all go hunting in the summer. If you're interested in ethnic music these two volumes are a must. If you just want to scare the hell out of somebody, send 'em a copy. Originally issued in 1991 by Mali K4 Volume 1 was later issued on CD by Buda Music but Volume 2 was not - very strange. The inlay notes with Volume 2 lists singer and N'goni by Sibiri Samake. Response singer and Karignan by Adama Samake and Karignan by Yaya Samake. Recorded in 1990 at Sebenikoro by Jacques Launay. Produced By Philippe Berthier with help from Thierry Sarlin at Studio Oubien in Bamako. Released in 1991 by Mali K4. | 1. COMAGNANA
2. DJINE MOSSO
3. BOLANTERI
4. N'BRASSA
5. BAKOROBA
6. DOUNAMI
7. GNITIGUI
8. DOUNOUNI
9. DAN KOROBA
10. TANANI |
   |
| SOLOMANI SIDIBE | KURUNI | DMC09631-003CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Talented singer and n'goni player Solomani is accompanied by his band 'Les Wele Wele Kan Du Wassolo', what a lovely name for a band! The chorus girls, Hama Cissoko and Djeneba Diallo are really great however Baina Koita on lead guitar steals the show whenever he gets the chance. While traditional singing, strings and percussion make the running, in the background is some modern and very inovative electric guitar, played somewhat Malian Blues style which is not only intriguing but also very beautiful to listen to. (F.T.Index: Buru Kumana, Mali Mousso, Juruni.) | 1. KURUNI
2. MALI MOUSSO
3. DUNIGNANI
4. JURUNI
5. BURU KUMANA
6. BLANCHE |
   |
| SOULEY KANTE | BANDJOUGOU VOL. 1 | 159CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Recorded at Studio Kip K7 in Bamako and released back in 1995. A beautiful album with the songs rolling along to a solid beat and a quite traditional sound. Plenty of guitar and n'goni from Bayini Koita and Sidibe Benogo but its the chorus girls Tata, Kadia and Ramata who really make it for me. Also in the line-up are Maha on bass clavier and Solomane on djembe. Loved the last track where the speed increases as it gets towards the end. | 1. BANDJOUGOU
2. NAWO NAWO
3. DJIGUI
4. DINGO
5. DIALALA KONON
6. DIAGUA WARRA |
   |
| SOULEY KANTE | FILASSO VOL. 2 | SOULEYCDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
Nice album with Souley's vocals powering out above the rich backing of the girls and the traditional sounding music. Sorry but no inlay details of who is taking part on this his second album. Having looked it up on Discogs and Google they both come up with a different six track album as shown in the right hand picture. However there was not a trace of this 8 track album but I did manage to find a couple of the tracks on Youtube but no picture. As I got both Vol 1 and Vol 2 at the same time from EMI Mali K7 and the picture of the artist is definitely the same person there is something that doesn't quite add up with the other Vol 2. Can anybody shed any light on this.
Well Kumbi Mansa has shed some light on this: He made three albums with SAMASSA, Vol.1 Bandjougou, Vol.2 Filasso (1997) and Vol.3 Fassiya.
Later he switched to Ali Landoure's Jaamanati Productions and released Korolen (2001), Nagnoumanan and Bi Magni in (2003) Shortly after he emigrated to France and released Le Pouce in 2005 produced by Abou Kouyate and Vol.2 Djembeni . Then in 2015 Kalitex released an indeterminate list of songs. (a compilation ?) There are reports in 2020 that he was seriously ill in France and trying to return to Mali.
Thank you Kumbi
 | 1. DIAN CHANGERA
2. SAYA KAMALE
3. DEMISSINYA
4. FERI YANLE
5. FILASSO
6. GUEREDE
7. MAMA TOUMANI
8. DON KAN |
   |
| SOULEYMANE SIDIBE | LADILIKAN - VOL. 2 | LADILIKANCDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Souleymane is known as the Prince of Wassalou and you will understand why when you listen to the track samples. Singer, composer and songwriter Souleymane is also credited with playing the Karagnan on the inlay. However the one thing that stands out on the inlay is the girls in the chorus which features Kari Diakite and none other than Ramata Diakite. The Karagnan is a serated metal tube which is rubbed with a metal rod for those that don't know. | 1. LADILIKAN
2. LOMBALIYA
3. DEBA N'GNOUMA
4. KONON KASSIKAN
5. KAMALEYA
6. ALLAH GNABELA
7. TIE KANWELELA
8. AYALA MINEYE |
   |
| SUPER BITON | BALANDZAN | TANLP7008CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| A superb album from one of Mali's top rated groups which was released back in 1983. Beautiful vocal harmonies which entwine effortlessly with the brass, keyboards, strings and percussion of the laid back music. | 1. SODANSO
2. S.T.I.
3. WARACORO
4. KARA DEMBA
5. FLANI - N'GONI |
   |
| SUPER BITON DE SEGOU | AFRO JAZZ DU MALI | BOL40CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| Absolute magic from start to finish with gutsy vocals and strident trumpets and sax riding above the various percussion instruments. I thought the first four tracks were great but the group definitely save the best for the last two tracks. I just love that drumming on Bara Musso. | 1. DONGARI
2. BUA - BARO
3. TCHA - TCHO
4. RECOMA
5. BARA MUSSO
6. NIENEMA MINE |
   |
| TATA BAMBO KOUYATE | OURY SOUCKO VOL. 3 | SAM077592-4CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Powerhouse singer, Tata really gets into the swing of things with this album. Instead of the usual Kora she is accompanied by some beautiful and stylish guitar playing in the kora tradition. Plenty of Balafon backing and simple percussion complete the make up of this wonderful Malian musical outing. A real treasure. | 1. OURY SOUCKO
2. DJENEBA DIALLO
3. DIA FANTA SAMBOURA
4. MALIKI THIAM
5. OULE MATOU
6. DRISSA BALO |
   |
| TATA DIAKITE | JOLIE | JOLIECDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Wonderful set of tracks released in 1998 from the velvet voiced Tata backed by herself and Ramata Diakite. The guitars of Kalifa Kone with the more traditional N'goni, Keregne, Yabara and Djembe make for some lovely Wassalou music. Her real name was Fatoumata and she was born in 1976 in Madina Diassa and died in Bamako in 2003 after a serious car accident. She first sang in 1990 as a backing vocalist for her elder sister Djeneba. Later she also sang backing for Oumou Sangare, Mamou Sidibe and Issa Bagayogo. In 1993 she dueted with Dibe Saran on the Saran and Tata cassette Wary Be Mogo Samia. [6T/35M] | 1. DEN MISSEN
2. KASSI
3. DJIGUI YA
4. N'TANAN NI
5. DJARABI
6. KONO KAN BORA |
   |
| TAYE (TAI) SAKHO | HOMMAGE A SEKHOU SEMEGA | DK31CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Taye Sacko to give her the spelling used on her other tapes is a superb traditional praise singer. The beautiful music that she sings to comes from the wonderful guitars of Fadiala Diawara - solo, Seky Kougate - bass and Djeli Moussa Kouyate - rhythm and djembe drums. Djeli Makhan Tounkara and Sidy Kouyate play the gorgeous kora like n'goni while the percussionists Brama Dikho Kouyate and Walde Baba Sissokho play doundoumba and tama drums respectively. (F.T.Index: Fatou Kante, Sekhou Semega, Dielia, Siya.) [7T/47M] The faint clicking in the background on the cassette has been almost completely removed. | 1. SANAFELE KEBA DIAKHABY
2. DIELIA
3. FATOU KANTE
4. MERY SAMAKE
5. SEKHOU SEMEGA
6. SIYA
7. MODIBO TANDJI GORA |
   |
| TAYE SACKO | FACOUROU CAMARA VOL. I | SAMCDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Traditional music softly and sweetly played on flute, n'goni, balafon and guitar lead you into an ambush set by the absolutely awesome voice of Taye, not to mention her lovely chorus. Beware of using headphones as you might find your ears meeting in the middle as your skull gets crushed by this deadly decibel assault. Taye otherwise known as the Voice of Khasso has got to be one the greatest of all the wassoulou singers and this album with its superb backing music has got to be one of the best albums to ever come out of Mali. TOTALLY GORGEOUS. (F.T.Index: Amissetou Haidara, Facouro Camara, Sekou Semega, Ali Namakry, Ma Balla, Ama Fofana. ) [6T/38M] | 1. FACOUROU CAMARA
2. SEKOU SEMEGA
3. AMISSETOU HAIDARA
4. ALI NAMAKRY
5. AMA FOFANA
6. MA BALLA |
   |
| TENIN SIDIBE AND YORO DIALLO | DOUNYA YE WATTI | KIPK7CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| An fascinating album that combines the vibrant singing of the lovely Tenin with, strangely enough, music usually associated with Manding hunting songs! The resonant sound of the traditional n'goni (Malian Kora) in Yoro's masterful hands easily overshadows the guitar of Bayini Koita whose karignan also provides the rasping jangle of traditional percussion alongside the thump of the djembe. Have listen when the chorus girls come in, none other than Tata, Kadia and Ramata Diakite. Released 1994. (F.T.Index: N Den Ten Sana, Nanifa, Watole, Kuman, Dakan, Mogoko. ) [6T/33M] | 1. NANIFA
2. MOGOKO
3. N DEN TEN SANA
4. WATOLE
5. KUMAN
6. DAKAN |
   |
| TENINGNINI DEMBA | SARAFO | IC1096CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Released back in 1994 the song Sarafo is a bambara song sung by the daughter of the legendary Ba Zoumana Sissoko known as - le Vieux Lion. The song was interpreted by her late father and has its roots in Moorish folk music. Sharply sung chorus from Tenin Kouyate, Kadidia, Mamou and Tenin Damba provides the perfect backing to the gravely voiced Teningnini who blasts out on every song. Some lovely guitar from Modibo and Oumar Diabate with Bourama Sissoko providing the bass. Wouldn't be complete without mentioning the tinkling n'goni of Fousseyni Kouyate. A very rare item indeed. | 1. FALA
2. SARAFO
3. DANA MAN DJUGU
4. MARISO
5. BAMANANDE
6. GARBA MAMA |
   |
| TENINGNINI DEMBA | YIRBAYO | OCWLS002CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| The first thing that hits you on this 1993 release is the sharpness of Teningnini's voice, almost as sharp as her chorus girls in fact. Although Yirbayo was a massive hit in Mali it is Djigunasso and M'baoudi which are my favorite tracks. Both of them are extraordinary and I don't think I've ever come across anything quite like them from Mali before. If that wasn't enough to tempt you then just wait till you hear the guitar playing of Modibo and Oumar Diabate and the n'goni of Madou Kone and Fousseni Kouyate it's brilliant. (F.T.Index: M'baoudi, Djigunasso, Fagate Dankele, Manimamakan, Yirbayo, Nadiankafala.) [6T/32M] | 1. YIRBAYO
2. NADIANKAFALA
3. FAGATE DANKELE
4. MANIMAMAKAN
5. DJIGUNASSO
6. M'BAOUDI |
   |
| TINARIWEN (GROUPE TINARWEN) | TENERE | TENERECDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Local cassette of Toureg music which was their second cassette with beautifully played electric guitar fronting the throbbing beat of the drums.(This write-up was done back in 1993 when the album was released and long before Toureg music became popular) The sort of thing you might expect to get from Moroccan group Lem Chaheb when they haven't got Dissidenten around! The singing from the four guys in the group is quite hypnotic and with the rhythmic hand clapping it comes across as a very pleasant album. I particularly liked the 'Hari Krishna' style chant on Attaye and its lovely guitar, pure magic. (F.T.Index: Tenere, Attaye, I Touss Char, El Ghorba.) [8T/39M] | 1. TENERE
2. AMIDININE
3. AYOR I MDANE
4. I MIDIWANE
5. I TOUSS OHAR
6. ATTAYE
7. N'DEKAM
8. EL GHORBA |
   |
| WALDE DAMBA | WALDE | BIEN012CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Wonderiful album that was released back in 1991. Traditional Malian music with the laid back sound of balafon, kora and percussion instruments. With the supremely powerful and melodic voice of Walde and the chorus singers it was a case of having to get it. I would say that this album ranks as one of the most powerful of it's style that I've come across so far and believe me I've heard loads of it. | 1. MAGNI DON
2. SOKONABA
3. BALIMA FILA BEMA
4. SAMA
5. SINDIYA DIOUROU
6. ALA YA KE |
   |
| WALDE DEMBA ET SON ENSEMBLE INSTRUMENTAL | VOL. 1 | NDH023CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Wow! This is the traditional sound of Malian songs with some of the rawest vocals I have heard powering out over the beautiful sounds of balafon, kora and percussion instruments. 46 minutes of STUNNING music and song. | 1. TOUTOU
2. BADJOUROU
3. DOUGA
4. LAMBA
5. TARA
6. LAMBEMA |
   |
| WANDE KOUYATE | BARA MUSO | E0281191-4CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Boy oh boy what an album! Wande's rich and power packed vocals along with that of her lovely backing singers Hawa and Oumou Sissoko are wonderful to listen to. However Mama Sissoko's guitar and Keletigui's superb balafon playing almost steal the show, especially on 'Bano Yatera' which is pure classic material from end to end. It wouldn't be fair not to mention Sory Kane for his lovely ngoni playing and Rakesh Toure for his beautiful and unobtrusive keyboards. This album is GORGEOUS. | 1. BARA MUSO
2. MAMAY KUYATE
3. BANO YATERA
4. DEMBE
5. PATA BURO
6. YELEMA YELEMA
7. FOTE MOGO BAN
8. MANA MANU |
   |
| YAYI KANOUTE | DJUGU MAGNI | KBK912CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Superb album which features some great 'Ngoni' playing by Doni Sissoko and Cheickh Hamala Diabate with 'Balafon' from Loutigui Diabate. 'Yayi's' praise singing style compliments rather than overpowers the music and this, although she is one of the 'GRANDES DAMES DU MUSIQUE MALIENNE', makes it a very musical album and well recommended if you like the music of Mali but aren't to hot on the overpowering vocals of some female artists. | 1. DJUGU MAGNI
2. SEREMEME
3. FIN DO
4. MUSO MAGNI
5. NFA LE MANSA YE
6. DJIKISSE |
   |
| YAYI KANOUTE | TU M'EMMENES | DK33CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Her previous album 'Djugu Magni' was superb and so is this next release which is both written and sung by super singer Yayi. The music is arranged by Djelimady Tounkara who along with fellow guitarists Fadiala Diawara and Souleymane Tounkara provide the gorgeous backing. Their guitar playing is just dazzling, but the tinkling N'goni of Badje Tounkara often steals the scene from under their noses. Just listen to them all play on 'Sada Diallo' or 'Beni Dakan' to say nothing of my favourite 'Maliba'. Gorgeous from start to finish. (F.T.Index: Maliba, I Bidiyala Le Famaga, Tu M'emmenes, Sada Diallo, Beni Dakan, Wuli Le De, Solomani, An Kandjigui Ke Alaye.) [10T/47M] | 1. TU M'EMMENES
2. DIAMA TOULO BANNA
3. I BIDIYALA LE FAMAGA
4. AN KANDJIGUI KE ALAYE
5. SEKOU DEMBELE (ALAKI SARA)
6. MALIBA
7. SADA DIALLO
8. BENI DAKAN
9. WULI LE DE
10. SOLOMANI |
   |
| YORO DIALLO DIT TIEKRO BANI | VOLUME I | SAM0182192-4CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Super mix of modern and a whole range of traditional instruments gives the music some rather unusual sound effects. Singer Yoro's gravely vocals flow beautifully out over the traditional but up-tempo music and the shrill voices of the unnamed backing girls. Released in 1992. VERY NICE. | 1. WALAI SOLOMANI
2. DJOMBE NI GNESIGUI
3. SAYA TE DJON TO
4. KOBE WATI YE
5. BE MANKAN
6. MOGO LOU |
   |
| ZANI DIABATE | NI ZANI MANA | OU009CDC | TC | £ 0.00 | |
| Yes, you did read it correctly, Zani Diabate and the Super Djata Band! Nothing has been on the market since his stunning 'Super Djata' LP back in 1985 and its recent CD re-issue. It was well worth the wait. Time may have slightly mellowed Zani's break neck guitar playing but now with a much more vocally orientated album he is back to re-affirm his place as one of Mali's most outstanding guitarists. Every track on the album brought back memories of his Brighton gig back in 89 but 'Doussou' and 'Diarabi', not to mention 'Monaitheban' surpassed even the best of that wonderful night. ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT. (See ILPS9899) | 1. NI ZANI MANA
2. HA KILI MAYA
3. BOOLON
4. MONAITHEBAN
5. DIARABI
6. DOUSSOU |
| Sorry no image but see ILPS9899CDC |
| ZANI DIABATE AND THE SUPER DJATA BAND | SUPER DJATA | ILPS9899CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| Zani Diabate was born in 1947 into one of the greatest Griot families in Mali. A multi instrumentalist (Kora, Guitar, Balafon and percussion) he joined the National Ballet of Mali, the country's premier folkloric dance and music ensemble in 1963. Along with six other singers and dancers from the ballet he formed Super Djata in 1969. A widely acclaimed personality on the Malian music scene, Zani is foremost a totally original guitarist who has adapted traditional rhythms and melodies to modern electric instrumentation. Zani's guitar style brings to mind players such as Jimi Hendrix, T-Bone Walker, B. B. King and Freddie King whilst remaining unmistakably Malian in his approach to music. The Super Djata Band draw upon traditional Malian culture for inspiration: Rhythms and dances of Bambara hunters and Bozo fishermen, together with the melodies of the Peul and Malinka, spiced with Zani's almost psychedelic guitar. (CDR includes all 6 tracks from NI ZANI MANA) | 1. SUPER DJATA
2. BINA
3. DJEGNOGO DJOUGOU
4. BANDJILA
5. TINDORO
6. NOUMOUSSO
7. FACIA
8. FARIMA
9. FADINGNA KOUMA
10. NI ZANI MANA
11. HA KILI MAYA
12. BOOLON
13. MONAITHEBAN
14. DIARABI
15. DOUSSOU |
   |
| MAURITANIA |
| AHL NANA | L'ORCHESTRE NATIONAL MAURITANIEN | RMLP011CDC | LPx2 | £ 10.00 | |
| I clicked on that first track and was instantly hooked - WONDERFUL. This album contains the first recordings of modern music from the Sahara and marks the birth of the genre that is known in the West today as Desert Blues. The group Ahl Nana changed the folk music of the Sahara to modern, cosmopolitan music by using Western instruments like the electric guitar that paved the way for artists like Ali Farka Toure, Tinariwen, Mdou Moctar and Bombino. The group is still active today but they only recorded 2 LPs and a handful of singles back in 1971 at the Boussiphone studios in Casablanca. Strangely the records were never distributed and therefore remained unknown for almost 50 years, until Radio Martiko discovered a batch of unsold factory stock a few years ago. Released at long last in 2023 you will find a selection of these wonderful revolutionary recordings. | 1. ADJI KAR TERI MIRI
2. YER SABOU YERKOY
3. EMOLLI TIDWALL EHEME
4. BAYNA DAOUALI
5. ZEINAB MOUSSA
6. AHLANE OUASSAHLANE
7. TIMIDAWANE HEWANA
8. YA LLALI YA OUICHI
9. HOB MENE
10. NAHNOU SIGHAROU EL OUATANE |
   |
| KHAIFA OULD EIDE AND DIMI MINT ABBA | MOORISH MUSIC | WCD019CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| The late Dimi Mint Abba accompanied by her husband Khaifa Ould Eide who plays the tidnit and guitar and her two daughters. The tidnit is by the way a type of lute similar to the Wolof halam or the ngoni of Mali. Rhythmic handclapping from Dimi and her daughters is an essential part of this beautiful Moorish music. | 1. WAIDALAL WAIDALAL
2. YAR ALLAHOO
3. HASSANIYA SONG FOR DANCING
4. HASSANIYA LOVE POEM
5. THE TORTOISES SONG
6. INDEPENDENCE
7. ARTS PLUME
8. OH LORD BRING APARTHEID CRASHING DOWN!
9. MAURITANIA MY BELOVED COUNTRY
10. MY YOUNG PEOPLE DO THE YOUTH OF NATIONS INVITE
11. AUTOOT |
   |
| MOZAMBIQUE |
| ORCHESTRA MARRABENTA STAR DE MOCAMBIQUE | MARRABENTA PIQUENIQUE | CDPIR1043CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| Very little in this album would point you towards a colonial past with Portugal. European and local music is mixed together as you would hear elsewhere in Africa but without the typically Portuguese sounds that would have made its roots obvious. Fast paced and full of exuberance with just a couple of slow tracks for variety. I particularly liked Matilde but I can honestly say there was nothing that I disliked in the other tracks. Have a listen and see what I mean.
| 1. WENE U N'GA YALE
2. MATILDE
3. SOBREMESA
4. A VA SATY VA LOMO
5. PIQUENIQUE
6. MAGUMBA
7. DJIKA
8. NWAHULWANA (ELECTRIC VERSION)
9. DJOMELA
10. RAPSODY |
   |
| NIGERIA |
| ALHAJA QUEEN SALAWA ABENI | INDIA WAKA | KRLPS10CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| Salawa's music and her singing is mesmerizing. Break neck speed and a wonderful voice that stands out from the backing singers while the talking drums belt out the beat like a machine gun. On top of that she just doesn't know when to stop as all the tracks just carry on to the end of the record. Absolute magic. | LP SIDE 1
1. MOTI GOKE
2. THANK YOU
3. INDIA WAKA
4. MO DE INU ILE OLA
5. AYINLA LONI FUJI, ABENI LONI WAKA
6. ABENI DE OLOUN ORIN
LP SIDE 2
7. ERU NBA MI
8. CHIEF POPOOLA OLAOFE
9. MO J'AWE ORIJI
10. KINIUN TI DE OKO
11. ABENI TI DE LADY WAKA QUEEN
12. ORIN WA DUN UN JO |
   |
| AZAGAS AND ARCHIBOGS | 60'S SOUND OF LAGOS HIGHLIFE | OMCD014CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
The sum total of knowledge about African music acquired by everybody who has ever cared hardly amounts to the proverbial drop in the bucket - and this is the music we know reasonably well. As regards many styles - and very resent, popular, big city sounds at that, not recondite traditions of tiny, isolated groups - we've barely tripped of the bucket itself. That's the case with Nigerian dance-band highlife. It was one of the greatest of African urban dance-band traditions (dance-band meaning a group using wind instruments as well as guitars and percussion). The Nigerian bands had a flair for brass and sax playing that stemmed from the old Calabar brass-bands of the 1930's, a wild edged jauntiness that made their Ghanaian mentors - E. T. Mensah and the like - seem a tad tame, and a go for the jugular instinct for mixing local rhythms and melodies with jazz-tinged horn solos and Congo-inflected guitar work. Yet what we know of these superb groups amounts to a scattering of passing references in interviews and articles written about something or somebody else. Still and all, we do have the recordings: and that's all we need to know that the 1960's was a truly wonderful decade for dance music in Lagos, a period in which musicians from all over southern Nigeria mixed languages and traditions on the bandstands and in the recording studios, creating a seemingly endless series of sounds that blended Yoruba, Ibo and other ingredients in ways that spoke to everybody. The examples in this CD are plentiful enough. Aside from the blues or "native blues" which was a name for a 6/5 rhythm, the examples range from the opening cut to Aigbe Lebarty's numbers in the Bini language spoken round Benin city in the Mid West (which was, like eastern Nigeria, to remain a highlife haven, notable for the guitar band of Sir Victor Uwaifo). Nigerian dance-band highlife took off in the 1950's, when tours by E. T. Mensah's Tempos band reinforced foundations laid by the Lagos based group of pioneers founded by Bobby Benson in the late 40's It enjoyed less than a decade of glorious maturity, which ended with all too literal a bang in 1967, when the Nigerian civil war broke out. Most of the top bands in Lagos were Ibo led, and there was hardly a group that didn't have Ibo musicians in it. When Ibo leaders declared the independence of their region under the name of Biafra, Ibo musicians left Lagos. The sound they made so prominent became politically incorrect - and by the time the war was over and the Ibo's rejoined the mainstream, the Yoruba public (and Lagos is, after all, a largely Yoruba city) had taken juju to its heart. That wasn't the whole story of course, highlife was perceived as a music of the elites (however meaningless that concept was in practice), and the coming of rock and roll had a similar effect in Africa as in the west. In addition, rootsiness was the coming thing. In reality, much for which the guitar bands (and particularly the juju musicians) have since been given sole credit - the use of local rhythms and melodies, the percussion jams - had in fact been standard practice for the Lagos dance-bands. But perception was all: jazz was out, horns were out, guitars and voices were in. In Yoruba territory, the combination completed the triumph of juju. In the east and midwest Nigerian highlife lived on, but the guitar bands were now in the ascendancy. The loss was considerable. The new generation may have dismissed the dance bands as old hat, parental-generation and the rest, but only the incurably guitar fixated could miss the joyous energy and faintly anarchic creativity of the bands on this recording. The names alone - The Archibogs, The Azaleas, The Lo Right Time Orchestra - are irresistible. And they delivered. There was hardly a band that didn't play music of amazing variety with strong local elements and jump started by soloists that could raise the dead. The variety of dance-band highlife, in fact, was as terrific as its quality. As you'll hear from this collection, the Decca label alone was recording a score of superb bands with as many versions of the basic sound. Forgotten or only dimly remembered, they were all dynamite.
JOHN STORM ROBERTS | 1. OKIBO (ITSEKERI, 1962) - CHARLES IWEGHUE & HIS ARCHIBOGS
2. IGWALA (IBO NATIVE BLUES, 1961) - CHARLES IWEGHUE & HIS ARCHIBOGS
3. IFEMELUM, (IBO HIGHLIFE, 1962) - CHARLES IWEGHUE & HIS ARCHIBOGS
4. SALIM YE (IBO SLOW HIGHLIFE) - CHARLES IWEGHUE & HIS ARCHIBOGS
5. EGWU UKWATA NO. 1 (UKWUANI UKWTA) - CHARLES IWEGHUE & HIS ARCHIBOGS
6. IKILO (YORUBA HIGHLIFE) - EDDIE OKONTA & HIS TOP ACES
7. AYBROKPE (PIDGIN HIGHLIFE) - EDDIE OKONTA & HIS TOP ACES
8. EDDIE'S ACCIDENT (IBO HIGHLIFE) - EDDIE OKONTA & HIS TOP ACES
9. KURU-KERE (YORUBA) - EDDIE OKONTA & HIS TOP ACES
10. IKOTO PART 1(IBO/IJAW HIGHLIFE) - ERIC 'SHOW BOY' AKAEZE & HIS AZAGAS
11. ADUNNI (YORUBA HIGHLIFE) - ERIC 'SHOW BOY' AKAEZE & HIS AZAGAS
12. DIOCHI (IBO HIGHLIFE) - ERIC 'SHOW BOY' AKAEZE & HIS AZAGAS
13. OLOMI MABO (YORUBA HIGHLIFE) - ISIAH EJIRE KEHINDE & THE TOP MODERN STARS
14. IGHAWA DOWORE (YORUBA HIGHLIFE) - ISIAH EJIRE KEHINDE & THE TOP MODERN STARS
15. LEKELEKE (YORUBA HIGHLIFE) - OLU RIGHT TIME ORCHESTRA
16. NWON DORISA (YORUBA HIGHLIFE) - TUNDE OSHOFISAN & HIS RHYTHM 'FADAKA'S'
17. JEJE L'OMO EKO NLO (YORUBA HIGHLIFE) - TUNDE OSHOFISAN & HIS RHYTHM 'FADAKA'S'
18. SISI BISI (YORUBA HIGHLIFE) - E. C. ARINZE & HIS MUSIC
19. OZEDE (BINI/ESAN) - AIGBE LEBARTY & HIS LEBARTONE ACES
20. OYENONKHUA (BINI/ESAN) - AIGBE LEBARTY & HIS LEBARTONE ACES
21. ESO PELE (YORUBA HIGHLIFE) - PRINCE KAYOSUN DOSUMU & HIS DANDIES
22. EBAMI WAYA (YORUBA HIGHLIFE) - PRINCE KAYOSUN DOSUMU & HIS DANDIES |
   |
| CARDINAL REX LAWSON AND HIS MAYORS BAND | GREATEST HITS | FLTRCD531CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| The Cardinal and his 'Mayor's band of Nigeria' with their laid back sound of 60's Highlife played by one of the best 'Big Bands' with the superb vocals of 'Cardinal' Rex Lawson. Absolutely stunning and the track 'Sawele' is probably his greatest hit. Contains all the tracks from the LP's POLP061and PRL13408 with the exception of Oko and three duplicated tracks. (18T/56M) Oko is on CD Classics Vol. 1 | 1. JOLLY PAPA
2. ANATE
3. BERE BOTE
4. AKASO INYGINGI
5. AYE MUBA UDEAJA
6. SO ALA TEMEN
7. ABARI BIYA
8. TAMUNO BO IBRO MA
9. SAWALE
10. SERRA NENE
11. ENE BATE
12. LOVE ME ADURE
13. MEKING WA BO TE
14. UWEI BO NUA
15. FIGBORU ENE
16. IBARI KO RUWA
17. IBI NA BO
18. OSUALA ORU ENENE |
   |
| CELESTINE UKWU AND PHILOSPHERS NATIONAL | EJIM NK'ONYE | 6361111CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| Released back in 1975 this lovely album is one of my favourites with its softly played old style highlife music and Celestines super smooth vocals. The first two tracks went straight into my computer juke box. Sung in the igbo language as Celestine was born in Enugu which was to become the capital of the Igbo speaking area known in the early 70's as Biafra. | 1. EJIM NKE ONYE
2. IMA ECHI
3. OME IFE JIDE OFO PART 1
4. ASILI |
   |
| DAN MARAYA | GANGAR BASHI | POLP155CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Dan Maraya Jos to give him his usual name translates as The Orphan of Jos. Born in 1946 in Bukuru, near Jos in Plateau State, Nigeria. He was born Adamu Wayya but was orphaned early on, hence his name. His father had been a court musician for the Sarkin Hausawa of Bukuru, who took young Dan under his care. While in his teens he became impressed by musicians who played the Kuntigi which he then made and played throughout his career. The kuntigi is a small, single-stringed lute made from a empty sardine can covered with goatskin. He died 20th June 2015 in Nigeria. | 1. GANGAR BASHI
2. ALHAJI JITAU MARADI
3.WAKAR MALAMAI
4. ALHAJI BABA MANU (SARKIN YAMAN GOMBE)
5. WAKAR ADAMAWA
6. ALHAJI BABAYO DAN ABDU |
   |
| DAN MARAYA | KUDI MASU GIDA RANA | POLP151CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Dan Maraya Jos to give him his usual name translates as The Orphan of Jos. Born in 1946 in Bukuru, near Jos in Plateau State, Nigeria. He was born Adamu Wayya but was orphaned early on, hence his name. His father had been a court musician for the Sarkin Hausawa of Bukuru, who took young Dan under his care. While in his teens he became impressed by musicians who played the Kuntigi which he then made and played throughout his career. The kuntigi is a small, single-stringed lute made from a empty sardine can covered with goatskin. He became one of Nigeria’s foremost Hausa musicians, poet, philosopher and philanthropist, Dr Adamu Danmaraya Jos and died in Jos on 20th June 2015. | 1. KUDI MASU GIDA RANA
2. WAKAR SHARI'A
3. ALHAJI SHAAIBU JAGAF
4. WAKAR HANKALI
5. ALHAJI BAKO DOMA
6. WAKAR POLYGRAM |
   |
| EBENEZER OBEY | EYI YATO | OTILP508CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| | |
| |
| EBENEZER OBEY | PROVIDENCE | OPS009LPCDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| | |
| |
| FELA KUTI AND EGYPT 80 | PERAMBULATOR | LIR6CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| | |
| |
| GINGER BAKER (with Fela Kuti) | STRATAVARIOUS | ATCOSD7013CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| Interesting and sought after album by Ginger Baker and Fela Kuti. The tracks are long, with a tight funky sound, and lots of cool keyboards by Fela (who also sings and plays percussion). One track features a cool percussion jam between Ginger Baker and Guy Warren, the enigmatic African percussionist who also recorded with his Soundz group in the UK. The track Tiwa is propelled by Fela's keyboards and is the highlight of the album. The album came about when Fela was in London making Fela's London Scene. He met up with drummer Ginger Baker and they made this album together in 1972. Fela Kuti teamed up with again with Ginger Baker to make Fela's Live with Ginger Baker album and Fela also got Ginger to produce his classic He Miss Road album for him. | 1. ARIWO
2. TIWA (IT'S OUR OWN)
3. SOMETHING NICE
4. JU-JU
5. BLOOD BROTHER
6. CODA
|
   |
| I. K. DAIRO | GREATEST HITS OF I.K. DAIRO VOL. 2 | DAIRO2CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| 1. Ise Ori Ran Mi, 2. Alagbawi Emmanuel, 3. Okin Omo Ni, 4. Adupe Baba, 5. Omo Owa Ijesha, 6. Baba Olu Orun. | |
| |
| I. K. DAIRO | GREATEST HITS OF I.K. DAIRO VOL. 3 | DAIRO3CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| 1. Taxi Driver, 2. Iku Ye Lori Mi, 3. Oluwa Loluso Agutan Mi, 4. Alahu Monseli, 5 .Abiyamo Fehin So, 6. Okan Mi Yin Oluwa, 7. Bebe Yi Ga, 8. Eri Mo Wa Iye Mi O, 9. Emase, Oluwa A Daa , 10. Okan Yin Oba Orun, 11. Ise Aje Ma Le , 12. Baba Mi Gba Ti Mo Basako Lo , 13. Hungry For Love, 14. E Rora F'eso Jaiye. | |
| |
| I. K. DAIRO | THE GLORY YEARS (Juju Master) | OMCD009CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
Originally released during the early to mid 1960's on 78 and 45 rpm records. John Storm Roberts of Original Music was spot on when he entitled this compilation The Glory Years. They don't make them like this anymore and that is a real shame...
CONDITION AS NEW BUT NOT SEALED | 1. ELELE TURE
2. IYAWO ONIWA KIWA
3. LATE CHIEF SONIBARE
4. SALOME
5. LABUTU YEKE
6. IKU LUMUMBA
7. EMA MAMABUN SAYA
8. ISE OWO MI MO NJE
9. OMO ALARO
10. RORA FESO AIYE
11. ADE ORE MI
12. GULUSO
13. ERERE MUTURE
14. LADEJO LA OGINNI
15. AYE WA KALE
16. ONILE GOGORO
17. BONFO
18. ORE ODALE
19. LATE J.S. SIWOKU
20. ISE AJE
21. LAWRENCE OMOLE
22. OMO LANKE |
   |
| I.K. DAIRO AND HIS BLUE SPOTS | DEFINITIVE DAIRO | XENO4045CDCDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| | |
| |
| I.K.DAIRO AND HIS BLUE SPOT BAND | IYA O YEMI | DWAPS2190CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| Produced back in 1983 on the Afrodisia label comes this beautiful album from the renowned I.K. Dairo anf his Blue Spot Band. Like many albums of this period there are no gaps between the tracks, the music is continuous and it is rather dificult to say where one track ends and the next one starts. There are 6 tracks on side A and 5 on side B. Hopefully I have got clips from the right places. [11T/35M] | 1. OBIRIPO
2. MOSE ORIMOLADE
3. JOSEPH BABALOLA
4. OSITELU
5. GBOGBO EGBE ALADURA
6. IPILE TI JESU FI LELE
7. OJUMOMI LONI
8. SE RERE KO MI
9. IRE NI MO NWA
10. OBA OLASORE
11. IYA O YEMI |
   |
| IDOWU ANIMASAWUN | FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT | CRS005CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Religeous it may be but with music and singing like this I could just get converted. ( Track Index: Jesu To Fun Mi, Jesus Is Lord, Je Kin Leba O Rin, Mo Ni Jesu Ni Baba, Go Where The Sinners Are, Adura, Mo Ti Yege, From Darkness To Light. ) [8T/38M] | |
| |
| KING SUNNY ADE | AJOO | SALPS35CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| Released back in 1983 and one of the first ever African albums I bought and still after 35 or more years it is still one I love. | 1. AJO NI MO RE
2. PEGAN PEGAN
3. OLUWA LAGBOJU LE
4. GBEYOGBEYO
5. PENKELE
6. EWELE
7. TOLONGO |
   |
| KING SUNNY ADE | CHECK E | SALP26CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| | |
| |
| KING SUNNY ADE | JUJU MUSIC OF THE 80's | SALPS24CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| | |
| |
| KING SUNNY ADE | THE ORIGINAL SYNCRO SYSTEM | AS26CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| The original LP release made before CDAS89703 came out. | |
| |
| KING SUNNY ADE AND HIS GREEN SPOTS BAND | THE MASTER GUITARIST VOLUME 1 | LPAS8006CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| Released way back in 1970 and still as fresh today as it was then. The five tracks on side A are continuous while on side B they are separate. | 1a. SUNNY TI DE
1b. KOLAWOLE BICKERSTETH
1c. EGBE ABURI
1d. KA MA GBAGBE ATIJO
1e. DELE DAVIES
2. A KUNLE A TEWO ADURA
3. PRINCE REMI ALADESURU
4. GBE MI DEBUTE OGO
5. TONNIANI
6. S. K. DADA |
   |
| LIJADU SISTERS | HORIZON UNLIMITED (RE) | DWAPS2089CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| Superb album from the tree climbing twins. Whenever Kehinde and Taiwo Lijadu felt low down in spirit they indulged themselves in a childhood prank. They climbed the tallest nearest tree and watched the unlimited horizon. That's not the only trait they shared in common. They are identical twins who also share identical callings, habits, hobbies, a bank account and four children between them. They never tell which one of them is mother to which child. 'They are four children' They always said when asked. Some years ago they climbed a very tall tree and saw in the horizon unlimited, the path of their future. The elements were orchestrating sweet musical vibrations that hit the core of the very being of the twins. It was the climax of their long-standing yearning to become professional singers. After all, it was all in the family. Daddy played the piano and Granny played the guitar. They had enough inspirational heat in their veins to generate and power their interest and enthusiasm. Also influencing them were Aretha Franklin, I. K. Dairo, Miriam Makeba, Victor Olaiya, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti and a host of other musicians both local and international. All of them together gave them the heat of their inspiration. [6T/26M] | 1. ORERE - ELEJIGBO
2. ERORA
3. GBOWO MI
4. GBALO - ALOGBALO
5. COME ON HOME
6. NOT ANY LONGER |
   |
| OLIVER DE COQUE | CLASSIC HITS | COQUE002CDCDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| | |
| |
| OLIVER DE COQUE | VINTAGE HITS VOLUME 1 | ORCD001CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| | |
| |
| OLIVER DE COQUE | VINTAGE HITS VOLUME 2 | ORCD002CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| | |
| |
| OLIVER DE COQUE | VINTAGE HITS VOLUME 3 | ORCD003CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| | 1. UWA CHOLU OBI UMEANI
2. OME OBI DIA (ABADA)
3. OME OKE CHI
4. UGBALA |
   |
| OLIVER DE COQUE | VINTAGE HITS VOLUME 4 | ORCD004CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| | 1. PEOPLE'S CLUB (KAYI BRIBE NDU)
2. UDOKA SOCIAL CLUB
3. CLUB NATIONAL
4. EZINFITE STAR UNITED CLUB |
   |
| ORLANDO JULIUS EKEMODE AND ASHIKO | DANCE AFRO-BEAT | SHAN43029CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| Originally released back in 1984 and containing his hit Ashiko this album is a real belter. | 1. A DARA
2. AYELE
3. ASHIKO
4. DANCE AFRO-BEAT
5. AWADE (Here We Come)
6. ISHE
|
   |
| ORLANDO OWOH | DR GANJA'S POLYTONALITY BLUES | OMCD035CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| What an incredible album and also a wonderful name for it as well. Was released on the always fantastic Original Music label run by John Storm Roberts in 1995. The first two tracks on the CD are by Orlando Owoh And His Omimah Band and contain tracks 1 - 4 [ 19:50 Mins ] and 5 - 6 [ 17:40 Mins ]. Tracks 3 and 4 are by Orlando Owoh And His Young Kenneries and contain tracks 7 - 9 [ 18:36 Mins ]and 10 - 12 [18:00 Mins ]. | 1. LOGBA LOGBA
2. EDUMARE DA MI LIHUN
3. E SE RERE
4. PROF OYEWOLE
5. EMI WA WA LOWO RE
6. ALUN GBERE WA DE
7. EASTER SPECIAL
8. BABA WA SILEKIN
9. OBINRIN ASIKO LAGBO
10 CAIN ATI ABEL
11. ALHAJI T'OYO MAYAN
12 OMI L'EMAN |
   |
| ORLANDO OWOH | EXPERIENCE | OLPRS003CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| | 1. EXPERIENCE - OHUN TI OJU R I
2. TI ENU BAKO, E SINMI
3. OMO L'ASO
4. IBAJE ENIA
5. JE KIN BAE RINRIN AJO
6. OGE MAILO |
   |
| ORLANDO OWOH | TABOO | SOS216CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| | |
| |
| SHINA PETERS | ACE | CBSM1002CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Sir Shina Peters and his International Stars released their first album Ace also known as Afro-Juju Series 1 in 1989. The album, which was released by CBS Records of Nigeria and went double platinum. Produced by Laolu Akins it was a musical fusion between Juju and Afrobeat. This Afro juju musical style mixed a fast percussive beat with keyboards, saxophone and guitar. Some of the lyrics in the album especially in Ijo Shina were quite racy for that time. The album went on to win awards for Shina which included the artist and album of the Year at the Nigerian Musical Awards. Like many Nigerian albums there are no stops between tracks 1 - 6 and 7 -12. An absolutely superb album and I just loved the final track - see how many people and places outside Nigeria you can identify. | 1. AFRO - JU JU
2. JE KAJO
3. IJO SHINA
4. MOJU KURO
5. OYIN MOMO
6. OMOGE TO REWA
7. OMO ENIA LO SORA
8. JESU GBADURA MI
9. ATOTO ARERE
10. IRAWO LAGBA ( ACE )
11. ABEDISI ODUTAYO
12. AFRO JU-JU LO GBODE |
   |
| STEPHEN OSITA OSADEBE | ONYE LUSIA OLIE | POLP159CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| | |
| |
| STEPHEN OSITA OSADEBE | OSONDI OWENDI | KMCD036CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| Lovely laid back sound of twinkling guitars backed by a variety of percussion and interspersed by blasts from the horn section and with Chief Stephen's soft vocals and the band's harmonious backing adding the finishing touch to a very nice album. The CDR comes with inlay and bookfront, not an envelope. | 1. OSONDI OWENDI
2. NDIDI KANMA
3. NIGERIA KANYI JIKOTTA |
   |
| VARIOUS ARTISTS | GREAT AFRICAN HIGHLIFE MUSIC | MLP12-131CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| The title says it all. Ambrose Campbell and his West African Rhythm Brothers were originally an all Nigerian band formed and playing in London during the Second World War. Flash Domincii and the Fabulous Supersonics was also formed in London after the war by Nigerian musicians. As the bands split and reformed they also absorbed Ghanaian and West Indian personnel into their line-ups. Amazing music that was originally released on LP by Melodisc in the early 70's. | 1. UNITY - NIGERIAN UNION RHYTHM BAND
2. OBA ADELE - WEST AFRICAN RHYTHM BROTHERS
3. IWA D'AREKERE - WEST AFRICAN RHYTHM BROTHERS
4. TOGOROTIGIRI - NAT ATKINS AND HIS CRAZY BEES
5. SUMONGOLE - NAT ATKINS AND HIS CRAZY BEES
6. THE MEMORIAL OF CHIEF J. K. RANDLE - NIGERIAN UNION RHYTHM BAND
7. IWA IKA TI BEDA JE - FLASH DOMINCII & THE FABULOUS SUPERSONICS
8. FIJA F'OLORUN JA - FLASH DOMINCII & THE FABULOUS SUPERSONICS
9. IWIN NLA PADE WA - FLASH DOMINCII & THE FABULOUS SUPERSONICS
10. ESO ESO N'IGBIN MA NGUNGI - FLASH DOMINCII & THE FABULOUS SUPERSONICS
11. KI DIDE - FLASH DOMINCII & THE FABULOUS SUPERSONICS
12. RORA RORA MA JO OMO PUPA - FLASH DOMINCII & THE FABULOUS SUPERSONICS |
   |
| VARIOUS ARTISTS | GREAT AFRICAN HIGHLIFE MUSIC VOL II | MLP12-134CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| Once again the title says it all. The artistic line-up is a bit different but the music is just as magic as the first volume. | 1. IWA LEWA - AYINDE BAKARE & HIS MERANDA BAND
2. CALABAO - NIGERIAN UNION RHYTHM GROUP
3. SOMOJELE - NAT ATKINS AND HIS CRAZY BEES
4. EROYA - WEST AFRICAN RHYTHM BROTHERS
5. OJITIBI - NIGERIAN UNION RHYTHM GROUP
6. IBADAN NI PADE - ODEUSO'S AKESAN HIGHLIFERS
7. OJIKOLUBO - NIGERIAN UNION RHYTHM GROUP
8. ADURA FUN AWON ABOYUN - AYINDE BAKARE & HIS MERANDA BAND
9. DARLIN DON'T SAY NO - NAT ATKINS AND HIS CRAZY BEES
10. OMO LASO - WEST AFRICAN RHYTHM BROTHERS
11. SEBOTIMO - VAKARIE
12. OMINIRA - WEST AFRICAN RHYTHM BROTHERS
13. FEDSE - RANS BOI & HIS AFRICAN HIGHLIFE BAND
14. Y. B. CLUB - WEST AFRICAN RHYTHM BROTHERS
15. THE LATE J. K. RANDLE - AYINDE BAKARE & HIS MERANDA BAND
16. UNKNOWN - AYINDE BAKARE & HIS MERANDA BAND? |
   |
| VARIOUS ARTISTS | HIGH LIFE KINGS VOL 2 | KMCD02CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| Stephen Osita Osadebe, Makojo and Yoba Chukwu. Mike Ejeagha, Ikpechakwa A-Akem Kpee. Inyang Henshaw, Esonta and Ebonjo Ekedidem Iban. Rex Lawson, Abari Biya and Osuala Oru Enene. Dr Victor Olaiya, Pariboto Riboto. Sir Victor Uwaifo, Joromi (different version from Vol. 1) and Akuete and Guitar Boy. St Augustine and the Rovers Dance Band, Jolaosho and Ogirri. Professional Seagulls Dance Band, Atabal Woman and Afro Baby. Akaba Man, Okina. (16T/78M) | |
| |
| VARIOUS ARTISTS | MONEY NO BE SAND | OMCD031CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| | |
| |
| VICTOR UWAIFO | GREATEST HITS VOL. 1 | PMCD018CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| Contains Tracks: Guitar Boy, Joromi/Monkey Yanga, Ebiss Ebiss, Akwete, Oliha, Siwo Siwo, Sesese, Do Amen Do, Tisha, Eralo Gbengigialo, Agege Ogigbo, Iriorere, Simini-Simini Eka Sasa, Oku Olda (Muemue Akwete) | |
| |
| WARRIOR AND ORIENTAL BROTHERS | HEAVY ON THE HIGHLIFE | OMCD012CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| | |
| |
| SAO TOME |
| PEPE LIMA AND L'ORCH. DE LA JEUNESSE | E EXIGOLA | IEFE096CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Soukous magic from these old Portugese islands in the gulf of Guinea. Produced in the late 80's this album is one of those rather collectable little items because of who is playing on it. None other than guitar maestro Loketo whose wizard fingers are making the guitar sing for all its worth. It may be a bit short but boy is it worth it. ( F.T.Index: Mary Luizi, E Exigola, Santome, Gim'am, Aua Ve Me Led. ) [5T/30M] | 1. MARY LUIZI
2. SANTOME
3. GIM'AM
4. AUA VE ME LED
5. E EXIGOLA |
   |
| SENEGAL |
| ABDOU GUITE SECK | DEKAALE | DEKAALECDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| Beautiful mbalax album from Abdou who had me hooked as soon as he started to sing. Crystal clear vocals with power and feeling packed into every word and if that wasn't enough the music is superb as well. Shame it is only 33 minutes as I could listen to him all day. Loved the last track, 8 Minutes, which knocks spots of Youssou Ndour's 7 Seconds. The title track is incredibly beautiful in every way. ( F.T.Index: Sammy Waay, 8 Minutes, Weeru Koor, Dekaale, Seex Yi, Gim, Allaaji. ) [7T/33M] | 1. SAMMY WAAY
2. DEKAALE
3. ALLAAJI
4. WEERU KOOR
5. SEEX YI
6. GIM
7. 8 MINUTES |
   |
| ABDOU GUITE SECK ET EVOLUTION | ETE SHOW | ETECDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| Wow! What a superb album from amazing singer Abdou and with magic music from his band Evolution. The track listing has all been corrected on the CD-R. So you are going to listen to one of the best mbalax albums in years which was recorded live and is worth it's weight in gold. | 1. INTRODUCTION
2. KOULA FAALE (GUITE CLUB)
3. MODOU MODOU
4. THIONO ADOUNA
5. WEROU KOOR
6. DOUKAT
7. VIVA
8. NINA
9. GOUDDI |
   |
| ABI BATOU NDOUR | DJIGUENE | ABNCDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Recorded at brother Youssou's Studio Xippi in Dakar this tape is one of the hottest hits in Senegal this year (1994) and with very good reason. Lead guitarist Omar Sow and tama player Assane Thiam along with most of 'Super Etoile' are providing the backing to Abi's astonishingly beautiful vocals. She would I'm sure have had a hit without their help but with it, the whole album is just so gorgeous, its not true!. The final track is simply out of this world. ABSOLUTELY STUNNING ALBUM (F.T. Index: Limamoulaye, Borom Gall, Mbeuguel. ) | 1. MBEUGUEL
2. DJIGUENE
3. SA YO AME
4. MADIARO
5. GOR
6. MALAME SARR
7. TAMA FILA
8. BOROM GALL
9. LIMAMOULAYE |
   |
| ABLAYE MBAYE | XALEYI | XALEYICDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Xaleyi is blind boy Ablaye's third album and translates as 'The Children'. His power packed voice sounds more and more like Youssou Ndour's each time and accompanied by Lamine Faye and the rest of the Lemzo Diamono crew, the music is as good as Super Etoile's as well! So if you like Youssou or Lemzo Diamono or both then this album going to be right up your street. ( F.T.Index: Waat, Musiciens, Am Saxou, Xaleyi, Yaye Balma, Gued. ) [6T/31M] | 1. YAYE BALMA
2. XALEYI
3. MUSICIENS
4. AM SAXOU
5. WAAT
6. GUED |
   |
| ABOU DJOUBA DEH ET LE JAARE N'GENNDY | DIMO | DIMOCDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Quite an interesting style to Abou's mbalax as his incisive vocals put the bite on your ears one minute while his softer side is quite hypnotic the next. The music from the seven members of the group is a pleasure to listen to with the twinkling strings of Mamadou Sy and Djiby Dia's xalams up front and competeing with Moussa Ngning and Elle Mbaye's drumming. Nice bit of keyboard play from Aziz and Baidy Diallo which adds to the overall difference. ( F.T.Index:Cemmedel Kessel, Dewgal, Mounal, Jam E Kasamaas, Dimo, Dental. ) [6T/36M] | 1. CEMMEDEL KESSEL
2. DEWGAL
3. MOUNAL
4. JAM E KASAMAAS
5. DIMO
6. DENTAL |
   |
| ABY NGANA DIOP | LIITAL | LIITALCDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Strewth! Talk about having a powerful voice. Aby definitely sweeps all before her in that department and what's more the music does the same! Played at breakneck speed, in fact you'll find that the galloping horses and express trains on two of the tracks couldn't keep up the pace. Based on traditional call and response with a largely percussive backing every track is a storm of sound no matter if its played in a modern style like Dieuleul or more traditionally like the other tracks. What ever, it's a thunderously fantastic album. (F.T.Index: Liital, Dieuleul Dieuleul, Yaye Penda Mbaye. ) | 1. DIEULEUL - DIEULEUL
2. NDAME
3. YAYE PENDA MBAYE
4. LIITAL
5. SAPALY
6. NDADJE |
   |
| ACCA WELE | HIRI HIRI | HIRICDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| A real cracker from Acca, as her stunning voice powers out like a female version of Baaba Maal and in fact she uses much the same traditional style as he has on recent albums. The striking music is provided by Malal Mbaye and Seydou Gedda Sy on khalam,* Daouda Faye and Ma Samba Diop on sabar, djembe and tama drums plus the wicked squeaking of Issa Sow once again sawing the hell out of his riti. Arranger Cheikh Tidane Tall knowing when he is on to a good thing keeps his keyboards well away from the real music while the chorus of Fatou Sy and N'gninde Tine help to belt out the magic of this BRILLIANT ALBUM. (F.T.Index: Hiri Hiri, Walla Findo, Djimami Djimami, Mine Tchilame, Rougui Ly.) [8T/46M] * Senegalese lute. | 1. HIRI HIRI
2. ROUGUI LY
3. WALLA FINDO
4. DJIMAMI DJIMAMI
5. MINE DEBO
6. NALE
7. MINE TCHILAME
8. GUIDE LAME |
   |
| AICHA MBAYE | BAYE NIASS | BAYECDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| A beautiful traditional album which reminded me very much of Kine Lam's Sunu Cossaan. Once again its that eerie almost skin tingling vocal style of super singer Aicha together with Arame Samb and Diama Ndiaye that grabs you. However it wasn't the singing that I found outstanding this time but the gorgeous sound of Gorgui Soce's xalam. I much prefer the tinny tinkling of this Senegalese lute to the sound of the kora. (F.T.Index: S.O.S., Baye Niass, Xalaas, Adji Coumba Rose, Mamadou Diop, Khouma Mory, Maodo Sylla, Mamadou Diop Remix. ) [8T/40M] | 1. S.O.S.
2. XALAAS
3. ADJI COUMBA ROSE
4. MAMADOU DIOP
5. BAYE NIASS
6. KHOUMA MORY
7. MAODO SYLLA
8. MAMADOU DIOP (Remix) |
   |
| ALASSANE FALL | GAIN | GTVOL1CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Talented singer and songwriter Alassane and keyboard wizard Madou Diabate show just how good they are with this modern Mbalax album. With help from the equally talented Libass on lead guitar and Issa Sow, sawing his way through his Riti, they give all the album's six tracks a sound, style and quality every bit as good as Youssou N'dour and Super Etoile. This album isn't just a rather good likeness, it's a super original work of art in it's own right.. | 1. GAIN
2. WAX - JI
3. FATY
4. M'BAYE
5. YOON - WI
6. JAMBAT |
   |
| ALIOUNE MBAYE NDER AND LE SETSIMA | LENEEN | LENEENCDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Alioune's clear and incisive vocals get more impressive each time and this the fourth album from the ex-Lemzo Diamono singer finds him once again back in Dakar's Studio 2000. His group Le Setsima is basically the same with once again Malick Diaw and Charles Ndoye providing the razor edged guitar to the mbalax beat of Bassirou Mbaye and newcomers Lamine Toure and Talla Seck. If you have a look at the CD called Pansement - AFD003 it lists all the tracks except Tyson. However they are not the same set of recordings, differing in both recording length and artists taking part. [7T/34M] | 1. GEORGES
2. FASS DIOM
3. MY SISTER
4. TOI
5. LUKO WARAL
6. LENEEN
7. TYSON |
   |
| ALIOUNE MBAYE NDER AND LE SETSIMA | SUPER THIOF | STHIOFCDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Alioune started as a dancer and percussionist before joining Lemzo Diamono in 1991. He move up to became lead singer after a couple of years and left In 1994 to form the group Setsima. He released his first cassette entitled Live Fidak followed by Aduna in 1995, Leneen in 1997, Aladji in 1998, Pansement in 1999 and Super Thiof in 2000. His followers know him as Nder Boy and his inovative gimmicks and dance routines are all immediately copied by his youthful fans. A wonderful 28 minutes of class Mbalax. | 1. SAMMY
2. WADIOUR
3. SANS-ABRIS
4. MY BOY
5. JOSEPH
6. SUPER THIOF |
   |
| ALIOUNE MBAYE NDER AND LE SETSIMA | TAKUSAAN A DAKAR LIVE | AFD007CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| Another set of cracking songs from top rated singer Alioune and his band Le Setsima. | 1. DEFAITE
2. DROGUE
3. SANS ABRI
4. JOSEPH
5. YOON WI
6. TAMBACOUNDA
7. MY BOY
8. KEMAN
9. MY SISTER |
   |
| ALIOUNE MBAYE NDER AND LE SETSIMA GROUPE | CONFIANCE | CONFIANCECDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| A superb album of soft and smoothly sung Mbalax tracks from top artist Alioune Mbaye Nder and his group Le Setsima. I especially liked tracks 4, 5 and 8 which were outstanding. Released in 2007. | 1. CONFIANCE
2. SANS ABRI
3. NETALI
4. MANAYLA
5. FATELIKOUL DOM
6. DIEUREUDIEUF S. BAMBA
7. TAKK - TAYLE
8. SERIGNE MANSOUR
9. MANDINGO
10. LENNEN |
   |
| ALIOUNE MBAYE NDER AND LE SETSIMA GROUPE | COURAGE | COURAGECDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| Nder is regarded in Senegal as a modern day griot and a leading light of the modern Boul Fale generation. Released back in 2005 and with some interesting sounds, his music which until fairly recently was usually only seen on local tapes is now starting to appear on CD. He is known locally as the Prince of Mbalax and by others as even the King of Mbalax. Modernizing the traditional Wolof rhythms with all sort of Western influences while keeping traditional percussion instruments up front. Mainly sung in Wolof or French but you will hear English popping up every so often. | 1. COURAGE
2. SERIGNE TOUBA
3. SVP GORGUI NGORSI
4. YAYE SET
5. SOLIDARITE
6. YAYE BOY |
   |
| ALIOUNE MBAYE NDER AND LE SETSIMA GROUPE | PANSEMENT | AFD003CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| At first glance a compilation culled from tracks on the two cassettes Aladji and Leneen. However they have actually re-recorded the titles they wanted with a different line up of artists in studios in Dakar and then dubbed another lot of artists and instruments over them in Paris. Have a listen to Toi here and compare it to Toi on the cassette Leneen. For some strange reason they issued a few of the tracks from the CD on a cassette also called Pansement but also added another track called Serere which isn't on any other release not even the CD. Work that one out if you can. Needless to say my CD-R has the track Serere from the cassette added. | 1. PANSEMENT
2. FASS DIOM
3. LUKO WARAL
4. LENEEN
5. ALADJI
6. MY SISTER
7. DROGUE
8. GEORGE
9. TOI
10. NGUEM
11. SERIGNE MANSOUR
12. THIAT
13. TIVAOUANE
14. SERERE |
   |
| ALIOUNNE ET LE KASSE STARS | THIABI BI | THIABICDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Aliounne is one of the son of Ibrahim Kasse the founder of the 'Star Band de Dakar' in which Youssou N'dour first sang. This is the Kasse Stars second album and it's absolutely fabulous! The stunningly crisp and clear voice of Aliounne slices through the music like a knife through butter. It's basically mbalax with El Hadji Faye and Brigo setting a cracking pace on sabars and with a lovely horn section that includes trumpet, sax and trombone. While there are guitarists in the line-up its the well crafted keyboard lines of Rane Diagne and Bachir Dia which seem to be more noticeable. If you like Youssou N'dour then I guarantee you'll like this album, its just gorgeous. (F.T. Index: Mame Bamba , Wagane, Ndogal, ) [8T/41M] | |
   |
| ASSANE MBOUP | NATE-YI | NATECDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| This is Assane's third release and they get better each time. His precisely delivered and penetrating vocals are very arresting and also very beautiful. The band with a few changes and with no well known names - (guesting in there somewhere are singer Fatou Kine Mbaye, brilliant multi percussionist Pape Ndiaye and top guitarist Jean Pierre Gomez! ) - have again produced some top quality mbalax. Recommended, especially for the atmospheric Darou Khafor. ( F.T.Index: Sabablu, Darou Khafour, Walle Bagne, Nate-Yi, Pass-pass AK Farlu, Coumba Bakhaw. ) [6T/30M] | 1. NATE - YI
2. WALLE BAGNEI
3. SABABLUI
4. COUMBA BAKHAWI
5. PASS - PASS AK FARLUI
6. DAROU KHAFOR |
   |
| ASSANE NDIAYE AND LE RAAM DAAN | NGUISSTAL | NGUISCDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Assane is currently Thione Seck's backing vocalist but here gets his first go at lead with Thione providing the backing. While he sings very similar to the master he doesn't yet quite have his power but with Thione guiding him and with 'Le Raam Daan' backing him he is certainly on his way to the top. Adama Sarr is on lead guitar while God Sylla Mbaye and Barra Ndiaye belts out the percussion. 'Ligueye' is a cover of 'Blain Djigueul' from Thione's 'Ta Sa Boula Nekh' album, not quite the same spine tingling quality but damned near! Essential for Thione Seck fans. (F.T.INDEX: Darou-Salam, Kilifeu, Ligueye, Dine, Nguisstal, Niane-Gui .) [6T/32M] | 1. NGUISSTAL
2. DAROU-SALAM
3. LIGUEYE
4. DINE
5. NIANE-GUI
6. KILIFEU |
   |
| ASSANE NDIAYE ET LE NGEWEUL-GUI | XARIT | XARITCDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| A very rare and also superb six tracker from Assane which immediately made me think of Thione and Mapenda Seck as soon as the title track opened. As it goes on, the link to his two cousins and Le Raan Daam strengthens and if you know how good Thione was in the early days then you will love this album from start to finish just as I do. [6T/31M] | 1. XARIT
2. MBEUGUEL
3. YAYE NOGAYE
4. BAYE LAYE
5. DIEUKEUR
6. KHALEBI (SEYDINA) |
   |
| ASSANE NDIAYE ET LE NGUEWEL GUI | YONE WI | YONECDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Wonderful singing once again from Assane but on the CD version it also has some extra tracks which were culled from the Nguistal cassette. | 1. KILIFEU
2. YONE WI
3. WAKHY MAME
4. DIIW
5. MA WOYALENE
6. KIMA DOYE
7. LIGUEYE
8. XEW-XEW
9. NGUISSTAL AND NGUEWEL |
   |
| ASSANE THIAM | WALO | WALOCDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Another amazing percussion offering from master tama player Assane who is most often heard playing with Youssou Ndour and Super Etoile. Assane and Grand Thiam plus Mamadou Seck knock out some fair vocals to go with the booming drums while Tapha Faye once again adds a pinch of spice with his and Ibou Cisse's background keyboards. If you are into drums then you will be hearing four tamas all played by members of the Thiam family plus toungoune, thiol, talmbatt, mbeung mbeung, thioung and djembe. With all that lot it's a real throbber played at break neck speed! (F.T.Index: Salla Yayi Nder, Mame, Thiaya, Mame Penda, Thiep By, Art By. )[6T/25M] | 1. THIEP BY
2. ART BY
3. MAME PENDA
4. MAME
5. SALLA YAYI NDER
6. THIAYA |
   |
| BAABA MAAL | BAAYO | PALMCD2118-2CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| Deservedly reissued and remastered in 2003 on the Palm Pictures label. Originally issued in 1991 by Island, it was an instant classic with a wonderful duet between Baaba Maal and fellow Senegalese guitarist and singer Mansour Seck. Reminiscent of the magic of Djam Leelii which was released a couple of years earlier. Mansour is here but in the back seat this time as Baaba shows off his superb vocal mastery of traditional Senegalese folk music. Inside the booklet are the lyrics in English.
| 1. BAAYO
2. MARIAMA
3. JOULOWO
4. DIAHOWO
5. BAABA
6. BOUYEL
7. YERO MAMA
8. AGOUYADJI
9. DOGATA
10. SAMBA |
   |
| BAABA MAAL | GENERATION NOUVELLE AND NDILANE | ST2001-6CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Released back in 1990 these two cassettes recorded at Studio 2000 are a must have for any Baaba Maal collector. | 1. GENERATION NOUVELLE
2. NGALU
3. SIGNATURE
4. HAMADY BOIRO
5. SY SAWANDE
6. FREE MANDELA
7. DELIYA
8. BAMBADO
9. LARE
10. AR-YILO
11. YELA
12. HAMA YEROWEL |
   |
| BAABA MAAL | OLEL | E0301191-4CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| This one is an absolute classic. Released back in 1991 and then available all over West Africa! No concessions to European tastes on this one, it's pure Senegalese magic. STUNNING FROM START TO FINISH. ( F.T.Index: Lem Gi, Garoowo, Olel, Naange, Danube, Gidelam. ) [6T/40M] | 1. OLEL
2. GAROOWO
3. LEM GI
4. DANUBE
5. NAANGE
6. GIDELAM |
   |
| BAABA MAAL | SUNUGAL | SUNUGALCDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Another cracking traditional set from Baaba and side-kick acoustic guitarist Mansour Seck. I was quite excited by the first track, definitely hooked with the second and after that I just freaked out as it got better and better! The kora playing of Kawning Sissokho is pure magic as is Aly Diallo's wonderful flute. The percussionists also deserve a medal for their superb backing but without a doubt the chief gong has to go to Baaba for his unbelievably beautiful vocals. Gal Gui had me singing along at the top of my voice - terrified the neighbours - and left me breathless and on cloud nine......What an album! (F.T. Index: Gal Gui, Miskinebe, Woulobe Lele, Ndaga, Laabi Dine, Cherie, Miabe, Hommage A Guelaye. ) [8T/50M] | 1. NDAGA
2. WOULOBE LELE
3. GAL GUI
4. MISKINEBE
5. HOMMAGE A GUELAYE
6. LAABI DINE
7. CHERI (E)
8. MIABE |
   |
| BAABA MAAL | TIIM TIMOL | TIIMCDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Breaking away from the usual record in Senegal and then re-record in Paris, this album has been put together at Studio 2000 in Dakar and the Realworld Studio's over here. A real gem and its still a different set of tracks to his new CD. A bit electric in places like on Swing Yela and Yelo-Yelo but still a superb album. Mansour Seck provides some vocal backing but no guitar, watch out for his own new album in the next newsletter. Also listen out for bouzouki, bodhran, celtic harp, what next? Whatever it is, if its as brilliant as this album I'm getting a copy. STUNNING. ( F.T. Index: Amadou Ampathe Ba, Ca Est La, Yoni, Tiim Timol. ) | 1. NJILLAM WELLI
2. SWING YALA
3. CA EST LA
4. AMADOU AMPATHE BA
5. MBAYE
6. TIIM TIMOL
7. YONI
8. YELO-YELO |
   |
| BAABA MAAL | TONO | TONOCDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Wonderful album from Baaba who returns to form with the traditional acoustic music that made his stunning Djam Leeli such a big hit. Beautifully atmospheric recording with Kawni Sissokho on Kora, Dema Dia on Xalam, Bada Seck on percussion and Massamba Diop completing the line-up on Tama. I'm also told that Baaba is such a perfectionist that he is unlikely to let this album be released on the European market, he'll go and re-record it all first*. So if you want the original, get in quick as it's definitely going to be another very very sought after Classic. ABSOLUTELY STUNNING. *Released in 1996 and no sign of a CD yet! | 1. NIJILOU
2. FANTA
3. DIAMMA
4. HAYO MI DAGNI
5. WARA
6. NDAKAROU
7. TONO |
   |
| BAABA MAAL AND DANDE LENOL | AIWA | AIWACDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| The spine tingling effect that Baaba's vocals have given to his atmospheric acoustic releases is given a chance to do the same to a slower and very stylish electric set with stunning results. A must if you like Baaba as some of this album was recorded by mobile studio 'Le Douera Podor' in Senegal and it might not be released over here if previous albums are anything to go by. SIMPLY SUPERB. (F.T.INDEX: Nemanam, Dagnal Koni, Aiwa, Souka Nayo, Niwa, Ndakarou, Amin.) [7T/47M] | 1. NDAKAROU
2. NEMANAM
3. AMIN
4. AIWA
5. SOUKA NAYO
6. NIWA
7. DAGNAL KONI |
   |
| BAABA MAAL AND DANDE LENOL | DIAPASON DES STARS 97 Vol. 1 | STARS1CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Recorded live in the new Studio 2000 venue in central Dakar and making a refreshing change from those Mango high-tech studio releases. Right from the start you can sense the overpowering atmosphere generated by the crowd as Baaba lets his hair down, what bit he's got, after all it is his birthday party. The electric sound of Dande Lenol provide the immensely power packed backing which ranges through mbalax with a touch of gothic menace to wild reggae jammin, a gorgeous traditional number that gets faster and faster as the crowd join in with Baaba's echoing vocals. A bit of acapela and a stunning Afro-Cuban belter as well as 'Happy Birthday'! See how many of his party guests you can spot as they join in to make it a night to remember. Luciano, Omar Pene, Samba Diabare Samb, Coumba Gawlo Seck (Thione's daughter), Khar Mbaye Madiaga, Kine Lam, Marone, Mada Ba and Barkhane Ciss. Pure magic all the way and unlikely to ever be released over here. (F.T.INDEX: 3, 5, 4, 1, 2.) [5T/34M] (Also includes the 5 tracks of STARS2 with that magic final reggae track about the runaway chicken) | 1. DENTAL / O.U.A.
2. TEDUNGAL
3. AFRICANS UNITE (YOLELA)
4. JALALO / ALLAH ADDU JAMM
5. CHERIE |
   |
| BAABA MAAL AND DANDE LENOL | DIAPASON DES STARS 97 Vol. 2 | STARS2CDC | TC | £ 0.00 | |
| Recorded live in the new Studio 2000 venue in central Dakar and making a refreshing change from those Mango high-tech studio releases. Right from the start you can sense the overpowering atmosphere generated by the crowd as Baaba lets his hair down, what bit he's got, after all it is his birthday party. The electric sound of Dande Lenol provide the immensely power packed backing which ranges through mbalax with a touch of gothic menace to wild reggae jammin, a gorgeous traditional number that gets faster and faster as the crowd join in with Baaba's echoing vocals. A bit of acapela and a stunning Afro-Cuban belter as well as 'Happy Birthday'! See how many of his party guests you can spot as they join in to make it a night to remember. Luciano, Omar Pene, Samba Diabare Samb, Coumba Gawlo Seck (Thione's daughter), Khar Mbaye Madiaga, Kine Lam, Marone, Mada Ba and Barkhane Ciss. Pure magic all the way and unlikely to ever be released over here. (F.T.INDEX : 4, 5, 1, 2, 3.) [5T/31M] (See STARS1) | 1. KASANOURA
2. A CAPPELLA LUCIANO
3. HAPPY BIRTHDAY
4. AFRICAN WOMAN
5. HAMADY BOIRO |
| |
| BAABA MAAL AND LE DAANDE LENOL | FARBA | FARBACDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Originaly released in 2004 on cassette and later re-released on CD in 2013 but with a different set of only seven tracks instead of eight and also with changes to the spellings. My favourite tracks are the superb Waali and the missing from CD track Yela Yele. | 1. FARBA
2. DELLI DELLI
3. WAALI
4. GARBA DILLI
5. SAYDU NURU BA
6. MAN KENE
7. JAMANU
8. YELA YELE |
   |
| BAABA MAAL AND LE DAANDE LENOL | LAAMDO | LAAMDOCDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| A delicious album of older style mbalax with a little traditional thrown in for good measure. Targeted at the local market by the sound of it, so I would not expect to see it out on CD, in fact that has been the case with quite a lot of his recent Senegal only releases. Baaba's voice is on incredible form here as he effortlessly rises above the music only to swoop aside to let Kaw Cissokho's kora take on the sweetly played guitars. A very innovative mix that is definitely getting a place in my own collection. ( F.T.Index: Buur, Deungueul Naan, Gambia, Ngare Ngamen, Bouki, Dioula, Gongama. ) [7T/46M] | 1. BOUKI
2. BUUR
3. DEUNGUEUL NAAN
4. GAMBIA
5. NGARE NGAMEN
6. DIOULA
7. GONGAMA |
   |
| BAABA MAAL AND LE DAANDE LENOL | LIVE A LONDRES ET ST. LOUIS | LIVE1CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
This Senegal only cassette was released in 1999. The hymn is Baaba's introductory chant before he and the band warm up with a new version of old favorite, Demgalam. Then things really start to take off as the band launch into a couple of great dance tracks that will leave you gasping for breath. Get your wind back on side two as he teams up with Ernest Ranglin for a magic session of guitar picking before bowing out with the help of fellow vocalist Abou Djouba Deh in a pretty impressive display of tonsil power. Also in there somewhere are Mansour Seck and Ousmane Hamady Diop to name only a couple. ( F.T.Index: Koni, Borom Signature, Cherie, Dem Ngalam, Hymne Pour le Fouta. ) [6T/47M]
You may have seen the CD Live at the Royal Festival Hall which contains tracks 4 and 5. They are from the same recording but on the CD Douwayra is twice as long and Koni has an interesting introduction about where the song comes from. The other tracks are Senegalese recordings by Studio Mobile live at St Louis. | 1. HYMNE POUR LE FOUTA
2. DEM NGALAM
3. BOROM SIGNATURE
4. DOUWAYRA
5. KONI (AVEC ERNEST RANGLIN)
6. CHERIE (AVEC ABOU DJOUBA DEH) |
   |
| BAABA MAAL AND LE DAANDE LENOL | LIVE A LONDRES ET ST. LOUIS | LIVE2CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
This Senegal only cassette was released in 1999. Baaba's Vol. 2 continues with the second half of Cherie where you can start to hear who does what. Mansour Seck is there, so is Ousmane Hamady Diop, Tonia Lo, Kaouding Cissokho, Abou Thiam and Bakane Seck to name but a few. Everybody gets to show what they can do and after 16 minutes of the first track it changes noticably as Massamba Diop gives us a couple of intriguing displays of his tama drumming. The next track sees everyone joining in for a massively throbbing display of what Senegalese music is all about like getting yourself all hot, swaying and sweaty. Its brilliant, I feel exhausted and I'm only sitting in my chair doing the writeup. Strangely enough there are no track names listed. [5T/46M]
That wonderful first track gets 3 different 1 minutes clips - just incredible. Also not a mention of this incredible album anywhere on the web except here - no images, no clips, nothing. Is it rare or what. | 1. Title Unknown
2. Title Unknown
3. Title Unknown
4. Title Unknown
5. Title Unknown |
   |
| BAABA MAAL AND MANSOUR SECK | DJAM LEELII; THE ADVENTURERS | YOFFCD0001CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| The original 9 track album from 1989 has been re-released with 3 extra tracks of some of the most stunning music and song to ever come out of Senegal. Believe me you will be amazed. The original dark and simple artwork which was perfectly matched to the old album has given way to a creation that could be best described as a Technicolor vomit. However this CDR has the original artwork with updated track list. | 1. LAMTOORO
2. LOODO
3. MUUDO HORMO
4. SALMINANAM
5. MAACINA TOORO
6. DJAM LEELII
7. BIBBE LEYDY
8. SEHILAM
9. KETTODEE
10. KO WONE MAYO
11. DAANDE LENOL
12. TAARA |
   |
| BAABA MAAL AND MANSOUR SECK | NGAWLA | NGAWLACDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
The title says half of it but to complete the picture, Samba Diabare Samb sings and plays Xalam while Baaba and Mansour are of course lead vocals and guitars. Beautifully played Kora, Tama, Hoddou and various percussion sounds complete the line-up on this very much, back to basics album. The trio's vocal harmonies on a couple of songs are every bit as good if not better than anything on Djam Leelii or Tono and other tracks show us the beauty of the pure traditional style which many I'm sure don't even know exists. (The F.T.Index: Ngawla, Jalalo, Thiaroye) Baaba's Senegalese cassettes are always different recordings to those released in Europe. Last time sold on cassette in 2021 on Discogs it went for £75.00 so is it rare or just SUPER RARE
The CD Jombaajo released in 2000 has the first four tracks on it but the last two can only be found on the Ngawla cassette. | 1. LAGUIYA
2. NGAWLA
3. FARIBA
4. THIAROYE
5. GALOYABE
6. JALALO |
   |
| BAABA MAAL AND MANSOUR SECK | SOUVENIRS | SOUVENIRSCDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
The voices and acoustic guitars of Baaba and long time friend Mansour Seck glide effortlessly through a set of wonderful songs. They are accompanied by Bao and Kaouning Sissoko on kora, Barou Sall on xalam and percussionists Bada and Bakan Seck, El Hadj Aw and Assane Ndoye who also plays guitar. Their first western released album 'Djam Leelii' has stood as the bench mark against which other albums seeking 'Classic' status have been measured for some years but now this is now the new benchmark. ABSOLUTE CLASSIC. (F.T.INDEX: Tindol, Diofnde Fouta, Sanou, Diama-Rewo, Cerno Mountaga, Diama Goudiry, Miyewni, Cire-Cire.) [8T/48M]
If you browse YouTube for downloads of this album you will come across tracks 1, 2, 5 and 7 plus 8 from Torchy56 and tracks 1 - 6 and 7 plus 8 from Retros World Music Tapes. Neither set of tracks is correct and the Retros tracks are also quite a bit slower than Torchy's which are the same speed as my own. You will find that 7 and 8 are not one joined track but 5 and 6 are. Hope that makes it all clear. If not then buy my CDR which is perfect and wonderful. | 1 SANOU
2 DAMA-REWO
3 TINDOL
4 DIOFNDE FOUTA
5 MIYEWNI
6 CIRE-CIRE
7 CERNO MOUNTAGA
8 DIAMA GOUDIRY |
   |
| BAABA MAAL ET MAGUETTE WADE | TELE VARIETES | TELECDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Released in 1996 in collaboration with Maguette Wade the host of television program Tele Varietes. Baba returns to the traditional roots of Senegalese music with the help of invited guests, Thione Seck, Ndiaga Mbaye and Oumar Bassoum. While it may be a bit sparse on percussion it's pure magic regarding the sound of the hoddu's (three stringed lutes) and Maki Sall's guitar. Mansour Seck also gets in on the vocals but this album is really Baaba's show - literally - as it was taken from a Senegalese TV program. Baaba's rich and intensely atmospheric vocals make the simple and softly flowing music a real gem especially when he solo's on 'Duga'. (F.T.Index: Mame Adama, Duga, Tarra, Seede, Laguiya, Galo Yaabe. ) [6T/46M] Very, very rare indeed, just try and find a copy. Have a listen to the clips but please do not be tempted to turn up the volume as parts are very quiet and then the vocals boom in and could blow your speakers. With that in mind I made a second version where the quieter bits are increased to a more balanced level. If you would prefer this one please ask for Disc B when you order. | 1. MAME ADAMA
2. GALO YAABE
3. DUGA
4. TAARA
5. SEEDE
6. LAGUIYA |
   |
| BIDEEW BOU BESS | NDEKETE YOO | NDEKETECDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Senegalese rap that can really set the mood with their catchy songs. No musicians, just Andy Shafte's electronic wizardry belting out the backing tunes for rapeurs Yaaram Bi, master B and PMD. Its definitely singing up front with the boy's guests doing their bit in real style - Youssou Ndour, Viviane, Mbaye Dieye Faye and Mbaye Ndiaye no less! If you thought rap was close to crap this little offering with its African/Mbalax influences will change your mind for ever. | 1. NDEKETE YOO !
2. YEETE
3. MBEGEEL
4. OU - AH !
5. WAAYOO
6. KAAY XOOL |
   |
| BU BACA | AFRICA | BUBACACDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Now here's something very different. A Senegalese/Australian group that mix Senegalese rhythms with reggae, rap, etc, and what a brilliant idea and album it is too. Singer Bu Baca was born on the island of Goree made infamous by the slave trade but moved to Australia along with rhythm guitarist Ababacar and keyboard player Lypso Aboud. They are joined by Paul Burton and Victor Round on guitars, Chris Sweeny on percussion/drums, Craig Walter and Michael Bikosky on horns plus chorus girls Ronnie and Melanie. Bu Baca's exuberant nature is infectious and clearly shows in the bright and bouncy music that is definitely dance orientated. ( F.T.Index: Njare, Macumba, Island Goree, X88, Exciting, Mystery of Love, Africa, No More War, Running Away, Jamaica. ) [11T/42M] | 1. MYSTERY OF LOVE
2. MACUMBA
3. NO MORE WAR
4. RUNNING AWAY
5. NJARE
6. X88 (SHORT VERSION)
7. EXITING
8. JAMAICA
9. AFRICA
10. HALEJULA
11. ISLAND GOREE |
   |
| DEGE GUI | DUNDE GUI | DUNDECDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Abdoulaye Ba and Abdallah Diop who make up the duo Dege Gui are 'Presented by Positive Black Soul' so I was expecting a rap album but it is actually a very good mbalax album which incorporates rap style lyrics with great effect. Pape Ndiaye provides the explosive percussion while Tapha Faye takes care of programation and keyboards. [6T/26M] | 1. FATOU SOW
2. SOUFSI
3. PATIENCE
4. PEKHEP NONE
5. MOUME NENE
6. GOUNELLE |
   |
| DIAL MBAYE | FAWADE WELE | KSF005CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| No release date on it but if memory serves me correctly this was her first release back in the early 90's. Dial or Jaal as she is also known as, has a tremendously powerful vocal presence which scared the hell out of me and the microphone in this recording. Backing vocals come from Kine Lam (a favour Dial was to return later on Balla Aissa Boury) and the strangely named Check Berry Mboup who leads the group Yacheikh. ( F.T.Index: Fawade Wele, Nango Liguey, Defal Yallah, Foureul, Fouleu, Ramatoulaye. ) [6T/35M] | 1. FAWADE WELE
2. NANGO LIGUEY
3. DEFAL YALLAH
4. FOUREUL
5. FOULEU
6. RAMATOULAYE |
   |
| DIAL MOUSSA ALE | JARNAKO | JARNAKOCDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Dial is a singer in the true classic style with a voice that that can shatter concrete and move houses faster than Pickfords. Her traditional group is very good musically and is composed of kora, guitar, xalam and sabar drums plus a sampler which lurks in the background but doesn't interfere with the real musicians. Star of the show is definitely Dial's explosive vocals. (F.T.Index: Jugeen Sa Ndam, Lallilaloo La, Maala Waxal Loolu, Jarnako, Gaar Walle, Duma Weel.) [6T/38M] | 1. JARNAKO
2. GAAR WALLE
3. DUMA WEET
4. LALLILALOO LA
5. MAALA WAXAL LOOLU
6. JUGEEN, SA NDAM |
   |
| DIAL MOUSSA ALE AND LE GROUPE FULLE | PELLO PELLO | PELLOCDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| More magic from Dial and that stunning voice of hers. As is usual and this being her 7th album (1998) the backing of the Groupe Fulle is again on top form. Some lovely bits of music come into their own when Dial and the girls have the occasional breather to change tempo and style rather like the Congolese seben. The final track is amazing as Dial blasts out the song with just a background drone for accompaniment. Stunning.......... | 1. PELLO PELLO
2. BAAY RAWAAN
3. BUSO BAALI
4. IDIMATY
5. BOR FEY
6. ASIKALA
7. GOOTO GOOTO
8. NJOOGU FAAMA |
   |
| DIALE MOUSSA ALE AND LE GROUPE FULLE | BETE BETE | BETE-BETECDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Superb traditional album with a great singer and gorgeous music. WONDERFUL. | 1. BETE-BETE
2. NDENKAANE
3. TERANGA
4. PEEY
5. DIINE JI
6. JEEG BI
7. PERE MAXA
8. WAAJUR |
   |
| DIOGAL SAKHO | XARIIT TAFFA | XARIITCDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| INCREDIBLY BEAUTIFUL! That's what I thought as soon as I heard the opening title track and none of the other tracks were to change that first thought at all. Recorded at Studio de L'oiseau in Paris it's almost a one man album from Diogal who composed the songs, sings them ever so sweetly and plays some gorgeous acoustic guitar backed by his own soft percussion and keyboards. He does have a little bit of help from guests Jean Philippe Rykiel, Didier Malherbe, Pape Dieye, Tatiane Ehrlich and Wasis Diop. If this first album is anything to go by then he could be Senegal's answer to Gabon's Pierre Akendengue. I first listened to this album when it was released in 1997 and its been on my shelf ever since. Boy, have I been missing something for the last 20 years. [6T/29M] | 1. XARIIT TAFFA
2. CUMBE
3. MASSA THIONO
4. KHALEY AFRICA
5. YA KHALIFA
6. MARIEME |
   |
| DJIBY DRAME | SONINCO | SONINCOCDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| Djiby's raspy vocals make an immediate impact as he growls into action in this lovely semi traditional style album. The sweetly sung backing comes from Goundo Cissokho while the instrument line-up is composed of kora, xalam, tama, djembe, thioung, percussion, guitare and clavier. [31M] | 1. SONINCO
2. DIALIYA
3. N'TERILE
4. SAMBOU
5. AICHA
6.KEUR NIDIAYE WELY |
   |
| DOUDOU NDAIYE ROSE | DJABOTE | CDRW43CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| After a remarkably successful debut in the rest of Europe Doudou and his all drum orchestra are starting to bring the roots of Senegalese drumming back to a wider audience in Africa. This album really lets fly with the dramatic massed drums pounding out their Senegalese tribal rhythms on all tracks. The French invaders of the 1800's would have been quaking in their boots hearing this coming from the jungle, I know all the hairs on the back of my neck stand up when I listen to it's throbbing electrifying beat. The vocals are stunning when they put in an appearance as in the track 'Chants du Burgam'. Definitely not produced on a small scale as it sounds as if they have half the population of Dakar singing and clapping with them. Over 50 minutes of pure magic. Brilliant album in every way. | 1. LIGUEYOU NDEYE
2. CHEIKH ANTA DIOP
3. ROSE RHYTHM
4. SIDATI AIDARA
5. BAYE KENE NDIAYE
6. CHANTS DU BURGAM
7. KHINE SINE
8. KHINE SALOUME
9. WALO
10. TABALA GANAR
11. DIAME
12. NDIOUK |
   |
| EL HADJ FAYE | AFRICA 2000 | 001CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Vocalist with Etoile 2000 and Etoile De Dakar before going on his own. I thought it was a wonderful album when I heard it first time and ordered a load. However only a few copies arrived from Senegal so I put it in my collection and forgot about it for years. Having sold the last copy it was time to archive it in my CDC collection and listening to it now in 2018 what have I been missing? It's just magic. Have a listen to the clips. | 1. DIAMONO
2. DIAWALE WOKO
3. SOWELE
4. WAKH BAKHUL
5. DELUA
6. MARIAMA |
   |
| EL HADJ FAYE | CHEIKH IBRA FALL | SA001CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Ex-Etoile de Dakar singer with Youssou in the late 70's and then leader of his own Star Band de Dakar in the 80's. He has been through a bad patch, not helped by the bottle, especially as Senegal is predominantly a Muslim country. This is his second release since kicking the bottle and what a scorcher it is. A virtually complete new line up this time as the 12 strong traditional group go through their paces. Wonderful. (1996) | 1. CHEIKH IBRA FALL
2. KASSOU LERYI
3. SIGNARI
4. DJIRIM
5. WIRI - WIRI
6. AFRO MANISERO
7. YAYE TIMME |
   |
| ETOILE DE DAKAR | ETOILE DE DAKAR | ET001CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| | 1. TOLOU BADOU N'DIAYE - ETOILE DE DAKAR
2. KINE KINE - ALADJ FAYE
3. MBADANE - RANE DIALLO
4. N'GONE N'DIAYE - ALE NIANG
5. ALADJ - ALADJ FAYE
6. NIT KOU NGNOUL - YOUSSOU NDOUR |
   |
| ETOILE DE DAKAR | KHALEY ETOILE Vol. 4 | DAD2104CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| | 1. KHALEY ETOILE
2. SILMAKHA
3. SAMA GUENTH
4. M'BAYE GUEYE
5. YOUSSOU
6. ALBOURY |
| |
| FALLOU DIENG | WEEX BET | WEEXCDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Going up in the world - Released in 1997 this album gets a make-over from Studio Madeleine in Paris. The same line up as on his previous hit - Biri Biri with the exception of the horn section for some unknown reason. The guys in France have smoothed off the rough edges and made this a slick album which is very nice. The music is well upto standard and the vocals are terrific, very Youssou Ndour in style. Just magic as he belts out the duet with Ndeye Fatou Camara on Deudj. Superb. [8T/44M] | 1. BANNO
2. MA FIIT
3. SENGHOR
4. LAMB JI
5. WEEX BET
6. SADIOBANE
7. TURONDO
8. DEUDJ |
   |
| FATOU LAOBE | DOOLE | LAOBECDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| A magic album of leumbeul dance music which is a real chassis shaker and with the scantily clad Fatou in particular it also leaves very little to the imagination. Fatou has been a backing singer and dancer to Abou Diouba, Ousmane Hamady Diop and Baaba Maal during the last twelve years. Now Abou Diouba has helped her with her first solo release which is a tribute to her own Pulaar culture and the leumbeul dance in particular. So get ready to singe your socks while Fatou's voice bombards your hearing with stunners such as Kalidu. [8T/43M] Doole, Baayi Aboo, Kalidu, Souleymaan, L'an 2000, Mbiyeesee, Saltige, Dalulu. | |
| |
| GALAXY | NIAANI | NIAANICDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| If you have the wonderful 'Tuki' album by Hasse Walli and Asamaan you will notice straight away that this album sounds very similar in style and with good reason. The lead singers are Rane Diallo and Meissa Niang the latter was the leading vocalist with Asamaan. This album was also recorded in Finland with the help of a few of the local musicians. However this time round Hasse Walli's magic guitar is taken up full throttle by maestro Libasse Sall. The tama and sabar playing of Yamar Thiam is outstanding and is going to take some beating as he goes for gold on Bet Sebbi and Kham Kham, wow! Brilliant from start to finnish? (F.T.Index: Guindi, Mbayum Tool, Bet Sebbi, Kham Kham, Were Wi, Sire, Niaani.) [7T/40M] | 1. MBAYUM TOOL
2. BET SEBBI
3. SIRE
4. WERE WI
5. GUINDI
6. KHAM KHAM
7. NIAANI |
   |
| GROUPE LE FOGNY | LIVE CICES | FOGNYCDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| Very nice live album which contains most of the tracks released on their last CD. I would assume that the dancers are on stage as there are quite long periods of relatively repetative playing which doesn't however stop the crowd from roaring their approval. Great singing from the girls and nice music in the smooth style that tells you it is from the Casamance region. Track 10, Essukey Yakone, although listed on the original CD is missing from the actual CD and has been removed from my CD-R track list. Still 75 minutes of great music. | 1. MOKOYO CISSE
2. PIERRE GOUDIABY
3. ADIAMATE
4. LANDING SAVANE
5. BAGNANE
6. BOUKOUT
7. SIMILIMA
8. ELUPEI
9. DOUTO
10. KELOUMACK
11. COUPALOME |
   |
| HENRY GUILLABERT AND GUESTS | BENN | BENNCDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| You've probably never heard of Henry Guillabert who arranged this album but you will know his guest singers. Youssou Ndour who is beautifully backed by Viviane on Wiri Wiri, Pape Niang on Taar, Afsana Rahamatali on Were, Ismael Lo on Niangane, Cheikh Lo on N'dox and lastly Henri himself who isn't a singer with a lovely instrumental version of Jaam. Recorded at Youssou's Studio Xippi, Henry has also managed to get together a bunch of top musicians to help with the gorgeous music in the form of Oumar Sow and Badu Ndiaye on guitar and Thio Mbaye and Mbaye Diaye Faye on percussion. A bit like a compilation but for Youssou, Cheikh and Ismael fans its a very collectable item and also a smashing album in its own right. Definitely recommended. (F.T.Index: Wiri Wiri, Niangane, N'dox, Jaam, Taar, Were. ) [6T/25M] | 1. WIIRI-WIIRI
2. TAAR
3. WEWE
4. NIANGANE
5. N'DOX
6. JAAM |
   |
| ISMAEL LO | AFRIQUE SUNU | AFRIQUESUNUCDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Having listened to the 'ISMAEL LO' album released at the same time from Mango I've only got one thing to say, 'Mango, boy did you pick the wrong one.' Having been a fan of Ismael's music for years and heard him re-hash his old tracks for the Mango release, which is good, you just get blown away by this stunner. All new material and guitar by Lokassa and Daly Kimoko. The mind boggles at the man's versatility. ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS | 1. DIOP LE MAIRE
2. NDEYE WASSANAME
3. 60,000
4. AFRIQUE SUNU
5. TARANGA SENEGAL
6. KHAR |
   |
| ISMAEL LO | XIIF | CEL8725CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| A superb album from singer, guitarist and harmonica player Ismael, one of Senegal's most talented artists. This was one of the first Senegalese albums that I bought and it still stays as one of my all time favorites. Going first to the Dakar School of Art and acting in films before joining top group Super Diamono, which he left in 1984 to start a solo career. This album was his first release way back in 1985. Just have a listen to the clips of Africa's own version of Bob Dylan in action. | 1. ALAL
2. BODE GOR
3. XIIF (Ethiopie - Sahel)
4. CEDDO
5. DIOUMAA
6. MARIE LO |
   |
| JAAL MBAAY | SAXIIR CAAM A FI SARGAL JIGEEN | SAXIRCDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| An ABSOLUTELY stunning album. The opening track 'Bakkjigeen' is so different that it can't be compared to any other song that you're ever going to hear from Senegal. As for 'Bennoo Bi', which always makes the hair on the back of my neck stand on end, it's just incredibly beautiful. This album is pure magic and I still can't beleive that its not out on CD and storming the World Music Charts! | 1. BAKKJIGEEN (TAALIF)
2. JIGEEN NAA NGI LIGGEEY
3. BENNOO BI
4. JIGEEN YOMBOUL
5. BENNOO BI (AK RIITI TUBAAB)
6. NJABOOT GUY JURAL |
   |
| KHOUR MBEGUE | DOMOU DJOLOOF | DOMOUCDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Y..E..S..!! This is my kind of music. An irresistible throbbing dance beat with a sweet and smooth mix of ragga and rap which is seasoned with plenty of soul. It is sung in a patchwork of French, English and the local lingo and its sung with plenty of feeling. The smashing vocals from Mac N'jaay, Hoomy Hook and Sister Keisha are superbly backed by Robert Lahoud who takes care of the programmation, the arrangement, the guitar and mixing, he couldn't manage the tama so he left that to Ma Mane Thiam. (FT Index: Khour Mbegue, Abolition, Domou Joloof, Mbollo Moy Doole, Afreeka (Intro), None, Papiloh, Sexy Girl.) [8T/36M] Released in 1996. | 1. AFREEKA (INTRO)
2. MBOLLO MOY DOOLE
3. ABOLITION
4. SEXY GIRL
5. DOMOU JOLOOF
6. NONE
7. KHOUR MBEGUE
8. PAPILOH |
   |
| KINE LAM | GALASS Vol. 3 | VOL3CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| The soft musical background provides the perfect vehicle for Kine's sharp and gutsy vocals. | 1. GALASS
2. SEY
3. TAKKO WADE
4. RIJAALULAH
5. DARMANKO
6. SIDA
7. NDEYE PENDA
8. JAMBAR-YI |
   |
| KINE LAM | LE RETOUR | RETOURCDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Kine has always been one of my favorite Senegalese singers and this album is another cracker in her semi-traditional style. Abou Guisse's xalam twangs softly in the background accompanied by Soriba Kouyate's kora and even a bit of Saraba's flute putting in an appearance. The guest drummers in the form of Super Etoile's Assane Thiam and Super Diamono's Thio Mbaye put in a real belter of a performance. A superb album and definitely recommended. | 1. LE RETOUR
2. SOUHANE (DIAMA)
3. NDER
4. BAMBA (NDINDY)
5. GUILE
6. TERALE
7. YAYE
8. SIDY
45 MINUTES |
   |
| KINE LAM | NOREYNI | KSF15CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Not much known outside of Francophone West Africa, Kine and her band are one of Senegal's top groups. This Paris recorded album shows just how beautiful and sweet her vocals can be as she leads the group through it's complex Mbalax rhythms. Cheikh Tidiane Fall's guitar is highlighted by some super percussion from Massaer Samb and Papa Demba Mbaye helped by Congolese keyboard maestro Manu Lima. SUPERB. | 1. KARA NOREYNI
2. NIMAY DOXEE
3. YOBENTE YALLA
4. DOMAINE NATIONAL
5. ASC JARAAF
6. LI WARAL LI |
   |
| KINE LAM | SEY | WC43004CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| Kine Lam is Sengal's foremost female vocalist, the female equivalent to Youssou N'Dour, both in popularity and her mastery of the Senegalese music, mbalax. A spectacular singer, she spans the worlds of traditional and popular music, blazing new trails with every album. Her new album Sey is a triumphant culmination of her long artistic development. The powerful music of Sey is fuelled equally by Kine Lam's super-charged vocals and the band's dynamic, extremely kinetic playing. This is music with deep traditional roots yet totally contemporary energy. | 1. SEY
2. SOUMA SAGNONE
3. BOROM KEUR
4. BAMBA
5. WADIOU
6. TASCATOU KHIBAR
7. WALLOU
8. DEURAM
9. WAKH BAAKHOOL
10. MBAARMI
11. MAME THIERNO
12. LEBU |
   |
| KINE LAM | SUNU COSSAAN No. 1 | SUNUCDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| 'Our Tradition', recorded at Studio 2000 in Dakar and also arranged by Cheikh Tidiane Tall. It's a complete departure from her previous more modern Mbalax style albums. Totally ethnic in concept with beautiful slow and complex rhythmic percussive interplays on Sabars and Tama drums mixed with the wonderful, almost unique, string sounds of Xalam player Malick Soce, who weaves his magic around Kine's powerful but golden toned vocals. Magnificent doesn't enter into it, just have a listen to 'Oumou Tabara' or 'Serin Dagana'. This album is pure Classic from start to finish. | 1. OUMOU TABARA
2. KOR JAMBOOR
3. NDINDI
4. BUUNA ALBURY
5. SERIN DAGANA
6. DAARU XUDOOS
7. BAAYU DOXANDEEM
8. DEMBA WAAR |
   |
| KINE LAM | SUNU THOSSANE No. 2 | THIERNOCDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| The traditional sound of 'Sunu Cossaan No 1' was a big hit out in Senegal and this follow-up album is doing the same. This time Youssou Ndour's bass and keyboards maestro - Habib Faye - is in charge and turns out a very impressive neo-traditional album. Kine's razor sharp vocals power out over the gorgeous music coming from the eighteen piece backing group. Composed of a ten strong percussion section with xalam players Malick Soce and Abou Guisse, a bit of guitar here and there and a mix of vocalists including Chuck Berry Mboup! Wonderful album all the way. (F.T.Index: Sourang Mberi, Lebu, Mame Thierno, Kor Leer, Souma Sagnone. ) [8T/46M] | 1. MAME THIERNO
2. MBAARMI
3. KOR LEER
4. LEBU
5. DEURAM
6. SOURANG MBERI
7. WAKH BAAKHOUL
8. SOUMA SAGNONE |
   |
| KINE LAM AND LE KAGGU | DEURBI | KLCDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Kine's albums get better with every new release. On explosive form here with her modern mbalax band 'Le Kaggu' she really lets rip with that fantastic voice of hers. Habib Faye helps Moustapha Ngom and Doudou Konare on guitars as well as on keyboards and drum machine. Unfortunately for me xalam players Malick Soce and Abou Guisse don't get much of a look-in but trumpeters Phillipe Slominsky and Alex Perdigon have a real party. Not to be missed is the backing chorus of the lovely Myriam Bety and Awa Maiga. Tascatu Khibar with its Cuban influence was rather nice but Souma Sagnone especially the second version is the one to become a classic. (F.T.Index: Wadiou, Souma Sagnone, Bamba, Sey.) [8T/46M] This album is so good that U.S. record company Shanachie have now released it as 'PRAISE' on CD No. SHANCD64062. | 1. SOUMA SAGNONE
2. SEY
3. BOROM KER
4. BAMBA
5. WADIOU
6. TASCATOU KHIBAR
7. WALLOU |
   |
| KOCC BARMA | LU WAAY DEFF BOPPAM | KOCCCDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| One of the most amazing sounds I think I've ever heard from Senegal! Two guys, Maxi Crazy and Joe Xe are 'rapeurs' and writers with some startling sounds and innovations. Who would think of combining the sound of the traditional riti, flute and djembe with rap keyboards played by Beethoven! For that matter who would make a Senegalese rap version of Dolly Parton's 'Joleen', the mind just boggles but I loved it. Odd one out is the melodic Toute Ma Vie sung by Sister Joyce which comes as bit of a surprise but very nice as they all are. (F.T.Index: Bul Di Shine, Birel Di Ban, Toute Ma Vie, Xadi, Bis Dina Mese New, Lu Waay Deff Boppam, Maman.) [8T/32M] | 1. BUL DI SHINE
2. BIS DINA MESE NEW
3. XADI
4. BIREL DI BAN
5. MAMAN
6. LU WAAY DEFF BOPPAM
7. TOUTE MA VIE
8. BUL DI SHINE (INSTRUMENTAL) |
   |
| LEMZO DIAMONO | EN LIVE Vol. 1 | LDLV1CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| The instrumental 'Intro' is magic but then you could say that about both of these albums. Leader Lamine Faye plays some wonderful guitar while Tapha Faye kicks in with a bit of natty trombone as well as his usual keyboards. Sanou Diouf is on saxes with Mahanta Faye and Moussa Traore taking care of the drumming. Vocals come courtesy of Pape Diouf and Mamadou Maiga who are in turn backed by the sweet voices of Amy Mbengue and Awa Dem. Very well recorded with hardly a peep out of the Studio 2000 audience. Watch out for guests Fatou Guewel and Group Sope Noreyni and Groupe Misaal. Vol. 1 - [7T/49M] Vol. 2 - [6T/57M] | 1. INTRO
2. MOURIDOULAH
3. MBAGNICK
4. BOROM DEUR BI
5. FAGAROU
6. CHANCE
7. ARMOMINE |
   |
| LEMZO DIAMONO | EN LIVE Vol. 2 | LDLV2CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| See Vol. 1 for details. | 1. YAROU
2. SIMB
3. NDAMAL DAROU
4. SOUBOBA
5. JUSTICE
6. ZIKROULAH |
   |
| LEMZO DIAMONO | VOLUME 5 | DAROUCDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| You could tell that this was going to be a real classy mbalax album as soon as Lamine Faye started to let loose with some of his terrific guitar playing. At least that's what I thought until I was stopped dead by the second track, 'Wallou-Ma', which just hit me for six. Hauntingly sung by Cecile Abo Niang with backing from fellow chorus girl Amy Mbengue its just gorgeous. The girls continue to add their sparkle on the other tracks but Lamine makes sure that they don't steal the show completely with some smashing guitaring. A wonderful album which should be in every Senegalese collection. Lemzo's best yet? (41M] | 1. DAROU RAHMANE
2. WALLOU-MA
3. TIENS-TOI BIEN
4. FAGAROU
5. RESPECT
6. CASA DI MANSA
7. CONOY LEMZO
8. BOROM DEURBI |
   |
| LEMZO DIAMONO GROUP | JOM Vol. 1 | JOMCDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Cracking set of tracks from Lemzo and the group. Four of which in to making the Sterns release MARIMBILAX. Have a listen to some magic. | 1. SPORTIFS
2. TAAW BI
3. BOUL KO FOWE
4. MIGRATION
5. KILIFA
6. MARIMBILAX (BEAT) |
   |
| LEMZO DIAMONO GROUP | SETSIMA | SETSIMACDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Smashing release from this offshoot of Super Diamono which is just bursting at the seams with the vibrant guitar playing of leader Lemzo (Lamin Faye). Very much a big band sound with the horn section really showing their paces on Guissane and the girls getting their chance on Goree, both of which are gorgeous tracks. Mind you, its almost impossible to fault any of the six tracks on this album. Yes, it is that good! | 1. MY LOVER - SETSIMA
2. GOREE
3. GUISSANE
4. METIERS
5. KEMANE
6. LI MATA NIANE |
   |
| MAASKOOL | MASSA THIONO | MASSACDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Dakar meets New York with some very intriguing tracks. The rich and velvety voice of Maaskool is in charge while sweet voiced Alisha Zeboulon provides most of the lovely backing chorus. The rest of the line-up changes to suit the mood of the song but includes Junior Reid, former lead vocalist with Black Uhuru who guests on the title track and a lovely drum driven version of 'Senegalese Girl' from sabar player Cheikh Tairou Mbaye. Sung in a catchy mix of English and local languages, the hookey track 'Senegalese Girl' is my favourite. As it says..... 'Cheb bu gen mun na co baye, waxe senegalese girl munuma co baye'. This translates as: 'Rice and fish I can leave it, but Senegalese girl it's not possible that I leave her'. I can say the same about this album, I've got to have one! (F.T.INDEX: Senegalese Girl, Griot (the story), Griot, Voodoo Child, Massa Thiono, Sexy Love, Sabelle.)[8T/37M] | 1. SENEGALESE GIRL
2. SEXY LOVE
3. SABELLE
4. SENEGALESE GIRL (Tak- Mix)
5. MASSA THIONO
6. GRIOT
7. VOODOO CHILD
8. GRIOT (The Story) |
   |
| MAPENDA SECK | NATTOU | NATTOUCDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Thione Seck's brother Mapenda with his second album which is a little cracker! Although the artistic line-up is small, only six in fact, their talented use of modern technology especially by master guitarist Lamine Faye makes it sound more like sixty! The songs are all superbly sung with great feeling and are all very dancable as my little tootsies can testify. SHEER MAGIC! | 1. TEDD
2. MALAXO
3. LAMISSO
4. NATTOU
5. DOOMU JIITLE
6. DABAAX |
   |
| MARIE NGONE NDIONE | TIDA... NDANG - VOL 3 | TIDACDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| Magic from start to finish on this her third album. Modu Mbaye's Tama sets the stage for Baboulaye Cissokho's twinkling Kora and Jimmy Mbaye's Guitar. (2007) | 1. TIDA NDANG
2. MARIAMA
3. FANSTHI
4. NANGUILOKHI
5. DJONGAMA
6. MOUNIA NGARI |
   |
| MAXOU AND LEMZO DIAMONO | DEMB AK TEY | MAXOUCDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| The latest release from the Super Diamono offshoot with brilliant guitar work from Lemzo (Lamin Faye) and great vocals from Maxou throughout. It's very difficult with music this good to pick out a favorite but 'Niokoro Koba' wins by a whisker from 'Ndataly Fall' in the Mbalax stakes. However the stunning last tracks 'Mbacoumbay' and 'Taara' with their slower and more rootsy style definitely take some beating. | 1. GOREE
2. NDATALY FALL
3. NIOKORO KOBA
4. TETE TOUMA
MBACOUMBAY
6. TAARA |
   |
| MISAAL | LEER | LEERCDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Cracking stuff from 1996 as the group Missal team up with the more famous Xalam. The opening track actually sounds a bit like a Senegalese version of Ladysmith Black Mambazo but wait, there's more! Solid vocals throughout with plenty to sing along with, I just love tapes like this where you can get in the bath and scream your head off to your heart's content. Musically though the whole thing is very, very polished with excellently played keyboards and a big and explosively brassy horn line-up. Fatou Ndiaye appeared twice as a space filler on the cassette so I have left it in on the CD. ( F.T.Index: Ladula, Leer, Ayo Bayo, Fatou Ndiaye, Ding Ding, Galz, Mbosse. ) [8T/38M] | 1. LEER
2. GALZ
3. AYO BEYO
4. DING DING
5. FATOU NDIAYE
6. MBOSSE
7. LADULA
8. FATOU NDIAYE |
   |
| MOUSSA NGOM | BANJUL | BANJULCDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Interesting album that doesn't get a mention anywhere on the web except here. Fairly regular Mbalax to start with and then gets a bit experimental as you can hear from the last track. Moussa is the vocalist but this could almost be a Lamine Faye album as he plays guitar and sings and composed and arranged it all with a bit of help from Pape Diop - bass, Moustapha Faye - keyboards and Mpenda Seck on backing vocals to mention a few. | 1. BANJUL
2. SANGUE
3. KAMALIMBA
4. SALOUM
5. KALL
6. MBEK |
   |
| MOUSSA NGOM AND ENSEMBLE LYRIQUE | CIRCULATION LAMPE FALL - TRADITIONNEL DU SENEGAL | TRADITIONNELCDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| A beautiful traditional album from Moussa and the group which comprises four percussionists, xalam, flute, kora and balafon players plus an all girl chorus. All the artists get a chance to show their paces and I can't say that any one instrument was more outstanding than the rest, they were all brilliantly played. However one track that I particularly liked was Tiedo as it shows the roots of one of my favourite Ismael Lo tracks. Moussa was a vocalist with Super Diamono in the 80's and before that he sang with the Guelewar Band from Gambia. This is his third solo album but his first in the traditional style which has been building up a tremendous following since the release of Kine Lam's Sunu Cossaan and Baaba Maal's Tono. Wonderful all the way through. (F.T. Index: Ismaila, Tiedo, Laye Soumalaye, Sama Yae Dem Na Ndar. ) [6T/30M] | 1. CIRCULATION LAMPE FALL
2. ISMAILA
3. TIEDO
4. BAYE FALL
5. LAYE SOUMALAYE
6. SAMA YAYE DEM NA NDAR |
   |
| NDEYE MARIE NDIAYE GAWLO | BEETA FELAA | BEETACDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| A real ripper of an album that sees Ndeye storming away with the chorus in hot pursuit and you can believe it too, her voice isn't measured in decibels it uses the Richter scale. The music is superb with thundering tama from Papa Ndiaye, luscious guitar from Papis Diouf and the absolutely spot on tinkling from Tapha Faye's keyboards and it takes a lot to get me to say that. Mustn't forget to mention Dara Guisse's beautifully played xalam or for that matter the great job done by the chorus who finally catch up on track four. A tremendous album that might be described as semi-traditional with heavy metal overtones. ( F.T.Index: Ligeeya Woor, Gewal, Beeta Felaa, Ayda, Mbaax Sa Fasa, Yal Nafi Yag. ) [6T/30M] | 1. BEETA FELAA
2. LIGEEYA WOOR
3. AYDA
4. GEWAL
5. YAL NAFI YAG |
   |
| NDEYE MARIE NDIAYE GAWLO | GAWLA SENEGAL | GAWLOCDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| A wonderful album that's not to be missed. Oh boy! can she sing and with great music as well. | 1. ALLAL
2. DIAM
3. MARIAMA
4. RANG BI DAFA SERE
5. VIVI
6. SERIGNE MODOU MBENDA FALL |
   |
| NDONGO LO | ADUNA - HOMMAGE | 05103-2CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| Wow....... Every so often an album appears on my deck that just blows me away and this album is one of them. Released in 2004 with eight tracks and 44 minutes of explosive mbalax with Ndongo singing his heart out. The greatest thing since sliced bread and Youssou N'dour but without a happy ending as this album is released in hommage to the late great Ndongo Lo. So unless they re-release some of his earlier stuff this is where it stops. Definite gold dust this one - just listen to those clips. | 1. GALASS
2. XARIT
3. MARCHANDS AMBULANTS
4. NABI
5. JAKAARLO
6. DIALLE MA
7. REW-MI
8. AMBIANCE |
   |
| NDONGO LO | TARKHISS | 03073-2CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| Ndongo was born into a Griot family in 1997 and lived in a poor suberb of Dakar known as Pikine. He released his first album on cassette in 2001 called Ndoortel. It was a hit and with his group Jamm he went on tour in Europe and released this album in 2003 on his return to Senegal. Sadly his life was cut short and he died on January 16, 2005 following a short illness. | 1. BAAYU MBENE
2. BOROM NDINDI
3. TATAFOU
4. DOUMALA BAAYI
5. TARKHISS
6. DIEGOU POUSSO
7. LIMA DONE
8. DIAMALAYE |
   |
| NIOMINKA BI - N'DIAXAS BAND | FATI YOON | BP1132CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| A superb album of Senegalese reggae from vocalist Souleyman Sarr and the rest of the band. Great music coupled with Souleyman's sweetly addictive singing make this one of my favorite African reggae albums. | 1. GAINDE
2. NOOWE
3. ADNA
4. XESAL
5. ALLELUJAH
6. N'GOR
7. SEEY
8. RER
9. FATI YOON
10. KU MAG |
   |
| NJARIN | ALLUWA STYLE FOLK | ALLUWACDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| A brilliant semi-traditional album from the group Njarin and guests led by Birane Mbengue who is the composer, lead vocalist and guitarist. What is more, he is brilliant in all departments as you will no doubt hear. Even Alxuraan with Cheikh Cisse and Ndeye Amy Ndiaye rapping away merrily in the background adds a rather nice and even intriguing twist to the tradition versus modern equation. Cheikh A Ba's flute is gorgeous throughout as is Khady Seck's squeaky but ever so sweet vocals and I must mention Djiby Ba's riti sawing guest appearance on Dekendo. ( F.T.Index: Seex Ibra, Eleg, Cosaan instrumental, Dekendo, Alxuraan, Cosaan vocal, Liggey. ) [7T/36M] | 1. SEEX IBRA
2. ALXURAAN
3. ELEG
4. COSAAN ( vocal )
5. DEKENDO
6. LIGGEY
7. COSAAN ( inst. ) |
   |
| NUMBER ONE DU SENEGAL | YORO - KERY GORO | CM636CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| Subtitled Objectif 2000 the French 1980 released version with the extra track Dede. Composed mainly of original members of the Star Band the fourteen strong orchestre included salsa singers Papa Seck and Maguette Ndiaye, Doudou Sow who sang the Mbalax songs and Mar Seck whose style was broad, singing traditional Wolof material along with Afro-Latin material. Also included were Ali Penda N'Dioye, one of Senegal's best trumpet players, and the talented tama (percussion) player, Mamane Fall. Another notable member was Yahya Fall who guitar work stood out for both his use of effects and his style which could approach acid rock and psychedelia. Thanks to Wikipedia for info. | 1. YORO
2. KUY WUT
3. MORY
4. DEDE
5. KERY GORO
6. NAFISSATU NJAY
7. SUMA DOM JI |
   |
| OMAR PENE AND SUPER DIAMONO | DIRECT FROM DAKAR | WSCD102CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| The two 'Live in Real World' cassettes from 1996 now out on CD. | 1. ARAL SA DOOM
2. MOURIDE
3. RER
4. SOWETO
5. NIANE
6. COUMBA XALISS
7. GAINDE
8. XAMLENE
9. YAYE BOYE
10. BANNA
11. DIARAF
12. DOUWEYE |
   |
| OMAR PENE AND SUPER DIAMONO | LAMPE | LAMPECDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Another class act as Omar's velvet vocals flood forth backed by Super Diamono's superb music. Emigration is by far my favourite but then to my mind it is really outstanding while the other tracks are just plain superb. [6T/31M] | 1. LAMPE
2. JANGAL MA
3. LI NU WAXOON
4. EMIGRATION
5. JOOLA
6. YEENE |
   |
| OUSMANE HAMADY DIOP | ALAMARI | ALAMARICDC | TC | £ 0.00 | |
| From the same 1999 session as Ngatamare it should have been called Ngatamare Vol. 2 but for some unknown reason Ousmane called it Alamari, the same as his 1997 album with Baaba Maal. However it is totally different from that album and is even noticably different from Ngatamare as after the first two tracks it takes on a much more traditional feel. The same line-up with duets from Ousmane and Belele Diaw which still soar over the tinkling guitars and softly throbbing percussion but the style is much more laid back, almost trance inducing you might say. ( F.T.Index: Allah Wata Ko Hana, Nananti, Wala Fendo, Alamari, Koten Futa, Delya, Thierno Mansour Barro, Guidelam. ) [8T/36M] (See NGATAMARE) | (See NGATAMARE) |
| Sorry no image but see Ngatamare |
| OUSMANE HAMADY DIOP | DJIKE | KALADCDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Another new album from singer and master guitarist Ousmane but this time it is very, very different. Ousmane has stepped back into the ranks with fellow guitarists Mbaye Ndiaye and Papis Cisse plus xalam player Samba Yero Ba. Their combination provides the artistic vehicle on which the vocals of Ousmane, with the help of Korka and Aicha Diallo ride. Who? - Not heard of Korka and Aicha? You will, I'm sure as their sweetly cat like vocals are just gorgeous. What a cracker of an album! ( F.T.Index: Midioma, Mayel, Otto Yeyam Dole, Sawga, Diombadio, Maly Sadio, Waly Diantang, Kaladiakorridoma. ) [8T/48M] | 1. KALADIAKORRIDOMA
2. WALY DIANTANG
3. OTTO YEYAM DOLE
4. DIOMBADIO
5. MIDIOMA
6. SAWGA
7. MALY SADIO
8. MAYEL |
   |
| OUSMANE HAMADY DIOP | NGATAMARE | NGATACDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Although he hails from Mauritania Ousmane has established himself in Senegal through his collaboration with the blind singer and guitarist Mansour Seck of Djam Leelii fame with Baaba Maal. Here however he sings and plays guitar with Belele Diaw and this looks to be the start of a great partnership. Their music is very atmospheric with the guitars picking out the sharply resonant duets against a deep but softly throbbing percussion background. Their singing is gorgeous with Ousmane's incisive vocals echoed by the softer voiced Belele. ( F.T.Index: Africa, Telefonam, Seybatou, Seyna Mousso, Almoudel, Ngatamare, Wango, Thiaygal. ) [8T/40M] (CDR includes ALAMARI) | 1. KOTEN FUTA
2. DELYA
3. WALA FENDO
4. NANANTI
5. GUIDELAM
6. ALAMARI
7. THIERNO MANSOUR BARRO
8. ALLAH WATA KO HANA 9. SEYBATOU
10. AFRICA
11. TELEFONAM
12. NGATAMARE
13. THIAYGAL
4. ALMOUDEL
15. WANGO
16. SEYNA MOUSSO |
   |
| OUZA | DIAPASON | KSFCDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Absolutely stunning live album from 1996 with the opening track telling you straight away that this is not the usual Mr Nice Guy with the soft voice and sweet chorus girlies!!!! This album explodes on stage like an atomic bomb! The tama drummers go wild, guitars throb, the saxophonist goes into orbit, while the audience just go ballistic and boy, do I wish I could have been there. Even the slower numbers like 4 and 5 where Ouza gets his breath back and lets the girls takes over gets the audience well whipped up. Very strangely 4 is actually sung in English. The leisurely Cuban styled track 6 sung by one of the girls is just gorgeous. The fact that there is a sample of every track tells you this one is something special. 54 Mins | 1. GOUYE GUY
2. GAMBIA
3. LE PEUPLE
4. YAYE AMI
5. LA MUSIQUE
6. AMINA
7. XADIMO
8. MODOU MODOU
There was no track listing on the casette inlay. The songs have been identified by ALAN MOSS. |
   |
| OUZA AND SES BRANCHEES | XADIMO | XADIMOCDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| This cassette proved to be one of the most popular new releases in Senegal earlier this year (1996). Ouza is extreemly well known as a spokesman for the opposition having previously been in trouble for critisising the President even before the recent elections. As one of the originators of the modern Mbalax style he is really on brilliant form here with his new band which still retains the golden voice of Maty Thiam on backing vocals. ESSENTIAL. | 1. XADIMO
2. TASS-SEEY No1
2. LA MUSIQUE
4. COHABITATION
5. AMATH DANSOKHO
6. THIAROYE
|
   |
| OUZA ET SES OUZETTES | DUNIA GASSY | DUNIACDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Another smashing album from Ouza which starts off as a slightly low key affair of smooth and gentle mbalax with the Ouzettes gorgeous vocals as usual making the running By the time you get to track 3 Ouza himself and guitarist Pape Gueye have also managed to get in on the act with the lovely Deugueu. The title track opens with a traditional display using only the drums of Imame Sene and Pape Yaly to provide the backing for the super singing of the girls, rather like the last track on Abi Ndour's album. The last two tracks return to the modern sounds of Senegal with the really dreamy Gamou Guy, which owes its source to reggae rather than mbalax and the dance floor orientated Naxe Mbaye II. Great album. [38M] | 1. I'M SORRY
2. NDANANE
3. DEUGUEU
4. DUNIA GASSY
5. GAMOU GUY
6. NAXE MBAYE II |
   |
| OUZA ET SES OUZETTES | TAWATAL | TAWATALCDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Having heard his previous albums which were very good my first thoughts on hearing the first track were 'Where the hell did this spring from, its absolutely ace. OK, so the first track is great, but what about the others? Mega Magic maybe? Not quite but not far off either. Definitely one of the best of the new breed of soulful mbalax albums that can sustain the listeners attention time after time. The modern line up of guitars, drums and keyboards together with the superb singing of the 'Ouzettes' is absolute magic. | 1. TAALIF
2. ALAADJI
3. BABA NDIEME
4. DJIAYKAT
5. YAMAY WO
6. NEMAN ARI |
   |
| OUZIN NDIAYE AND SUPER ETOILE | FECC | FECCCDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Youssou Ndour takes a back seat while Etoile's second singer, Ouzin or Ousin as it says on the cassette has an outing. Full of the complex rhythmic interplay that epitomizes Super Etoile's music, the album is going to be very sought after especially for the tracks 'Xew Xew and Diambar' which also feature Youssou. As usual Jimmy Mbaye's guitar and Assane Thiam's percussion are in a class of their own. The new and much more dynamic version of 'Baye Waly' is gorgeous. 'Magnifique' | 1. BAYE WALY
2. MAME BAMBA
3. XEW - XEW
4. LAT DIOR
5. JIRIM
6. DIAMBAR |
   |
| OUZIN NDIAYE AND SUPER ETOILE | SPECIAL AN 2000 - WOR | WORCDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Another very classy release from Super Etoile's second singer with help in the vocal department from Youssou, Viviane and Ablaye Mbaye. As usual Assane Thiam's Tama clatters away at breakneck speed throughout while the guitars of Jimmy Mbaye and Pape Oumar Ngom perform wonders. In fact on Natta, Assane turns in an absolutely mind boggling performance that is not to be missed at any price. ( F.T.Index: Wor, Natta, Lawla Thiat, Djirim, Bamba, Serigne Mansour. ) [6T/36M] | 1. SERIGNE MANSOUR
2. DJIRIM
3. LAWLA THIAT
4. WOR
5. NATTA
6. BAMBA |
   |
| PAPE DIOUF | PARTIR | PARTIRCDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| I didn't go much on the opening track but after that the party animal come out to play with his gravelly voice and throbbing music. Definitely one to keep a close watch on. | 1. PARTIR
2. AL MODOU
3. YOW DOOM
4. NDAGA
5. CHALLENGER
6. JOGLEEN YENGU
7. GENERATION CONSCIENTE
8. IMAMA
9. JOGGEL DAAGU
10. JIMMY DOGO |
   |
| PATHE THIAM | WORULEU | WORULEUCDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Wow... Great bit of mbalax as Pathe's vocals and the band's explosive introduction nearly took the speakers off the wall and had me diving for cover under the desk. Fast and furious would be a quite apt description as the tama driven music rushes along for the first three tracks at breakneck speed. M'birou Yalla gives you a breather with its soft and haunting kora set to a percussive backdrop which is probably why it puts in a second appearance at the end of side two. It is also to my mind the best track as Adja Meisse gets to show off her smokey vocals to great effect. ( F.T.Index: M'birou Yalla, Nitte, Woruleu, Aida, Doylou, Liwarane, Tiekete. ) [8T/39M] | 1. WORULEU
2. AIDA
3. DOYLOU
4. M'BIROU YALLA
5. NITTE
6. LIWARANE
7. TIEKETE |
   |
| PIERROT SARR AND LE GROUPE GELMACK | CASAMANCE - KASOUMAI - JAKHANOR | NJUUPCDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Released in 1997 and is one of the strangest albums I have heard in a long time. They come from the Casamance region so the music is quite different to that from the North. Pierrot's monotone vocals needs to be heard to be believed while the band seems to be composed of two groups playing the same tunes but in their own different styles. The music is actually very nice in a strange way and becomes quite addictive, so have a listen and you'll see what I mean. | 1. CASAMANCE KASUMAI
2. PIERRE MBAGNICK NDIAYE
3. DIAHANOR
4. NGULOCK
5. MANGA II
6. WALY |
   |
| SECK MBAO | LAAKONE | LAAKONECDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| A lovely and vocally unusual mostly mbalax album from singer Seck Mbao. His rich but also very distinctively rumbling voice is a delight to listen too as he purrs through a showcase of songs. Keyboard master Tapha Faye is in charge and once again does a great job behind the cracking percussion of Papa Ndiaye. The title track is a real cracker with Papa's drumming aiming to wake the dead and Seck and the chorus giving it full throttle. The final track is totally different with Seck's dreamy solo vocals set to a simple piano accompaniment. (F.T.Index: Laakone, Niitou Ba Lakale, Bamba Dji, Gane Gui, Ndeupeu-Mi, Lou Apa Bajot. )[6T/27M] | 1. LAAKONE
2. NIITOU BA LAKALE
3. NDEUPEU-MI
4. GANE GUI
5. BAMBA DJI
6. LOU APA BAJOT |
   |
| SENEMALI | SAAGAN | SYL83138CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Released back in 1993 this album has lovely solid guitar and percussion enhanced by some great vocals from Mollo Sylla, Mamadou Thiam and Doudou Dione plus backing from Guadaloupe. Reminds me a lot of 'Toure Kunda' with its guitar and organ interplay backed by some super horn overtones. Recorded at studios HP and Cavein in Amsterdam, it's definitely going places. As a 'Toure Kunda' fan I think it's a tribute to their musical style. RECOMMENDED WITHOUT A DOUBT. | 1. SAAGAN
2. NOOTANGUE
3. SIKAT
4. JAMBAAR
5. MISSAAL
6. BOLAFINENDA |
   |
| SEYDINA INSA WADE | LIBAAS | LIBAASCDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| A really wonderful album from Seydina Insa Wade which reminded me very much of 'Xariit Taffa by Diogal Sakho', who proved to be one of the best sellers. Seydina's sweet as honey voice is so good and crystal clear that producer Moustapha Camara even has him doing his own chorus. The music is simply heavenly as Seydina proves to be also a very accomplished acoustic guitar player. The music is made even more atmospheric by the haunting tones of Helene Billard's violincello and Phillippe Gobinet's flute backed up by Georges Walfort's bass guitar and Laity M'bay's soft percussion. No F.T.Index as I loved every track. [10T/38M] | 1. MAG DU CAAXAAN
2. LIBAAS
3. JARABI
4. XARALEKAT
5. SAALA
6. MBOKKI MBAAR
7. BEKKOR
8. CAAT
9. GEEJU XAM XAM
10. SAARABA |
   |
| SOLO CISSOKHO | ALAL | PCSCDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| I wasn't that impressed by the first track but I sure as hell was with the other seven tracks which got progressively better and climaxed with the beautiful and deeply atmospheric Jarabi. Solo sings beautifully and plays some lovely kora, backed by the complimentary electric guitar playing of Cheikh Tidiane Tall. Traditional guitar, marimbas, sabar, keyboards and various percussion instrumentation complete the line-up of this very popular album. (The F.T.Index: Jarabi, Reewonde, Sanu, Kayra, Yiro Koto) | 1. ALAL
2. SAYATE JONGTULA
3. YIRO KOTO
4. SANU
5. SIDA
6. KAYRA
7. REEWONDE
8. JARABI |
   |
| SONINKARA 94 | SUMPU - VOLUME 3. | DK18CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Camara Abdoulaye's fascinating raw vocals contrast perfectly with the gorgeous singing of chorus girls Assitan Keita and Kande and Marama-gbe Diabate. Backed by Goudia Kouate's beautiful guitaring, which just sings and the throbbing hypnotic beat of the drums, this album is purely and simply gorgeous. Not just danceable but also very listenable too. I loved every minute of it. (F.T.Index: Muke, Golle, Tekudende, Xaxe, Sumpu ) [8T/52M] | 1. TEKUDENDE
2. MUKE
3. BEXIMA
4. FUNE BEBE
5. GOLLE
6. SEROYE
7. XAXE
8. SUMPU |
   |
| SOULEYMAN FAYE | PAIN BOULETTE | AVP016CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Sharply delivered vocals from Souleymane with backing on three tracks by a youthful Coumba Gawlo Seck. Solid percussion from Mame Beye is backed up by some rather interesting keyboard and lovely guitar work from Omar Sow. The first four tracks are nice but the fifth - Mariamma - a real catchy little number is now my firm favorite. The final track, Waxnaniou, has to be heard to be believed. I can only say it is excruciatingly addictive! | 1. MEISSA BIGUE
2. PAIN BOULETTE
3. FOUKI DIOUNI
4. SANDANG
5. MARIAMMA
6. WAXNANIOU |
   |
| SUPER DIAMONO | SOUF | SOUFCDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| | 1. SOUF
2. MOUDJE
3. BANNA
4. FALEME
5. DOUWAY |
   |
| SUPER DIAMONO DE DAKAR | MAM | 8011CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| Released in 1984 this wonderful album which was recorded live in Paris was a real breakthrough for the group. Razor sharp alto sax and superb keyboards blend a magic mix of Islamic african sounds with funky rock guitar and sub-saharan vocals. Almost continuous as there is only a gap between tracks 3 and 4 where the LP ends. One of those wonderful records that you just float away with. The title track is absolutely superb. | 1. REWU TAAX - Abdou M'Backe, Omar Pene
2. YOON WI - Abdou M'Backe, Omar Pene
3. DOU WEY - Lamine Faye, Omar Pene
4. NGEM - Bob Sene, Omar Pene
5. MAM - Lamine Faye, Omar Pene |
   |
| SUPER RETRO RYTHME | MBAYMI | SUPERCDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Brilliant old style Mbalax harking back to the original Cuban influenced rhythms of the 60's and early 70's. Loads and loads of first rate guitar and simple percussion with some great trombone from Sunday Omar. This album got them the runners up prize at the 1991 St. Louis Feastival, they were definitely robbed. From the picture on the cover there doesn't appear to be anybody under forty and the wealth of accumulated experience really stands out on this gorgeous album. Just listen to that lovely guitar from Babacar Seck on Leddy Sara and Asse. Sheer magic. | 1. MBAYMI
2. DJAMANGA
3. DIEG BOU BAKH
4. MAODO
5. LEDDY SARA
6. ASSE |
   |
| THIO MBAYE | RIMBAX | SYL83158CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Thio, long time percussionist with Ismael Lo and a well respected session musician in Paris and Dakar, with his first solo release. Helped along by Ibrahima Sylla who gives the album his customary hi-tec polish. Mainly Mbalax but with a bit of Jazz thrown in for good measure but the drums to the fore throughout. | 1. RIMBAX
2. SITAFA
3. DJUBO
4. KAOLACK
5. MBAYENE
6. TAPHA GUEYE
7. BIRKELANE
8. MOUSS MI |
   |
| THIONE SECK | DEMB | DEMBCDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| This album from Thione is purely and simply brilliant! His power packed voice has always sent shivers of delight up the back of my neck but this time he has really excelled himself. Helping to weave the vocal magic are Pape Seck Mafatim, Ndeye Marie Ndiaye and even the lovely Coumba Gawlo Seck. The music is very traditional with loads of lovely xalam (Senegalese guitar) from Dara Guisse and some great sabar drumming from Mousse Pathe Mbaye. [6T/55M] | 1. DJIRIM
2. MOMY
3. DIEYLO
4. BAMBA
5. LAYE MBOUP
6. SOPEKOU |
   |
| THIONE SECK | DEMB 2 | DEMB2CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Smashing album in the popular semi-traditional style with Thione's melodic voice leading a five strong chorus through a gorgeous set of tracks. Dara Guisse's xalam tinkles away merrily in pole position while Bara Ndiaye's sabar provides the beautiful percussive backing. The only other musician is Jean Charles who's keyboards and bass guitar are hardly noticable. Yaye Boy, an old favorite, sounds particularly interesting after it's had the semi-trad make over. But beware - don't have the volume up too loud at the start of 'Dome' unless you're really into babies screaming the house down, it could be yours! [6T/33M] | 1. SANGARA
2. ASSALO
3. DOME
4. YAYE BOY
5. WALLOU
6. MUSICIEN |
   |
| THIONE SECK | LE POUVOIR D'UN COEUR PUR | STERNS1023CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| From his early cassettes re-recorded in Paris. Simple to describe - SUPERB. | 1. MANE MI GNOUL
2. DIONGOMA
3. YAYE BOY
4. BALLAGO
5. AIDA SOUKEU
6. YEEN |
   |
| THIONE SECK | PAPA | PAPACDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Released at the end of 1991, this very popular tape of new material from Dakar shows off Thione's vocal style a treat. I particularly like the last track with it's twangy guitar sound! | 1. KHALEL
2. BAMBA
3. LAYE MBOUP
4. PAPA
5. BAKAR
6. NIANE GUI |
   |
| THIONE SECK | YOW | 38777-1CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| Very nice Paris - Studio Harryson - recorded album arranged by keyboard player Manou Lima for Syllart. | 1. MBARODI
2. MASS NDIAYE
3. DJIRIM
4. SAKH YI
5. KHAREBI
6. YOW |
   |
| THIONE SECK AND LE RAAM DAAN | TANE SA BOULA NEKH | ST-2000CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| This 1994 release from Thione and his band is simply superb. He appears to have taken all that is best from his previous releases and built afresh upon their foundations. His softly swaying vocal style is perfectly matched to Adama Sarr's guitar playing and the percussive element has been superbly tailored to suit. We've had 'Chuck Berry Mboup' before but on this one I found percussionist 'God Sylla'. The mind absolutely boggles! INCREDIBLE - HAVE A LISTEN. | 1. KAYE FONEMA
2. DEGGO
3. BLAIN DJIGUEUL
4. LITHIAM THIELY
5. TALAL LOKHO
6. XEW XEW
|
   |
| THIONE SECK AND LE RAAM DAAN | 15th ANIVERERSAIRE DU RAAM DAAN Vol. 2 | XV2CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Vol 2 continues where Vol 1 left off with the drummers still belting out the mbalax sound to Thione's gorgeous vocals. Why Thione didn't call the albums 'Greatest Hits' I don't know as all his most memorable songs are contained on these two cassettes. Also, as the songs were recorded live in front of an audience at Studio 2000 they aren't the short versions you got on previous releases, they're huge great things with with everyone really putting it into giving the audience theIr money's worth. Get both for 92 minutes of pure magic. ( F.T.Index: Sakh Yi, Gadaay, Dieylo, Ballago, Madjiguene, Diongoma. ) [6T/48M] | 1. DIONGOMA
2. SAKH YI
3. GADAAY
4. DIEYLO
5. BALLAGO
6. MADJIGUENE |
   |
| THIONE SECK AND LE RAAM DAAN | DIEULLEUL | AB002TCCDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Released in 1988 this still stands as one of his best tapes ever, recorded at Paris multitrack 'Studio Ornano', it shows his band 'Le Raam Daan' at their best with their tightly arranged dance format. Essential for all fans of Thione's music. The stand out track is 'Domou Baye' and the tape also has a dub remix version which wasn't on the French version which was available over here in limited quantity about a year ago. RECOMMENDED. | 1. ...DIEULLEUL !
2. DOMOU BAYE
3. KHAREBY
4. GAYE MASSAR
5. GADDAY
6. FRANCE
7. SANDAGA DUB |
   |
| THIONE SECK AND LE RAAM DAAN | LE NO. 10 | SP001CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Superb in all departments. Great vocals from Thione and some gorgeous music from Le Raam Daan. Not to be missed. | 1. LE No 10
2. KHEWI
3. ZIKAR
4. GALATHIE
5. KHALEL
6. MASS NDIAYE |
   |
| THIONE SECK AND LE RAAM DAAN | PUR M'BALAX | 91101CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Released back in 1991 and having just got it out again I am astounded to find that the track information is incorrect. While side A is correct the tracks listed for side B are Kilifeu, Diongona and Gadaay. However as you can see from the list on the right not only are they not in the correct order (or spelling) but there is an additional track that isn't listed except on the cassette case. But enough about that and lets just say that this is a superb album with great singing from Thione with backing from Assane Ndiaye and Mapenda Seck. A cracking pace set by Mousse Pathe's tama is matched in leisurely style by Adama Sarr's lead guitar. Great album. | 1. DIEULLEUL
2. WOYATINA
3. DIABOTE
4. YEUREUMKO
5. DIONGOMA
6. GADAAY
7. KILIFEU |
   |
| THIONE SECK ET SON ENSEMBLE | CHAUFFEUR BI | VAL002CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| His first solo album released in 1980 has a much more traditional Wolof style that the later m'balax albums that we all know and love. | 1. BLAIN DJEGUEL
2. DOM
3. DIOULE LAWAR
4. CHAUFFEUR BI
5. DIAMONO Y TEY
6. GAMBIA
7. BAMBA |
   |
| TITI | KUNE AK LILA YENGEL | KUNECDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| A very rare cassette released on Youssou Ndour's Jololi label by Ndeye Fatou Tine who is better known as Titi. She started out in 1995 as a backing singer for Youssou's sister Aby. Then having worked with some of Senegal's top singers she married and went to live in Guinea Conakry. There she met up with Youssou and they arranged to make this her first album. A wonderful set of songs from a power packed singer who also knows how to turn on the sweetness. Every one a winner. | 1. MBEGEEL
2. ADJI DIALLO
3. BOROOM LEER
4. ALAAJI AAS
5. AMBASSADEUR
6. FASE |
   |
| TOURE KUNDA | SILI BETO | CB521CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| WOW! My long time favourites from the 80's have surfaced from their homeland hideaway with a new album that's absolutely bleeding incredible... The same formula that made them one of the hottest bands to ever hit the Paris music scene is still very much in evidence but this time its been mellowed by their return to the roots of their success. The brothers wonderfully complimentary and coordinated vocal harmonies are really brought to the fore by the sheer beauty and simplicity of the music. All the wonderful horns, guitars, keyboards and percussion that you would normally associate with their French hits are still there tucked away behind the new style rootsy vocals. Ten new tracks plus a stunningly re-worked version of their old mega hit 'On Verra Ca' is going to make this album totally indispensable. | 1. HADIDIA
2. FATOU YO
3. CASALE
4. AKILA
5. SOPPE
6. KE DIARE
7. FIANCA
8. TERIA
9. CIRA
10. ON VERRA QUOI ? CA !
11. OROMIKO |
   |
| VARIOUS ARTISTS | PANORAMA DU SENEGAL Vol 1 | MCA306CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| Superb album which was originally released back in the early 80's with tracks from the likes of Youssou N'dour, Baobab, Etoile 2000, Number One, Super Diamono and Canari de Kaolack. | 1. SAMA XARIT - ETOILE 2000
2. BASS - SUPER DIAMONO DE DAKAR
3. GUANTANAMERA - STAR NUMBER ONE
4. OUADJOUR - YOUSSOU N'DOUR
5. LOI DI NOS - ORCHESTRA BAOBAB
6. SUTUKUM - CANARI DE KAOLACK |
   |
| VIVIANE | ENTRE NOUS - BETWEEN US | VIVIANECD001CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| Born Viviane Catherine Chidid in 1972 at Mbour in Senegal. She first started in 1993 as a backing singer with Youssou N'Dour's Super Etoile de Dakar. She went on to marry Youssou's brother and manager Bouba and became very well known for dueting with Youssou N'Dour locally in the part of Neneh Cherry in their hit Seven Seconds. Her first solo release Sama Nene became a big hit across West Africa with its mix of mbalax and Rhythm and Blues which was new and innovative to the area. This her first cassette album was released in 1999 and when released on CD had one extra track Xaar Ma and a couple of short interludes as they called them. | 1. SA MA NENE
2. XAAR MA
3. SAMBA
4. INTERLUDE
5. WHEN I FALL IN LOVE
6. GOOR FIT
7. STAY
8. TALLAL LOXO
9. INTERLUDE |
   |
| WAFLASH | BELLA CASA | BELLACDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| The cassette was issued at the same time as the CD of the same name and number but is a quite different album with only four of it's six tracks appearing on the CD. 1. Saliou 2. Neexa Neex 3. Gox Gui 4. Namantu 5. Mbour Saate 6. Compose 7. J.T 8. Bella Casa 9. Linke Diyo 10. Gorgui 11. Allez les Lions 12. Don’t give up 13. Yoon-wi 14. It’s my life. Not to be confused with the Anniversaire Album which features a live recording of Bella Casa. | 1. COMPOSE
2. WUYUMA
3. LINKEDIYO
4. BELLA CASA
5. BAAY GALAAY
6. J.T. |
   |
| WAFLASH | PROSPER | PROSPERCDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Ma Sane's sweet as honey vocals are up front and supported again by the boys next door, Do Sagna and Yade, on this the follow up album to their hit album Yoon Wi. Toto's guitar beautifully picks out the highlights while, wait for it, Maga Thiam and his keyboards get a surprising thumbs up from me. Yes for once they actually add to the overall effect instead of ruining it. If you liked their first album and loads of you did, then you will enjoy this one just as much. The album is a tribute to their elder, the late Abdoulaye Prosper Niang who died in April1988 and was a founding member and drummer of the group Xalam. ( F.T.Index: Don't Give Up, Maam Daba, Baay Ndongo, Prosper, 18 Heures, Nafi Yem, Sumbera, Incident. ) [8T/44M] | 1. SUMBERA
2. BAAY NDONGO
3. INCIDENT
4. DON'T GIVE UP
5. MAAM DABA
6. PROSPER
7. 18 HEURES
8. NAFI YEM |
   |
| WAFLASH | YOON WI | YOONCDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| I think this album is as near to perfection as I've heard in a long while. Twenty year old Ma Sane's beautiful willowy vocals give me that electric tingle all down my back! She comes from Thies, one of Senegal's regional capitals and has been perfecting her jazz and soul influenced singing since she was seventeen. She was invited to participate in the recording by two boys, her neighbours, Do Sagna and M. Yade (White Feather) who are vocally quite different but make a velvet smooth combination. The rest is history as she promptly stole the show and since then everyone from Youssou Ndour to Omar Pene has been trying to persuade her to leave Waflash but for now she is staying loyal. However this album isn't just Ma Sane, listen to Aicha Konte giving it some on Lekol Busoniere while the guitaring of Toto and Kool U is just pure magic and provides a very atmospheric medium for Bada Seck, Mbaye Diola and Galass who take care of the intricate but soft percussion. Miss it at your peril. (F.T.Index: Lu Tax (Why), Sigil, Yoon Wi, Lekol Busoniere, Teey, Jaaxle, Sahel, Uh La La. ) [8T/40M] | 1. YOON WI
2. TEEY
3. JAAXLE
4. SIGIL
5. WHY? (LU TAX)
6. LEKOL BUSONIERE
7. SAHEL
8. UH LA LA |
   |
| YOUSSOU NDOUR | DIONGOMA | MP0000122CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| A very interesting album which is rarely seen or heard and which was recorded in Paris back in 1983. Quite a different sound to his usual albums of the time with this fusion of traditional and modern Senegalese music. Features keyboard player superb Roland Louis, alongside Ayib Dieng, Amadou Doukoure, Bruce Henderson, Moussa Cissokho and Papa Koffi. Simply sublime and will definitely grow on you. | 1. DIONGOMA
2. MASSAMBA
3. SAF SAFATI
4. M'BA
5. LAMPA FALL
6. NIDIAYE |
   |
| YOUSSOU NDOUR | LE GRAND BAL - BERCY 2008 | YNDCD2008CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| Stunning display by Youssou and the band at this live gig at Bercy. To be quite honest it just blows you away and makes you wish you had been there to see and especially to hear it happening. My only complaint is that the tracks end suddenly instead of fading out otherwise you can't fault it. | 1. PITH MI
2. PITH MI REMIX
3. SAMA GAMOU
4. BAMBA
5. BOLOLEN
6. SPORTIFS
7. NIT
8. AMITIE
9. C'EST L'AMOUR
10. NDIADIANE NDIAYE
11. YONOU DEUG
12. YOUNOU BERCY |
   |
| YOUSSOU NDOUR | LE GRAND BAL PARIS BERCY 2003 | GB2003V2CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| You won't find this one on CD anywhere as it would seem to be almost unknown outside of my own listing. While the CD of LE GRAND BAL PARIS BERCY 2003 is well documented the Volume 2 was only as far as I can see issued on cassette. Strange............! | 1. WAGAANE
2. SAMA YAAYE
3. LESS WAXUL
4. LAMB JI
5. JEEBANE |
   |
| YOUSSOU NDOUR | LE GRAND BAL Vol. 1 | GRAND1CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| An extremely smooth album that from the inlay info appears to have been recorded live in Paris, Bresica (Italy), New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta and Washington D. C. However I would bet on Youssou's own Studio Xippi as the venue as the continuity is just perfect. Either way its a great album with Youssou's vocals serenely floating over the machine gun sound of Assane Thiams red hot tama (just list to him go on Ndar) and the guitars of Pape Omar Ngom and Jimmy Mbaye. This one is definitely going down as one of his best ever albums. ( F.T.Index: Benn La, Ndar, Miss, Fiitey, Xarit. ) [5T/42M] | |
| |
| YOUSSOU NDOUR | LE GRAND BAL Vol. 2 | GRAND2CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Volume two is just as good as Vol.1 with Youssou again casting his vocal spell over an enthusiastic audience while Assane once more belts the hell out of his tama. Bess and Djino are the two really outstanding tracks that make this album a must. ( F.T.Index: Bess, Djino, Solidarite, Football, Medina. ) [5T/45M] | |
| |
| YOUSSOU NDOUR | LE SUPER ETOILE DE DAKAR VOL. 1 | 02551-2CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| First of four CD's featuring the sound of Super Etoile back in 1982. | 1. MOUYMA
2. INDEPENDANCE
3. MAMATAMBA
4. WADIOUR
5. LELIO
6. SIEMPRE |
   |
| YOUSSOU NDOUR | LE SUPER ETOILE DE DAKAR VOL. 2 | 02552-2CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| | 1. SAMA YAY
2. XARIT
3. NDAKAROU
4. WALO
5. YATA
6. RIMOU |
   |
| YOUSSOU NDOUR | LE SUPER ETOILE DE DAKAR VOL. 3 | 02553-2CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| | 1. BADIENE OULIMATA
2. DIAMBAR
3. MASSAMBA COUMBA
4. NIT KOUREUR
5. ASSURANCE MALICK DIOP
6. NATA MBAAY |
   |
| YOUSSOU NDOUR | LE SUPER ETOILE DE DAKAR VOL. 4 | 02554-2CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| | 1. AZIZ
2. BANDJOLI NDIAYE
3. KAMINA MOLO
4. THIOUNE ANTA
5. KOR NDAMA
6. YELA |
   |
| YOUSSOU NDOUR | SPECIAL NOEL | SPECIALCDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Released at Christmas, hence the title. The album far from being christmassy is in fact new versions of the best tracks from 'Xippi/Eyes Open' sessions. The new version of 'Buguma am Doom' is the most popular in Senegal, now being a completely re-arranged version mourning the current state of affairs in the worlds trouble spots. I like the new versions far more than the originals. There is a much more polished feel to the whole album. Superb. | 1. BUOGOUMA AM DOME
2. NEW AFRICA
3. LESS WAXUL
4. YOLELE
5.THE SAME (Benela)
6. YAAKAAR |
   |
| YOUSSOU NDOUR AND LE SUPER ETOILE | BIR SORANO JUIN 93 LIVE VOL I | BIR1CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Youssou and Le Super Etoile with the first of two super volumes recorded live at Sorano on the 11th June 1993. Side A starts the ball rolling with a Pot-Pouri of Medina, Dabi, Atou, Thiomo and finally building up to a stunningly jazzy version of Maral with Bandjoli bringing up the rear. Side B features the soft Yoleley and the rich bluesy sound of Woma. (CDR includes BIR2) | 1. MEDINA
2. DABI
3. ATOU
4. THIOMO
5. MARAL
6. BANDJOLI
7. YOLELY
8. WOMA
9. EMIGRES
10. ALBOURY
11. LIVE T V
12. WALO
13. SINABAR
14.WOOY |
   |
| YOUSSOU NDOUR AND LE SUPER ETOILE | BIR SORANO JUIN 93 LIVE VOL II | BIR2CDC | TC | £ 0.00 | |
| Straight into the hit sound of Emigres with Jimmy's guitar leading the way. Alboury and Live TV finish off side A with Walo, Sinebar and Wooy making up side B. The build up of the music on live albums is always well worth exploring and I think it provides a much warmer and closer feel to the songs especially with an experienced singer like Youssou and guitarists like Papa Ngom and Jimmy playing freestyle. (See BIR1for pics and track list) | |
| |
| YOUSSOU NDOUR AND LE SUPER ETOILE | DIAPASON + 95 | DIAPASON + 95CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Another beaut to add to your Youssou collection with Senegal's top star live on stage, just listen to him sing that introduction to 'New Africa' or the way he powers through 'Casamanca' or 'Djino' - just incredible as you can hear from the audience's reaction. They may be old releases but every time he gets them out and dusts them down they come out sounding just like new again. PURE MAGIC. (F.T.Index: Djino, Dem, Casamanca, New Africa, Awa Gueye. ) [7T/53M] | 1. NEW AFRICA
2. AWA GUEYE
3. MEDINA
4. CASAMANCA
5. DJINO
6. DEM
7. THIOUL ANTA |
   |
| YOUSSOU NDOUR AND SUPER ETOILE | MOURIDE | ED008CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
Mixing Cuban-cum-Congolese dance music with the traditional Njuup rhythms of Senegal's Serer people, Etoile de Dakar became the biggest band in Senegal at the cusp of the seventies and eighties. At the band's head were its dueling leads, the passionate and uplifting Youssou N'Dour and the somewhat rawer El-Hadji Faye. N'Dour and Faye's dynamic was the catalyst for the group's music, but almost inevitably tensions mounted and the band split up in 1981. El-Hadji Faye quickly formed Etoile 2000 as legitimate successor to the Etoile name, but N'Dour had greater ambition, picking up the band and moving them to France. Over the course of the eighties N'Dour would transform from the brightest star of the Dakar scene to a bona fide international pop star. Mouride was recorded right at the beginning of Super Etoile's time in France and thus does not benefit from the heightened production values that N'Dour was able to rustle up later in the 80s. But if you're looking for raw mbalax with no bullshit, that's exactly what this record provides. Super Etoile's rhythms and grooves are simply unmatched in both complexity and infectiousness, and Youssou N'Dour is a stellar bandleader as usual. Listeners not attuned to the mbalax sound may find Mouride puzzling or difficult, but to me there wasn't a more vital, exciting band working in 1982 than Super Etoile.
This wonderful borrowed write up from rateyourmusic.com by catsandsamosas tells it all. N'danane at nearly 16 minutes long has two 1 minute clips. | 1. JERE DEMBA
2. JAMBAAR
3. MOURIDE
4. N'DANANE
5. MANA-DEME |
   |
| YOUSSOU NDOUR AND SUPER ETOILE | SHOW A ABIDJAN | ED0010CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| | 1. DJAMIL
2. ALBOULY
3. GOUBADIEN
4. BARGUET
5. HILER
6. YALA |
   |
| YOUSSOU NDOUR AND SUPER ETOILE DE DAKAR | BITIM REW Vol. 8 | BITIMV8CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Youssou and the band on top form with this absolutely stunning release from wayback in 1984. | 1. PITCHE MI
2. TAAW
3. IMMIGRES (BITIM REW)
4. BADOU
5. AUTORAIL |
   |
| YOUSSOU NDOUR AND SUPER ETOILE DE DAKAR | DABY Vol. 7 (A LA MEMOIRE DE MARC SAMB) | DABYV7CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| | 1. DABY (Youssou)
2. SING (Nicolas)
3. MOURIDOULAYE (Youssou)
4. DEUGUE LA VERITE (Youssou)
5. WALLY NDIAYE (Ouzin)
6. ADOUNA (Manel) |
   |
| YOUSSOU NDOUR AND SUPER ETOILE DE DAKAR | DJAMIL Vol. 6 | DJAMILV6CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| | 1. MBARGUETHE
2. FERRIDIGUA
3. ALBOURY
4. DJAMIL
5. YALLA
6. (not listed) |
   |
| YOUSSOU NDOUR AND SUPER ETOILE DE DAKAR | JAMM Vol. 12 | JAMMV12CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| | 1. JAMM ( La Paix )
2. SAMA DOOM
3. ALE SAMBA
4. SABAR
5. YONENT
6. JIGEENI REEW MI |
   |
| YOUSSOU NDOUR AND SUPER ETOILE DE DAKAR | JAMM Vol. 15 | JAMMV15CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| | 1. JAMM
2. SALIMATA
3. ALBOURY
4. DIAMONO
5. MBARGUETH
6. XALEYE REW MI |
   |
| YOUSSOU NDOUR AND SUPER ETOILE DE DAKAR | KOCC BARMA Vol. 13 | KOCC13CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Stunning....... Enough said. | 1. WOO-MA
2. BES
3. MBEGGEEL
4. KOCC BARMA
5. JUUM
6. OLD TUCSON |
   |
| YOUSSOU NDOUR AND SUPER ETOILE DE DAKAR | SET Vol. 15 | SETV15CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| | 1. SET
2. FAKASTALU
3. CUL ANTA
4. BATAAXAL (Lettre)
5. SINEEBAR
6. MYOKO STRONG
7. AY COONO LA
8. TOXIQUE |
   |
| YOUSSOU NDOUR AND SUPER ETOILE DE DAKAR | YAROU Vol. 5 | YAROUV5CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| | 1. NDJAMBAR
2. OULYMATA
3. COUMBA DIENE
4. YAROU
5. NATTA
6. HILLERYI |
   |
| YOUSSOU NDOUR ET LE SUPER ETOILE | REWMI | YNDCD003CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
I could not put it better than Peter Walenta on his review on sortmusic.com
If you're lucky enough to, get hold of a copy of Rewmi it is one of the best Youssou N'Dour albums I have ever heard. It is a 34 minute import CD on the Jaloli label that was made for direct distribution primarily to Youssou's own Senegalese audiences. Fortunately, some copies of this disc made it out of Africa since it was released back in 2000. It is truly a joy to listen to as it pares down Youssou's music to its essence unadorned by the occasionally more elaborate pop production found on his more internationally distributed discs. The mbalax or rhythm roots of Youssou's music are brought up front and center by the prominent presence of the rolling and snapping tama drum sounds. Electric lead and rhythm guitar riffs and keyboard fills appear and fade throughout these six songs all of which are propelled by Youssou's powerful multi-octave vocals sung in his native Wolof tongue. Other reviewers have extolled the sound achieved on Rewmi as being the closest to what Youssou and his band sound like live and in concert. Only one of the tunes on Rewmi that I am aware of, appears on an international release that being Yaama which is featured on Joko. This album needs to be searched out and savored as it distills and captures Youssou's unique world beat sound in all its rhythmic danceable glory.
(slightly altered from the original for clarity)
Please also see the write up that I wrote for the cassette release below. | 1. LANG
2. YAAY KAN
3. YAAMA
4. BOUL KO TEK MISSER
5. DUNYAA
6. GENT |
   |
| SOUTH AFRICA |
| AZUMAH | LONG TIME AGO | KAZMC15CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Traditional Zulu music that is played in a very atmospheric way and was originally released back in 1985. Simply gorgeous to listen to these original compositions are steeped in South African musical traditions and and will leave you spellbound. They are infused with the singular visionary craft of Swazi musical wizard and instrument maker Smiles Mandla Makama. Azumah was formed by a group of talented young dancer-musicians from Soweto and Long Time Ago is the surprising and enticing resulting album which was recorded in the home of theatre stalwarts Des and Dawn Lindberg in Johannesburg. | 1. EMIGODINI YASEGOLI
2. NKOMBOSE
3. WOZA MOYA
4. INKOJANE MNYAMA
5. SAPHELISIZWE
6. ZAMADLOZI
7. INTOMBENJANI
8. NYAMSORO
9. AFRICA UNITE |
   |
| DARK CITY SISTERS | AND THE FLYING JAZZ QUEENS | CDEWV31CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| | 1. SEKUSILE
2. LANGA MORE (Tap Tap)
3. THATHU KISI
4. JABULANI NONKE
5. TOMATI YO YO No. 3
6. RETSWA GAUTENG
7. EMAHLATHINI
8. INSIZWA
9. LANGA MORE
10. AMANGWANE AMYAME
11. INGWABABA
12. MOKUPI
13. IZINTO EZINHLE
14. 11TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY
15. NKABINDE
16. LELO HASHE
|
   |
| HOLY CROSS CHOIR | IKHONA INYANGA | CDGMP40749CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| A real Holy stomper with the power packed voice of Belinah Mokhethi leading the rest of the choir in some great gospel songs. | 1. IKHONA INYANGA
2. NOMA INDLELA
3. NGIZOMBONGA NGANI?
4. NGANGIBOSHIWE
5. IJOKWE
6. BAWO
7. GUQA NGAMADOLO
8. IN THE BEGINNING
9. UMSINDISI
10. CALVARY |
   |
| HOLY CROSS CHOIR | KUKHON' UMTHOMBO | CDGMP40820CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| | 1. SHINTSHA MZALWANE
2. KUKHON'UMTHOMBO
3. ISIPHAMBANO
4. SIZOHAMBA NAYE
5. WAKRAZULWA
6. IZIFUNGO
7. NGAMANDL' EGAZI
8. UMTHWALO
9. BESUKA BEMLANDELA
10. BONGA |
   |
| HOLY CROSS CHOIR | THULANI NILALELE | RLLPE021CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| Magic stuff as the choir show their paces with 30 minutes and ten tracks of throbbing old style South African Gospel music. | 1. ISIZWE SIKA NDLOVU
2. SIZOHAMBA EKUKHANYENI
3. THULANI NILALELE
4. NGILANDELE UMOYA
5. UKUTHULA KUKA JESU
6. BABA NGITHUME
7. VUKANI BANDLA BO
8. SIYAKUBONGA NKOSI
9. EZINSIZINI ZOVALO
10. NGIMDUMISE |
   |
| HOLY SPIRITS | ESIPHAMBANWENI | TEL2251CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| AMAZING and I do mean that, it is AMAZING. Wonderful Zulu Gospel music from back in 1990 that just blows your head off. Having looked all over the internet I couldn't find this one listed anywhere. Being such a great album you would think it would be easy to find some detail, but no. Seven superb tracks and then the last one just so different. You'll see what I mean if you have a listen to the clips. | 1. ESIPHAMBANWENI
2. EZINSIZINI ZAMI
3. MOYA MOYA
4. NGIBONE NIKUYE
5. BABAWETHU
6. NGINOJESU
7. LALAKIMI
8. ANGINALUTHO |
   |
| ITHULAMSINDO | UNTOMB'NKULU | CRS201CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| WOW!! what an intro track to this brilliant Modern Zulu Traditional. A thumping beat with a growling bass guitar and husband and wife having a furious argument. Now in comes a gospel choir with a bit of Disco in mind. However the argument has now woken the baby so bring on the choir again and give it everything you've got, argument and all! FANTASTIC. The rest of the album? Well it's more traditional but has some superb vocals, thumping beat and accordion. Without the first track I'd give it 9 out of 10 but with it I'd give it a definite 12 out of 10. The first track was a BBC Radio 1 Andy Kershaw track of the month. | 1. UNTOMB' NKULU
2. SIDLA SONKE
3. USIBALI
4. IBHABHALAZI
5. NGATHWASELA EMAWENI
6. UNTOMB' FUTHI |
   |
| JOYCE AND THE SHOE LACES | BASADI BALLA | BL468CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| The late Joyce Mogatusi who died in 2012 was a leading member of the Dark City Sisters and also the Flying Jazz Queens. The Sisters split up in the early 80's. However in 1984 Joyce once more teamed up with producer West Nkosi at Mavuthela to make this solo album Basadi Balla which is a Tswana language LP and was released under the name Joyce and The Shoe Laces (The Shoe Laces were West’s team of instrumental players). Joyce's vocals were multi-tracked to create a smooth girl group harmony sound like the famous Sisters. For more information please go to A Tribute to Joyce Mogatusi | 1. BOWA TARAFINA
2. KAUTLWA LENTSWE
3. GA SE SETSWANA SEO
4. NTLOGELE MODISE
5. ITSHOKELE TSELA
6. BASADI BALLA
7. MMAMPIPI
8. MODISA DIKGOMO OKAE?
9. KEAO MASILO
10. DUMELA GERTY |
   |
| MALOMBO | PELE PELE | ATH8003CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| Malombo - Spirit in the Venda language, have created some of the strangest and most haunting jazz based music I have ever come across. Phillip Tabane's guitar skills are out of this world while his partner Gabriel Thobenjane and his cow hide and baobab drums are a delight to hear being played by a master. Mesmerising vocals add the finishing touch to an album that combines traditional southern African music with jazz in an incredible fusion. Have a listen and be amazed. | 1. MBAQANGA BLUES
2. FATHER AND MOTHER
3. MARABI
4. SITANDO SAM
5. SHEBOKESHANA
6. PEREFERE
7. MALOMBO BLUES
8. KOW-KOW |
   |
| MFAZ' OMNYAMA | KHULA TSHITSHI LAMI | CDAFR172CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| Zulu traditional. | 1. KHULA TSHITSHI LAMI
2. EBATHENJINI
3. WENTOMBI' UYANGIGANGELA
4. NANS' IMP' AYIPHELE
5. UZENZILE
6. ZALOBOL' AMAVILA
7. NGAKONA NGANI?
8. KUPH' OKUNGOKWETHU
9. UVELAPHI WAMASHUSHU DALI
10. WATH' ANGIBOBHEK, IMALI |
| |
| MFILISENI MAGUBANE | WOZA SIHAMBE | CELD6211CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| I can play this album all day and every day as its sparkling vocals and effervescent music is simply out of this world. Born in 1955 at Mandeni on the coast of northern KwaZulu. Mfeliseni is a largely self- taught guitarist with a unique style of playing the local maskandi music which he mixes with the more traditional styles. His first album was released in 1976 and he has played on the movie 'Sarafina' and with Paul Simon, plus has toured as far as Jamaica and New York. This definitely goes down as my favourite South African album for some years! It puts the Soul Brothers into perspective - makes them sound about as interesting as watching paint dry! (F.T.Index: Woza Sihambe, Uthando Lami, Intethelelo, Ugomeleni, Uphetheni, Shosholoza, Itshitshi Lami, Uzothi Unamabhadi, Isithwala Mnjonjo. ) [10T/49M] | 1. WOZA SIHAMBE
2. ISITHWALA MNJONJO
3. UTHANDO LAMI
4. ITSHITSHI LAMI
5. UGOMELENI
6. IMPILO YAMI
7. UPHETHENI
8. UZOTHI UNAMABHADI
9. SHOSHOLOZA
10. INTETHELELO |
   |
| NGANEZIYAMFISA NO KHAMBA LOMVALELISO | LADUMA | IAC4032CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Lovely ten track traditional Zulu album with plenty of guitar and accordions providing a fast paced musical backing to the singers. Released back in 1984 | 1. LADUMA
2. WONGI LINDA
3. NGAFA INKUMBULO
4. ASITHANDAZENI
5. NAMI ANGIZENZANGA
6. LWANGENA UDIDI
7. SINILINDILE
8. NHLIZIYO YAMI
9. PHENDUKANI NONKE
10. ISILILO IZWELONKE |
   |
| NGANEZIYAMFISA NO'KHAMBA LOMVALELISO | INYONGO | BL684CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| They were one of the most popular Zulu traditional groups of the 1980s in South Africa. Unfortunately – as with many artists who specialise in Maskanda music – there is very little information about them and details remain very limited even though the band was still active in the 1990s and well into the 2000s. This album was released in 1989 and is so rare that there are only two mentions of it on the web. a couple of collectors on Discogs have it in their collections but not for sale and this is the other. Have a listen. | 1. BASIBIZILE
2. SAZE SAPHELA
3. INYONGO
4. UKHALELANI
5. SIYAKUBONGELA
6. UKUKHULUMA
7. NGAZIKHETHELA
8. SEKUNJANI
9. KANCANE KANCANE
10. MARIA SEWUNJE
11. ISONO
12. IBHADI |
   |
| PHILIP TABANE AND HIS MALOMBO JAZZMEN | MAN PHILY | PAM04CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| Extraordinary album from Philip and his Malombo Jazzmen who mix jazz harmonies with the local Venda, Pedi and other South African music styles played on a mix of modern and traditional instrumentation. Not much in the way of vocals but the sounds of guitars, flute, simple percussion and the superb malombo drums, after which the group takes it name, is simply amazing. | 1. HI CONGO
2. SETHLEKELEKE
3. VENIE
4. MARABI
5. MALOMBO BLUES
6. DITHABENG
7. NGWAWA OYALELA
8. PHAMBA MADIBA
9. RIVERSIDE
10. MAN FEELING
11. KE KGALE |
   |
| PHILIP TABANE AND MALOMBO | MALOMBO | CDBIG002CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| The late great Dr Philip Nchipi Tabane, the inimitable guitarist, philosopher and conduit of malombo spirits passed away 18/5/18 in Pretoria at the age of 84. He was the creator of malombo music, a sonic tradition centred on the healing arts as passed on to him by his mother. He played with a host of famous musicians, Mabi Thobejane, Julian Bahula, Abbey Cindi, as well as a younger generation of players such as Azah Mphago, Sibusile Xaba and Tabane’s own son, malombo drummer Thabang Tabane. If you have never heard his music before then get ready to be enthralled and click on the clips from Motshile and Mashaba. | 1. MOTSHILE
2. MASHABA
3. KE KGALE
4. NGWANYA OYALELA
5. HI CONGO
6. SANGOMA
7. PHAMBA MADIBA
8. THABANG |
   |
| PHILIP TABANE AND MALOMBO | UNH! | 979225-1CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| Incredible music and my only comment is - MESMERIZING - once heard, never forgotten. What an album..... | 1. MPEDI
2. SOMPIRO
3. UNH!
4. IHN LIZIYO
5. KGALE
6. LENYORA
7. DIBENJO
8. KHUTSANA
9. DRAAKIES
10. MODUMOKOGOLE
11. LEFTASHE |
   |
| S.W. SKHANDULE AND VATSONGO SISTERS | ASWIKUNYUMISI MARIA No. 4 | QBH1089CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| When the first track started my immediate thought was that I had put the record on at the wrong speed as the singing was racing away at break neck speed. It turned out that the music was that fast all the way through. The singing in Tsonga with drums driving the lovely guitar and keyboard backing is just wonderful as you can hear from the clips. Track 8 is crazy just have a listen. Checking on the Internet I found mention of Maria No. 5 but nothing else at all about this album or the artists. The album was made in 1987 at Power House Studio 2 and was released on the Beat City label of Tusk Music. | 1. KUTHEMBA MASHAKA
2. ASWIKUNYUMISI MARIA No. 4
3. ISZONDZO NWANANGA
4. AWUVERENGI NWANANGA
5. LOYINWANA AVANILAVI
6. ANGAKONA LAZONDHAKU MALI
7. AHISWONA SWAKUSALANANDAKU
8. HLONIPHANI THOSI
9. VALAKU TANIDLAYA NISIYA VANAVAMINA
10. UNGANIVONI LOKO NIXAVA MOVHA |
   |
| SAKHILE | AFRICAN ECHOES | KAZCD17CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| The band Sakhile was formed in 1981 by Sipho Gumede, Mabi Thobejane, and Khaya Mahlangu and other well know jazz influenced musicians. They became a popular Cape jazz fusion outfit during the time of apartheid. However they were stopped from having any radio airplay and the group was disbanded. They reunited in 1987 and this album was released in 1989 as Phambili. Sakhile gained an international reputation but disbanded for a second time in 1991 when this album was re-released in the U.K. by Kaz Records as African Echoes. Sipho Gumede followed a solo career during the remainder of the 1990's and died in 2004. | 1. MALUTI
2. MSHANDIRA PHAMWE
3. CROSSROADS
4. SONG FOR BRA ZAKES
5. PHAMBILI
6. MANTENGA FALLS
7. SAME TIME NEXT YEAR
8. TEARS OF JOY |
   |
| THE MINISTERS | NDIZE BONONO NA? | GSL265CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| The rather uninteresting looking cover hides a hidden gem. The Ministers or The Jazz Ministers as they are better known as have been one of the leading bands playing music known as Cape Jazz. The Jazz Ministers founder Victor Ndlazilwana died in 1978 and trumpeter, and tireless teacher of jazz, Johnny Mekoa took over as their leader. He went on to produced this superb album in 1985. If you don't like jazz you will love this album. If you do like Jazz then you will find this album absolutely irisistable. | 1. NGENA MNTAN'AM
2. RAY'S DREAM
3. AMAWA
4. NDIZE BONONO NA?
5. NOMVULA'S DANCE |
   |
| VARIOUS ARTISTS | AFRICAN JAZZ JIVE - VOL. 3 | JIVEV3CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
These tracks were originally recorded and released in South Africa between 1955 and 1965. The relationship between the black musicians and white-owned record companies was then, as now, highly unequal. While the record companies made large profits from this music (sold almost exclusively to blacks), very few artists managed to make a living from it. Typically an artist would receive a session fee for making the record - maybe $10 - and then nothing more while the record company benefited. This situation is not confined to the music industry, however, but is typical of the position of black people in South Africa. In order to compensate, in a small way, for the exploitative conditions under which this music was produced, and to contribute to the struggle of black people in South Africa, a payment will be made from the sale of each cassette to the African National Congress (A.N.C.) of South Africa.
The above is a faithful copy from the original cassette. Incredible stuff. | 1. SALT ROCK PHATA No. 1 (TRANSVAAL ROCKING JAZZ STARS)
2. SOUTH COAST (TRANSVAAL ROCKING JAZZ STARS)
3. SHOUT SHOUT (COUNTRY JAZZ BAND)
4. SIXABENE (COUNTRY JAZZ BAND)
5. UP THE BIRDS No. 2 (REX NTULI AND HIS BAND)
6. MBUZIHAWA JIVE (REX NTULI AND HIS BAND)
7. DIEPKLOOF SPECIAL (MAKHUBELA AND HIS SAXOPHONE JIVE)
8. NWAZIZA (MAKHUBELA AND HIS SAXOPHONE JIVE)
9. BIG TEN (BOY MASAKA AND HIS BIG TEN)
10. TATAZELA GULUVA (BOY MASAKA AND HIS BIG TEN)
11. SESHAS No. 3 (ZEEZEE JAZZ APPOINTMENT)
12. PULLUP (ZACKS AND HIS SEXTET)
13. SI TANDO (ZACKS AND HIS SEXTET)
14. ACE OF SPADES (NICK MICK BAND)
15. GWEVA (NICK MICK BAND)
16. NGAWENJE (AFRICAN SWINGSTERS)
17. PRETORIA(BRA SELLO)
18. WUYE WUYE (ZEEZEE JAZZ APPOINTMENT) |
   |
| VARIOUS ARTISTS | DUCK FOOD - FEMALE VOCAL MBAQANGA CLASSICS | EMW5505CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| These were the songbirds who lightened the dark years of the mid-seventies in Soweto and the other Black Townships of South Africa. The MAVUTHELA team who made this record were a tightknit crew of producers, songwriters, arrangers, musicians and vocalists who consistantly produced the best in Township Music which found markets throughout Southern Africa. The Dark City Sisters were the top female group of the sixties, having records released in London, Lagos, Nairobi as well as topping the charts in Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa. The Dark City Sisters are fronted here by Joyce Mogatusi. The Mahotella Queens are a floating team of session singers established in 1964 by talent scout and song writer Robert Bopape. The Queens took over from the Sisters in the seventies as the top female group with their MGQASHIYO sound (the indestructable beat) which joined the sweet voices of the Queens with the deep voiced groaner Simon 'Mahlathini' Nkabinde and the music of the Makgona Tshole Band, the toughest Mbaqanga session team. The Mgababa Queens and Irene and the Sweet Melodians were formed by ex-Mahotella personnel. All these groups recorded songs in both the major Black languages of South Africa, Zulu and Sotho. D.a. Vanrenen 1986. Tracks The Mahotella Queens - Umculo Kawupheli - theres no end to the music, Jive Mabone - show people (show them how to jive), Thina Siyakhansiya - we are bringing the lights (we are brightening things up with our music), Isisu Somhambi - music which feeds the guests (idiom: music which entertains the guests), Igugu Lezwe - worlds favourite (ie a superstar), Wozani Mahipi - hippies come (to soweto), Mkhulu Lomkhosi - the biggest celebration of the year. The Mgababa Queens - Sidl'imali Zethu - we are using our own money, Akulaiwa Esoweto - the whole township of Soweto doesn't sleep (because of the music). The Dark City Sisters Ezomculo - the musicians, Kulelo Lizwe - in that country (outside South Africa). Irene and the Sweet Melodians - Phelaviki - let the weekend come. Originally released in South Africa as LP Umculo Kawupheli in 1974. This release by Earthworks in U.K. in 1986 and as Soweto Never Sleeps by Shanachie in USA and on CD in 1988. | 1. THE MAHOTELLA QUEENS - UMCULO KAWUPHELI (NO END TO MUSIC)
2. THE MAHOTELLA QUEENS - JIVE MABONE (SHOW THEM HOW TO JIVE)
3. THE MGABABA QUEENS - SIDL'IMALI ZETHU (OUR OWN MONEY)
4. THE MAHOTELLA QUEENS - THINA SIYAKHANYISA (BRINGING THE LIGHTS)
5. THE MAHOTELLA QUEENS - ISISU SOMHAMBI (MUSIC WHICH FEEDS THE GUESTS)
6. THE DARK CITY SISTERS - EZOMCULO (THE MUSICIANS)
7. THE MAHOTELLA QUEENS - IGUGU LEZWE (WORLD FAVOURITE)
8. THE MAHOTELLA QUEENS - WOZANI MAHIPI (HIPPIES COME TO SOWETO)
9. THE MAHOTELLA QUEENS - MKHULU LOMKHOSI (THE BIG CELEBRATION)
10. THE MGABABA QUEENS - AKULAIWA ESOWETO (SOWETO NEVER SLEEPS)
11. IRENE AND THE SWEET MELODIANS - PHELAVIKI (LET THE WEEKEND COME)
12.THE DARK CITY SISTERS - KULELO LIZWE (OUTSIDE SOUTH AFRICA) |
   |
| VARIOUS ARTISTS | SAX AND FLUTE JIVE - VOL. 2 | JIVEV2CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
These tracks were originally recorded and released in South Africa between 1955 and 1965. The relationship between the black musicians and white-owned record companies was then, as now, highly unequal. While the record companies made large profits from this music (sold almost exclusively to blacks), very few artists managed to make a living from it. Typically an artist would receive a session fee for making the record - maybe $10 - and then nothing more while the record company benefited. This situation is not confined to the music industry, however, but is typical of the position of black people in South Africa. In order to compensate, in a small way, for the exploitative conditions under which this music was produced, and to contribute to the struggle of black people in South Africa, a payment will be made from the sale of each cassette to the African National Congress (A.N.C.) of South Africa.
The above is a faithful copy from the original cassette. More incredible stuff. | 1. SIMANGELE (BOY MASAKA)
2. TINY (BOY MASAKA)
3. MONKEY JIVE No. 3 (S.D.V. SWING BAND)
4. OTLA NO TSHELA (S.D.V. SWING BAND)
5. SPRINGBOK No. 4 (SPARKS AND HIS SAXOPHONE)
6. CHERRIE BEAT SPECIAL (KID MA WRONG WRONG)
7. YELLOW MIELIE MEAL (KID MA WRONG WRONG)
8. DOUBLE TROUBLE (VELILE TAPS KING)
9. AFRICANA (S.D.V. SWING BAND)
10. TOM HARK (ELIAS LEROLE AND HIS ZIG-ZAG FLUTES)
11. DEVIL IN THE SEA (BLACK MAMBAZO)
12. PARKHILL KWELA (LITTLE KID LEX)
13. SHOWDOWN PHEPHEZELA (INKINTSHO BROTHERS)
14. ERMELO TWIST (INKINTSHO BROTHERS)
15. SIMANGAMANGA (KAISER AND HIS RHYTHM)
16. KGOKGOMA (THE ALEXANDER SHAMBA BOYS)
17. FINISH (THE ALEXANDER SHAMBA BOYS)
18. BOILING WATER (BLACK MAMBAZO)
19. SPOON DOWN (ALEXANDER SHAMBA) |
   |
| VARIOUS ARTISTS | ZULU VOCAL JIVE - VOL. 1 | JIVEV1CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
These tracks were originally recorded and released in South Africa between 1955 and 1965. The relationship between the black musicians and white-owned record companies was then, as now, highly unequal. While the record companies made large profits from this music (sold almost exclusively to blacks), very few artists managed to make a living from it. Typically an artist would receive a session fee for making the record - maybe $10 - and then nothing more while the record company benefited. This situation is not confined to the music industry, however, but is typical of the position of black people in South Africa. In order to compensate, in a small way, for the exploitative conditions under which this music was produced, and to contribute to the struggle of black people in South Africa, a payment will be made from the sale of each cassette to the African National Congress (A.N.C.) of South Africa.
The above is a faithful copy from the original cassette. Incredible stuff. | 1. CHANGE JIVE BAFANA (DARK CITY SISTERS)
2. ROSE (DARK CITY SISTERS)
3. LANGA MORE (TAP TAP) (FLYING JAZZ QUEENS)
4. UBUYILE (JOYCE MOGATUSI AND BOY MASAKA)
5. UNGALILE (JOYCE MOGATUSI AND BOY MASAKA)
6. PICK UP (FLYING JAZZ QUEENS)
7. ULWANDHLE (FLYING JAZZ QUEENS)
8. INDODA YAM (TRAVELING SISTERS)
9. RICO JIVE (DARK CITY SISTERS)
10. THEMBELE NKOSINI (DARK CITY SISTERS)
11. INXUBEVANGE (ITOMBI ZODWA)
12. SEBBE YAKUAZI (ITOMBI ZODWA)
13. JABULANI NONKE (DARK CITY SISTERS WITH TRANSVAAL ROCKING JAZZ STARS)
14. TOMATI YO YO No. 3 (DARK CITY SISTERS WITH TRANSVAAL ROCKING JAZZ STARS)
15. STRIKES SPECIAL (NEW FARM SISTERS)
16. JO'BURG STYLE (DARK CITY SISTERS)
17. MONKEY JIVE 66 (FLYING JAZZ QUEENS)
18. IYA BULALA I NICE TIME (BLACK MAMBAZO) |
   |
| SUDAN |
| ABDEL AZIZ AL MUBARAK | NAGOUM ALLAIL ESHHADY | MUNS77190CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Over thirty years since I first heard this album and it has been sitting unplayed and unloved in my tape rack till now in 2022. The first three tracks are rather nice old style Sudanese orchestral in style and a bit different from the rest of the album as the music nor the vocals do not have the clarity of the later tracks. However the unlisted fourth track is just a small instrumental filler but the sound quality give a hint of what is to come. The next three tracks are just beautiful and are both superbly sung and played. Well worth getting the album just for these three tracks alone. If anyone out there would like to translate the Arabic from the inlay I will be very happy to e-mail then a full size image. There must be something there that tells you what is different about the recordings. | 1. NAGOUM ALLAIL ESHHADY
2. LA BETFASELNY
3. AL REMSH
4. Short Instrumental Filler
5. MEN GOUR ZAMANY
6. MEEN FAKKARAK
7. GHEEB ALAYA |
   |
| ABDEL GADIR SALIM | BAKHAF EL REED | SDS100CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| It said on the inlay card that the artist was Abdel Kader Salem but this was a transcription error from the Arabic by EMI Greece who licensed the album from Sudanphone. The first track was wonderful but after that the brass section tends to get a bit strident sounding. Track Nos. 8 and 9 also had some speed and volume errors which on this CDR I have cleaned up a bit so as not to be too noticeable. Having searched the Internet I could only find a few of these tracks (even on Arabic music sites) and what I did find obviously all came from the same source album. So all in all it is still a pretty rare recording. Samples are from the tape not the CDR which is a little bit smoother sounding. | 1. YAKHAF AL RYD (QAD RISHUNA)
2. NATLAQAA
3. KARDAFAN
4. DARFOUNA
5. GAMIL AL SOURA
6. RADAA ALQALIB
7. JINAK
8. AL MARYOUD
9. RISAALA SHOUQ |
   |
| ABDEL KERIM EL KABLY | SUKKAR | MUNS84153CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Released in 1984 the album starts off with a version of his earlier hit song Sukkar, Sukkar which is supposed to be known by most of the population of both Sudan and Egypt as it was that popular. He was an accomplished singer, songwriter, poet and composer who played oud (an arabic lute) and the penny whistle. He is also supposed to have played the shetern (a small drum) according to Wikipedia but I couldn't find it mentioned anywhere else at all. He was held in high regard around the World and released over 150 songs during his career which ended in 2021 when he died at his home in the USA. My favourite track is AL MARAYA which went straight into my computer juke box. Beautifully sung and great music.[7T/42M] | 1. SUKKAR
2. YA GAR
3. AL MARAYA
4. SHAZA AL ZAHR
5. SHAM'AH
6. AMEER
7. BENT MELOUK EL NEEL |
   |
| ABDEL MENAM EL KHALDI | HOB EL NAS - AL RAID KASSAM | MUNS81161CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| I could not track him down under the name Alkhaledy which the Sono Cairo Catalogue had him listed as. Luckily under Sudanese singers I matched his picture to that on the tape inlay. Tracking down his songs I managed to find 3 of the 4 missing song titles. Anyone know the third track title? Music wise this tape is rather different to the usual sounds of Sudan which is why I chose it out of the hundreds of sample tapes I had back then. | 1. HOB EL NAS
2. YBARKLO LIK
3. UNKNOWN
4. AL RAID KASSAM
5. EL AMERA
6. AZAK YA AIOUNY |
   |
| ABDEL RAHMAN ABDALLA | AL ZEMAN ABU RASHMA | MUNS81310CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Beautifully serene album of traditional music which features a mixture of horns, flutes, violins and drums to back up oud player Abdel's rich and melodic voice. The second track, 'Al Entezar', is my favourite with its slightly more jazzy sound but in general the album's slow and rhythmic pace is just perfect to come home and relax to after a hard days graft down at the local camel market! | 1. AL ZEMAN ABU RASHMA
2. AL ENTEZAR
3. BENT BALADY
4. EL TAIR EL MESAFER
5. MANADEELY
6. EL ZOAL |
   |
| AL BALABIL | LAYL AL-SHAJAN | SDS271CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
A first time for the 'Sudanphone' label in the U.K. Al Balabil were Sudan's most popular all girl trio some years ago and rightly so. Their voices harmonise perfectly with, yet stand out from, the traditional backing of violins, horns and percussion played in a modern style with the addition of a bit of electric guitar on most tracks. Timeless and soulful, it's now a favorite of mine without a doubt, especially Nasmat Al-Shamal which is gorgeously hypnotic. RECOMMENDED. [8T/56M]
Some extra info from Jeremy Toomey in the USA
I love the first track, 'Baridak'. It must be a Sudanese standard, as putting that title into Google in Arabic comes up with a string of video performances of the song (not all by al-Balabil), including this very nice one from a TV appearance marking al-Balabil's reunion after a 15 year absence: Baridak The last listed track is interesting. 'Adila is just the feminine version of the Arabic name 'Adil, but there is a note indicating that this is sung in a different dialect than the rest of the tape, some sort of pidgin. The word that appears in parenthesis, 'ratana', means something like 'jargon, lingo, pidgin' -- non-standard speech. Unfortunately, I don't know enough about every dialect or language in Sudan to say which specific dialect or language it is, but you will notice that the instrumentation is quite different than the rest of the tape, with only drum and clapping. Also, unlike the other songs on the tape, the lyrics are not credited to known writers, but instead are credited to 'heritage/folk' (min al-turath = 'from the heritage'). I find it more or less inscrutable, but then there are over 100 spoken languages and dialects in Sudan, so it wouldn't surprise me if this were a different language entirely, or even an extremely localized/divergent variety of Arabic (there are regional standards in the country, such as the Arabic of the capital, the 'Juba' Arabic dialect of the now-independent South, etc).
Thank you very much for the music. It's great.
And to Jeremy - Thank you ever so much for your help in transcribing the titles and the background information.
Nick
| 1. BARIDAK
2. AL-TAYF
3. AQUL ANSAK (I say forget)
4. LAYL AL-SHAJAN
5. WAYNAK INTI
6. NASMAT AL-SHAMAL (NORTHERN BREEZE)
7. ADILA
8. UNLISTED REPRISE OF AQUL ANSAK |
   |
| BASHIR ABDEL'AAL | ANA MOSHTAK LAIK | MUNS84035CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Well what can I say. If you enter the name on google you get a Syrian Nay (flute) player. However this Bashir is a Sudanese Oud player and also a very accomplished singer. So if anybody out there knows anything more then please get in touch. The album is out there on the internet but all the downloads I found had a buzz in the left channel and obviously all from the same recording just like my original cassette. Anyway back to the music and I will let the sound clips from my CD-R tell you the rest. | 1. ANA MOSHTAK LAIK
2. NOUR AINY 3. HATTA MARRAH
4. HAMDELLA ASALAMA
5. BETKOUL SHAKY
6. YA RAITO SAFARAK
7. NES'AD YOAM BELOKAK |
   |
| HAFEZ ABDEL RAHMAN | GHARAM | MUNS83115CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Flute magic, with this beautiful traditional album from Hafez. It's a shame that the guitarist on 'Hatta Naitaky' (track 2) didn't play a more prominent part but nearly an hour of absolutely superb traditional yet modern flute, violin and drum music, recorded live, more than makes up for the lack of a bit of guitar. Gorgeous music but a big question that needs to be answered. The Sono Cairo Catalogue lists 6 tracks as shown on the right. However, both the actual cassette and the inlay card lists 4 tracks on side 1 and 3 tracks on side 2. Now that might be a bit confusing but when you play the tape there are 4 tracks on side 1 but on side 2 there are actually another 5 tracks making 9 in total. Track 9 is the first half of track 4 used as a filler according to the tape label and inlay. Only one problem - the repeated track is actually 6 not 4. Help I think I am going mad..... I can email a large image to help with the seventh track but can anyone identify the eighth track and which ones are actually which. | 1. GHARAM
2. HATTANALTAKY
3. AL FOZDOKEYA
4. LAW BAHEMMO
5. AROUS
6. NOGOUM ELLAIL
7. Unknown
8. Unknown
9. Repeat first half of track 6. |
   |
| HAMAD EL REEH | ALA WAYN | MUNS85055CDC | TC | £ 12.50 | |
| A wonderful live recording of what I thought was going to be pretty standard Sudanese music. Drum driven violin orchestral music with deep voiced singer Hamad cruising through. Then in comes track two and well rather than read my review have a listen to the clips and be amazed. The music is brilliant but the recording is a bit hit and miss as I found out when recording it to my collection CDR. However being so rare its worth it's weight in gold and cleaned up it sounds just great. The CD-R is a double album as the tape actually runs to 83 minutes in total. | 1. ALA WAYN
2. AL WASIA
3. KAMAL JAMILAK
4. SHAHR SHAHRAYN
5. ILA MASAFRA
6. JIT SHAYL AL FARAH
7. SHAAL M FARQATAK QALBY
8. AJ BOYNA
9. HABIBI ENTA TASALAM
10. BARIDAK YASBAH OUMRY
11. FI SABIL NAZARAMIN AYOUNAK |
   |
| HASAN ATTIA | YA MAMARY END AL ASEEL | MUNS84142CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Well I couldn't find much on the web about Hasan Attia except that he was born in 1921 and passed away in 1993. I have two of his tapes but that is just the tip of the iceberg with recordings going back to his youth. Later releases were with his own orchestra. Listen to his soft, slightly raspy voice and you can straight away see why he was a very popular singer. Four tracks went straight into my computer juke box. | 1. YA MAMARY END AL ASEEL
2. SA'ALT AN FA'ADY
3. HAI TADRY
4. AL REHLA AL BAIDA
5. AKOULANTA NOUR
6. NADANY AL RAHEEL
7. YA SAKENEEN AL HAY
8. LA TASMA'EY
9. EYOUNY |
   |
| KAMAL TERBAS | (not transcribed) | KSACDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| The only English on the inlay says it was made in Jeddah K.S.A. by Hani Production. The music clips will tell you much more than I can so just have a listen. It is truly AN INCREDIBLY BEAUTIFUL ALBUM. | 1. (not transcribed)
2. (not transcribed)
3. (not transcribed)
4. (not transcribed)
5. (not transcribed)
6. (not transcribed) |
   |
| KAMAL TERBAS | ARGOUK | MUNS83008CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Kamal Ibrahim Suleiman, better known as Kamal Terbas is one of the best singers in Sudan and here with his band in a superb concert recording. The percussionists and hand clappers keep up a steady stream of varied and trance inducing ethnic rhythms to which Kamal's powerful voice and the band's backing vocals are perfectly suited. Bakait Tensa is my favorite track and while not quite as Jazzy as Ali Hassan Kuban it's just as addictive. WONDERFUL ALBUM. If anyone knows what track 6 is called I would love to know as it is shown in Arabic on the tape inlay but has been missed out of the transcription in the catalogue. | 1. ARGOUK
2. LA YA ZAMAN
3. MA TEHTAMMO BEL'AYAM
4. KOUM YA HAMAM
5. BAKAIT TENSA
6. Title Unknown
7. EZKORY
8. SADDEKNY
9. EKHWATY EL BANAT
10. SENEEN FI EZ GAMR
11. EL AMAN |
   |
| KAMAL TERBAS | AZLEM MAN ZALAM | MUNS81162CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Another lovely album from singer Kamal and his band with the drummers and the clapping of hands keeping up a steady rhythm of trance inducing music. Forty minutes of pure pleasure. | 1. AZLEM MAN ZALAM
2. OMMY ALLAH YESALLEMEK
3. MA TEHLAMMO
4. BEL AYAM
5. ENY EL GAMAL
6. EL SHABAH BAYEN |
   |
| MAGZOUB ONSA | DAH MA SALAMAK - SAHM EL RAIDA | MUNS81219CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| I thought this was going to be another rather lacklustre sample to listen to as the usual drums and violins struck up but I soon had to change my mind. Once it livens up it becomes obvious that it is a live recording as the audience starts to clap to the rhythm and the girls start to 'ulah'. After the first two tracks the recording quality improves as he switches to the studio where his full potential becomes apparent. It's got some very danceable tracks and slowly but surely you'll find yourself swaying to it's rhythmic Sudanese beat. | 1. DAH MA SALAMAK
2. (not transcribed)
3. (not transcribed)
4. SAHM EL RAIDA
5. (not transcribed)
6. (not transcribed) |
   |
| MOHAMMED WARDI | LIVE IN ADDIS ABABA 1994 | RPM001-2CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| The living legend of Sudanese music live in concert in Addis Ababa and 'WOW' what an album it is too! Mohammed and his 18 piece band just explode into a riot of joyful music and song that mixes the classical sounds of the Sudan with the funky - bluesy sounds of sub-Saharan Africa. His rich and exuberant vocals bounce along to the infectious throb of the drummers while the strings, accordion and sax go into overdrive. This is without a doubt the best album of Sudanese music that I've ever heard, in fact it's one the best African albums that I've ever heard. (F.T.Index: I'm not going to try and list them in order as they are all brilliant.) [8T/65M] Great sleeve notes as well. | 1. AL NAS AL GIYAFA
2. QATAR AL-NADA
3. ZAT AL SHAMA
4. HARAMT AL HUB W AL RAIDA
5. AZIBNI
6. SHIN BITGOUL
7. YA BALADI YA HABOUB
8. TISA TASHER SANAANA |
   |
| MUSTAFA SIID AHMED | AL HUZN AL NABEEL | HAS4214CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Released back in 1992 this album has a slightly more modern feel to it being enhanced with a little bit of guitar and keyboard plus the use of a most delightful chorus line. (F.T.Index: 1, 4, 5, 3, 2. ) [5T/42M] | 1. AL HUZN AL NABEEL
2. ATHINIK EURIFTI
3. SAAFIR
4. NASHWAT REID
5. FI EUYONIK |
   |
| MUSTAFA SIID AHMED | KOONIL NAJMA | HAS022CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| This cassettes was sadly Mustafa's final release. His untimely death, he was only in his 40s, in 1995 in exile at Doha - Qatar, has left a gap in Sudanese music that is almost un-fillable. His songs while being rather political are sung with such tremendous feeling that if you don't speak Arabic you'll think of them as being romantic. The superbly played musical backing comes from the standard line-up of violins, drums, sax and flutes but such is the magnetism and brilliance of Mustafa's voice that you probably won't really notice it. ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS 1996 (F.T.Index: 1, 4 ,5, 2, 3. ) [5T/46M] | 1. KOONIL NAJMA
2. AL BIT AL HADIQA
3. GAMAR AL ZAMAN
4. LO KONTI MAEAYA
5. YA DOLANA |
   |
| SADEK METWALY | ESHET EL BASATA | MUNS86075CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
Wonderful unique album from Sadek and his band. He combines soft and soulful but typically Sudanese songs with some inspired electric guitar playing that overlays and intertwines with the rhythmic drumming and singing. The result is just out of this world! Hauntingly beautiful music that I could listen to for ever. Brilliant in every way and I think it can easily stand comparison with Baaba Maal and Mansour Seck's classic 'Djam Leeli' album for the beauty of the music. A DEFINITE MASTERPIECE. [10T/56M]
Thank you to Stuart Ellis for the transcription and translations.
stuart@radiodiffusion.net | 1. ESHET EL BASATA
~ THE SIMPLE LIFE
2. EL FARHA TAMT
~ HAPPY NOW
3. TENSA KEEF MA' ADNA
~ HOW TO FORGET OUR MEETING
4. AL BOLBOL AL SADAAH
~ THE ENCHANTING NIGHTINGALE
5. ZALAMOUNI
~ UNFAIR TO ME
6. MADANI EKHWAN
~ MADANI EKHWAN (name)
7. EDEIT MIN OMRI SNEEN
~ I GAVE SO MUCH OF MY LIFE
8. HANENOUH
~ MAKE HIM TENDER
9. AYOUNIK WAHED L'L AFRAH
~ ONE HEART FOR HAPPINESS
10. ENDIB HAZI
~ CURSE MY BAD LUCK |
   |
| SAYED KHALEEFA | SALAM EL BASMA | MUNS77184CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| The late great Sayed Khalifa a star for over 40 years died in Amman in 2001 aged 73. A most difficult album to describe. It opens with a sax line up that could have come straight from an American big band of the 1940's and goes on through music which can sound typically ethnic Sudanese or even Chinese! Throw in a track or two that wouldn't go amiss in Music Hall or as theme tunes to a Western movie and you start to get the idea. Add instruments that range from oud to piano and both male and female backing singers and the picture is now clearer. However I haven't mentioned the driving force behind all this variation, namely Sayed Khaleefa, who's stupendous voice powers out on every track. A strange and intriguing album with plenty of surprises. Recording was low volume on side A but very loud on side B as you can hear from the clips this has been corrected on my CD-R. | 1. SALAM EL BASMA
2. AL MANDIL
3. JAMIL BASAAM
4. ALLAH BIKHALIK
5. ASHKA LIMIN
6. ZANOUBA
7. HABIB QALBY
8. HAMASA
9. GHAZALIA
10. KHASIMATANI |
   |
| SHEREHLY AHMAD | LAMMA EL KAMAR | MUNS77204CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Every so often something fabulous pops up from the most unlikely places and this album is definitely one of them. Intrigued by the first track, 'Lamma el Kamar', which sounded more like a hymn than anything else, I was astonished as Sherehly's crooning voice got me hooked on a lovely melody called 'Ellail el Hady'. Then on track three, 'Zay Mabnehwak', he changes again to the simplest of tunes played on guitar and horn but backed by a drummer using wires on a dustbin? Turn over and straight into a beautiful typically Sudanese number called 'El Hob Erelto'. Then back came the horn, the guitar, that mad drummer and Sherehly, his gorgeous voice now on top form with a couple of simple songs, 'Malek Ya Saly' and 'Ghazal', that had me up and shaking the old chassis in a flash. Bing Crosby never had this effect on me but I've played this album to loads of my friends and the verdict was always the same, 'ITS MAGIC AND I WANT ONE!' So for those of you who haven't yet had the pleasure of listening to Sherehly and his mad cap band I can only say to you that you won't be disappointed. Even if you think, like everyone else, that the music is terrible, you'll still find, as they all have, that overall it's got something that makes this album absolutely and totally irresistible. BRILLIANT. | 1. LAMMA EL KAMAR
2. ELLAIL EL HADY
3. ZAY MABNEHWAK
4. EL HOB ERELTO
5. MALEK YA SALY
6. GHAZAL |
   |
| VARIOUS ARTISTS | NUBIAN SONGS FROM NORTH SUDAN | MUNS83116CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Amazing ten track compilation album of ethnic Nubian songs which unfortunately gives no details about the artists. The singers on side 'A', both male and female, with the exception of the last track, are accompanied simply by strings and a hand drum or two. The last track could be a taster for the first track on side 'B' which must be twenty minutes long and is incredible. A stunningly powerful and rough voiced female singer leads the voices of hundreds of shrill young children in a call and response song that's driven along by a group of rhythmic drummers who can really belt it out. They also join in the singing about half way through and then speed it up to a stunning finish. That is followed by another group of drummers on their own and finally winds down with a beautiful unaccompanied chant by a man who must be long dead as it has been re-recorded from an old vinyl record. Who ever he was he could actually sing the music and that takes some doing. BRILLIANCE ETHNIC STYLE. | 1. 6'24
2. 4'06
3. 2'25
4. 3'12
5. 3'44
6. 2'51
7. 2'06
8. 19'21
9. 2'51
10. 3'13
Total Time : 50'19
Only the number of tracks and the length of each is shown below. None of the artists or the titles of any of the tracks was printed on the original cassette. The music has been repaired where any obvious gaps and dropouts were found and has had background tape noise and hiss removed. Some of the tracks were taken from old records with lots of clicks in them and most have been repaired. The last track has been left virtually untouched to retain its unique atmosphere. |
   |
| WED AL BAKRY | (not transcribed) | MUNS93024CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Beautiful music and singing throughout by Wed Al bakry and his band. Settle down and drift away with the hypnotic sounds of Kartoum's music scene. Have a listen to the clips to see just what I mean. A slightly later release than the other munsphone tapes so not transcribed as not in my catalogue. | 1. (not transcribed)
2. (not transcribed)
3. (not transcribed)
4. (not transcribed)
5. (not transcribed)
6. (not transcribed)
7. (not transcribed)
8. (not transcribed) |
   |
| TANZANIA |
| BABY REHEMA AND BWAGAMOYO SOUND | TUNDA SPECIAL | RC003CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Absolutely pure magic is a total understatement as this wonderful band let loose with their modern style of Tanzanian dance music. Their fascinating vocal harmonies grab your attention immediately but so does the exuberance of their guitar playing, the sebens are gorgeous. If that isn't enough to send you into raptures then just have a listen to their own brand of drum driven Swahili call and response vocals. Its enough to send me into a state of pure ecstasy. A definite No.1 if they ever get it out on CD. Well next best thing is to get the CD-R. 60 Minutes | 1. TUNDA - BABY REHEMA
2. FATUMA - PRINCE MUMINI
3. TALAKA MAHAKAMANI
4. TUNDA (REMIX)
5. TUCHEZE NGOMA
6. SHUMBUKO - PRINCE MUNINI
7. NDOA YA MKEKA
8. TUCHEZE NGOMA (REMIX) |
   |
| CULTURE MUSIC CLUB | BASHRAF - TAARAB INSTRUMENTALS | DIZIM4509-2CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| | |
| |
| DAR JAZZ BAND AND TOMA TOMA ORCHESTRA | ZILIPENDWA - REDIO TANZANIA | REDIOCDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| A cracking compilation album put together by Radio Tanzania. The first five tracks come from Dar Jazz Band and the other five from Toma Toma Orchestra. Dar's tunes are old style mainly rumba based and a treat to listen to especially the lovely vocal harmonies, twinkling guitars and some rather pleasant horns. Toma Toma's tracks are totally different with a much faster paced and more modern electric sound. I will definitely be on the lookout for more of their music. [10T/54M] | 1. HAYO YOTE NI YA DUNIA
2. NIFANYEJE SAPHINA
3. MPENZI SIKIA
4. NALIPENDA TUNDA
5. KUBALI NASEMA
6. STENDI YA BASI
7. STELA
8. MKE MWENZANGU
9. BABA KALEE
10. BWANA JUMA |
   |
| JAMHURI JAZZ | HITS OF JAMHURI JAZZ | CPOLP1013CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Originally one of Tanzania's top ranking bands with roots going back to its inception in the 60's. This compilation of some of their hits spans the period up to the mid 80's when this cassette was first produced. Superb slow rumba characterised by the beautiful interplay of the guitars and horns and also by the superb vocal harmonies that make this album a timeless gem. ( F.T.Index: Sasa Waka Chonjo, Safari, Wasi Wasi Ondoa, Mama Watoto, Ooh Masikini, Susana, Usinichukie Bure, Ewe Kisura. ) [8T/37M] | 1. MAMA WATOTO
2. EWE KISURA
3. SUSANA
4. USINICHUKIE BURE
5. WASI WASI ONDOA
6. OOH MASIKINI
7. SASA WAKO CHONJO
8. SAFARI |
   |
| JUWATA JAZZ BAND AND KILIMANJARO JAZZ BAND | ZILIPENDWA - REDIO TANZANIA | REDIO2CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Another cracking compilation album put together by Radio Tanzania. The first five tracks come from Juwata Jazz Band and the next six from Kilimanjaro Jazz Band. Just magic. [11T/58M] | 1. KRISTOPHER
2. DUNIA UWANJA WA FUJO
3. FATUMA MAISHA VITA
4. ETE
5. MWENDA POLE
6. TWENDE KWETU SHAMBA
7. WAKATI NILIPOINGIA
8. SISI SOTE VIJANA
9. KOSA GANI NIMEFANYA MARIA
10. NILIPATA KIBARUA
11. MIAYANGU GWEYE |
  |
| KING KIKI - DOUBLE 'O' | EMBALA SASA - SHIKA BREAK | KIKICDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Absolute magic but where has he been hiding for all these years? Well Kikumbi Mwanza Mpango, to give him his real name, started out with Orchestra Maquis as their Kiswahili singer due to the Tanzanian Government not wanting Zairean bands to sing in their own Lingala language. He has also played with International Safari Sound Orchestra and Zaita Musica but today does the Dar Es Salaam Club circuit. I won't try to describe the music as these sample clips will tell you far more than I can. | 1. NJIMINA
2. MTOTO KAANZA TAMBAA
3. MIMI NAWE
4. SALAMULE
5. MALALAMIKO
6. KIBWANANGE
7. KINYUME
8. LAMANDA
9. DODOMA CAPITAL
10. SIPENDI KUGOMBANA |
   |
| MAQUIS ORIGINAL | KIONGO | KIONGOCDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Maquis Original were one of the bands who moved to East Africa from Zaire in the late seventies. They were known as Maquis du Zaire at first and were very popular in Dar Es Salaam. This recording does not follow the track list of the cassette AHD036 of the same name but does have 4 of the 6 tracks. Kweli Maisha Ni Safari Ndefu and Nabwela Muziko Lya Zambia seem to have been replaced by two very different tracks both called Christmas. If anyone knows any answers to this one then please let me know. | 1. KIONGO
2. PONDAMALI
3. CHRISTMAS - 1
4. MAIGA
5. ZOWA
6. CHRISTMAS - 2 |
   |
| MBARAKA MWINSHEHE | ORCH' SUPER VOLCANO Vol. 11 | LSNMC002CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Known as the Franco of the East, Mbaraka's 15 year career as guitarist, composer and band leader of Orchestra Volcano was brought to an untimely end in 1979 by a car crash. Sweet vocal harmonies with gorgeous rumba guitaring and horns that are the equal if not better than anything coming out of 60's and 70's Congo or Zaire. Gorgeous all the way through. [12T/59M] | 1. PENZI LA MASHAKA
2. CHOYO UACHE - THE BEAT IS MAHOKA
3. POLE DADA
4. UJAMAA NA KUJITEGEMEA
5. NASIKA MWANITETA
6. CHOYO UACHE - THE BEAT IS MAHOKA NO. 2
7. ESTA WANGU
8. WANA MORO
9. NIMECHOKA KUSEMWA
10. MANDHI
11. NALILIA RAHA
12. PENZI LA MASHAKA NO. 2 |
   |
| MBARAKA MWINSHEHE | ORCH' SUPER VOLCANO Vol. 12 | LSNMC003CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Yes you did read it correctly the third track is Happy Christmas, Kenyan style. Loved the guitars on Poleni Rufiji and Headquarters Ya Volcano although the sax line-up was a bit shrill when it blasted into life. | 1. USIINGULIE UGOMVI WAO
2. POLENI RUFIJI
3. HAPPY CHRISTMAS
4. HUYU NI SHEMEJI YAKO
5. HARUSI NO. 2
6. SITAKATA TAMAA
7. HEADQUARTERS YA VOLCANO
8. VIPI POSA (MSHENGA NO. 2) |
   |
| MBARAKA MWINSHEHE | UKUMBUSHO Vol. 1 | CPOLP536CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| The first of the late great Mbaraka's re-released compilation albums. | 1. SHIDA
2. NISALIMIE WANAZIRE
3. MAPENZI YANITESA
4. CHOYO UACHE
5. TUTAKUJA GOMBANA
6. DR KLERUU
7. ESTA WANGU |
   |
| MBARAKA MWINSHEHE | UKUMBUSHO Vol. 2 | CPOLP537CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| The second of the late great Mbaraka's re-released compilation albums and just as good as all the others. Great music with plenty of guitar, brass and a cracking beat and Mbaraka's lovely vocals to top it all off. [7T/39M] | 1. MTAA WA SABA 1 + 2
2. POLE DADA
3. URAFIKI MWISHO WA MWEZI
4. VIJANA WA AFRIKA
5. KBZENZA
6. JASINTA
7. SULULU YA MORO |
   |
| MBARAKA MWINSHEHE | UKUMBUSHO Vol. 4 | CPOLP550CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| With super smooth vocals, guitars and saxes I thought this has the making of a fabulous album as Mbaraka swung into action. However, sailing through the tracks it just got better and better and better still. Wow, what an album, absolutely brilliant.[40M] | 1. BIBI WA WATU
2. DINA ULIAPA
3. KASEMA HAKUTAKI
4. MASIKA MTINDO MPYA
5. UAMINIFU NIMEUT AMBUA
6. UTANIKONDESHA MARIA
7. MAMA CHAKULA BORA
8. ROHO NDIYO MWAMUZI |
   |
| MBARAKA MWINSHEHE | UKUMBUSHO Vol. 5 | CPOLP553CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Opens with a slow almost jazzy style track with the sax making most of the running. From there it just coasts along until by the beginning of track four the introductions are over and the party really begins. Soft, rich and with some very neat guitar picking interspersed with more brass it gives the whole album a sound to be treasured. ( F.T.Index: Unanitafuta Nini, Nitamtuma Mshenga, Makao Makuu Dodoma, Akula Mwembe Songo, Fadhili Ya Punda, Matamko Ya Viongozi Wetu, Tina Turudiane, Sina Pesa. ) [8T/40M] | |
| |
| MBARAKA MWINSHEHE | UKUMBUSHO Vol. 7 | CPOLP566CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Another cracking album from Mbaraka with the some really great brass blowing through those ever tinkling guitars. Pure magic as they sway through Regina and Expo 70. Yes 1970 is the year. Over fifty years ago and it still sounds as fresh today as it did when it first came out. Very interesting to hear Mbaraka singing in Japanese and if you are wondering why he's rabbiting on in Japanese Expo 70 was held in Japan in 1970. Not to be missed. ( F.T.Index: Regina, Expo 70 Pt 1 and 2, Masikitiko Yetu, Nipeleke Nikashuhudie, Picnic Ya Volcano, Penzi Lako Hatari, Watalii . ) [8T/39M] | 1. PENZI LAKO HATARI
2. PICNIC YA VOLCANO
3. NIPELEKE NIKASHUHUDIE
4. MASIKITIKO YETU
5. WATALII
6. REGINA
7. EXPO 70 NO. 1
8. EXPO 70 NO. 2 |
| |
| MBARAKA MWINSHEHE | UKUMBUSHO Vol. 8 | CPOLP575CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Its dangerous to put this sort of music in my tape deck as I seem to have a problem switching it off again. Just listen as Mbaraka's easy going vocals sail along with that infectiously simple snare drum and bass guitar background. The rest of the band add some natty horns and the lead guitar is there with some great string picking. The rumba rolls on but Matrida was rather intriguing as it had a hint of indian about it and red indian at that! On side two in comes Mashetani in its original two part form. If this track doesn't get you up and wiggling your way senuously across the floor then you are either deaf or dead! Wonderful music throughout especially as the sebens come in. A real cracker. ( F.T.Index: Mashetani, Safari Sio Kifo, Baba Mdogo, Washemeji Wangapi, Matrida Huna Siri, Talaka Kampa Nani. ) [6T/39M] | |
| |
| MBARAKA MWINSHEHE | UKUMBUSHO Vol. 9 | CPOLP592CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Even more superb music and singing from the great late Mbaraka and his band. The guitars are once again literally throbbing but this time round the sax line up comes into its own with some superbly polished brass if you'll excuse the pun! This album is not to be missed - its a definite cracker and Twawapongeza is absolutely and uniquely unforgettable. ( F.T.Index: Twawapongeza Wanasoka, Kazi Nydiyo Msingi, Regina, Heko U.W.T., Mrudishe, Tunacho Gombea Nisi, Mwongoza Wa Tanu, Ukombozi Wa Africa. ) [8T/43M] | |
| |
| MBARAKA MWINSHEHE AND MORO GORO JAZZ BAND | DAR-ES-SALAAM CAPITAL - MWANITETA | CSABA21CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Volume 2 from the same set as Hallo Betty and not part of the well known Polygram Archive collection. Live recordings released by Chandarana records in Kericho during 1968 and 1969. The recording is marked as being Mobile (not a studio) and was a bit hissy but it came up very nice on my CDR as you can hear from the samples. Contains a few more of the Kwela - Pennywhistle style tracks like the sample on CSABA9. | 1. DAR-ES-SALAAM CAPITAL
2. DADA RE-HE-MA
3. WHEN YOU LEFT ME
4. MORO JAZZ PHATA PHATA
5. MPENZI TAFADHALI
6. MORO THE KWELA TOWN
7. MWANITETA
8. SITAKI TENA
9. AFRIKA HOYEE
10. OH PHATA PHATA
11. USISIKIE YA WATU
45 MINUTES |
   |
| MBARAKA MWINSHEHE AND MORO GORO JAZZ BAND | HALLO BETTY | CSABA9CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| This tape was an elusive little beast that defied my best efforts to get it for 4 years. Not part of the well known Polygram Archive collection but a set of live recordings released by Chandarana records in Kericho during 1968 and 1969. The sound is still a bit crackly and a bit of hiss remains in the background but has outstanding tracks like Moro Phata Phata which shows the band doing South African style Penny Whistle! | 1. JIRANI NISAIDIE
2. HALLO BETTY
3. DAWA YA MAPENZI
4. NILIOTA NDOTO
5. AMINA MPENZI
6. YAMESHANI CHOSHWA
7. TARAKA
8. NA SHANGAA
9. MORO PHATA PHATA
10. FURAHA YA SABA SABA
11. WALO LENI MORO
50 MINUTES |
   |
| MLIMANI PARK ORCHESTRA | ASHA BORA | ASHACDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| This CD was produced from a pirate tape bought in Tanzania. There was no album number or date and the only information was that the artwork was by F. K. MITHA LTD (TWALIB). Track No. 9 was not even credited on the tape inlay which listed only the first 8 tracks. Some of the recordings were rather poorly duplicated and I have done my best to make them at least listenable. Allowing for one or two out of tune bits that defied my best efforts to adjust them the rest of the album is very, very nice indeed. Having searched the web for hours I found mention of only three of the nine tracks. Is this rare or what? | 1. ASHA BORA
2. HAPENDEKI
3. USIA WA BABU
4. HALIMA
5. PENDO KILIO CHA FURAHA
6. POLE MKUU MWENZANGU
7. (INST)
8. CHRISTINA BUNDALA
9. HASIRA |
   |
| MLIMANI PARK ORCHESTRA | KUPENDA SIO NDOTO | KUPENDACDC | TC | £ 5.00 | |
| Taken from a pirated tape and while side B is not too bad the sound on side A left a lot to be desired. I have tried to clean it up somewhat but the background noise proved to be almost impossible to remove. This why it is only half the usual price. | 1. KUPENDA SIO NDOTO
2. MANENO MANENO YA NINI
3. TUMETOLA MBALI
4. USITUMIE PESA
5. DIANA
6. AIJA
7. PESA SIO DAWA YA MAPENZI
8. MKE WANGU
9. INSTRUMENTAL |
   |
| MLIMANI PARK ORCHESTRA | TANZANIA DANCE BANDS VOL I - SIKINDE | MSCD900902CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| Superb set of tracks from one of Tanzania's most respected bands. It was compiled by Werner Graebner and released on the West German Monsun Label back in 1989. My collection copy also has the extra track Edita which comes from CD AC9403. | 1. NEEMA
2. MNANIONYESHA NJIA YA KWETU
3. TUCHEZE SIKINDE
4. UBAYA
5. MTOTO AKILILIA WEMBE
6. TANGAZIA MATAIFA YOTE
7. FIKIRINI NISAMEHE
8. NALALA KWA TAABU
9. USITUMIE PESA KAMA
10. EDITA |
   |
| MR NICE | RAFIKI (FRIEND) | MRNCDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| Tanzanian crooner Mr Nice, real name Lucas Mkenda is a Takeu style crooner. His Takeu style comes from the initials of TAnzania, KEnya and Uganda respectively. Mr. Nice's music incorporates elements from all three countries. He is currently reported to be the highest paid entertainer in East Africa at 4000 Dollars a show. He went professional in 1999 with the release of his maiden album Kidali Po and towards the end of 2002, he released his second album Rafiki, which now dominates the airwaves on Tanzanian radio. Tracks : Fagilia, Kikulacho, First Lady, Mbona Umeniacha, Rafiki and Kila Mtu Na Demu Wake. | |
| |
| MSONDO NGOMA | THE BEST OF MSONDO NGOMA | UR004CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| MAGIC, magic and more magic as the old style rumba sounds cascade out from this the oldest band in East Africa. Starting over 40 years ago as Nuta Jazz Band before changing to Juwata Jazz Band and then OTTU Jazz Band before its final change to Msondo Ngoma Music Band in 2003. | 1. KAZA MOYO
2. HAMIDA
3. JESCA
4. TUPATUPA
5. FATUMA
6. MTANI KUMBUKA
7. BABA MAYI
8. KIALA CHENJA
9. ACAPELA KILIO CHA MTU MZIMA |
   |
| NUTA JAZZ BAND | ZILIZOPENDWA (OLD IS GOLD) | CPOLP557CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| | 1. NIPELEKE KWA BABA
2. KIFO CHA KARUME
3. DADA NIHURUMIE
4. INSTRUMENTAL No. 1
5. MPENZI NINAKUKANYA
6. INSTRUMENTAL No. 2
7. LEO NASEMA
8. IKIWA KAMA HUNITAKI |
| |
| OTTU JAZZ BAND | BABY YA MUZIKI | RC313CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Flippin magic, great vocals, superb guitar and horns but new speakers if you forget to turn it down though! Nampenda Kinjana gets a look in twice on the tape but at over ten minutes of pure bliss I didn't mind a bit. ( F.T.Index: Nampenda Kinjana, Sote Tumeumbwa, Missy, Ole Bado, Tulipotoka Mbali, Mwana Hawa, Kwa Heri Kambarage. ) [8T/40M] | |
| |
| OTTU JAZZ BAND | PIGA UA - TALAKA UTATOA | UR002CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| | 1. PIGA UA
2. MZEE WA MIIBA
3. HARUSI YA KIBENE
4. PENZI LA MLEMAVU
5. MAWIFI MNANIONEA
6. NDUGU HATUELEWANI |
   |
| REMMY ONGALA | THE KERSHAW SESSIONS | ROOTCD004CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| | |
| |
| VARIOUS ARTISTS | DADA KIDAWA - SISTER KIDAWA | OMCD032CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| Cracker of an album featuring the 60's sounds of Cuban/Afro-Arab fussion bands such as the Cuban Marimba Band, Kiko Kids Jazz, Kilwa Jazz Band,Western Jazz Band, Nuta Jazz Band, Dares Salaam Jazz Band, National Jazz Band and Njohole Jazz Band. Gorgeous all the way. [19T/62M] | |
| |
| VARIOUS ARTISTS | SONGS THE SWAHILI SING | OMCD024CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| | |
| |
| VARIOUS ARTISTS | TANZANIA DANCE BANDS VOL II | MSCD9011170CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| Another superb compilation featuring some of Tanzania's most respected bands. It was compiled by Werner Graebner and released on the West German Monsun Label back in 1991. My collection copy also has the extra track Usia Kwa Watoto by Juwata Jazz which comes from CD AC9403. | 1. NGALULA - ORCHESTRA MARQUIS ORIGINAL
2. TUPA TUPA - JUWATA JAZZ
3. CHATU MKALI - INTERNATIONAL ORCHESTRA SAFARI SOUND
4. MPENZI LUTA - ORCHESTRA MARQUIS ORIGINAL
5. HOMA IMENIZIDIA - INTERNATIONAL ORCHESTRA SAFARI SOUND
6. MABRUKI - ORCHESTRA MARQUIS ORIGINAL
7. MSAFIRI KAKIRI - JUWATA JAZZ
8. MAKUMBELE - ORCHESTRA MARQUIS ORIGINAL
9. SOMBOKO AMA - INTERNATIONAL ORCHESTRA SAFARI SOUND
10. NASONONEKA - ORCHESTRA MARQUIS ORIGINAL
11. USIA KWA WATOTO - JUWATA JAZZ |
   |
| VIJANA JAZZ BAND | THE BEST OF VIJANA JAZZ Vol. 4 | AHD6025CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Very little information about this super rumba band except that they were formed in 1971 by a group of Tanzanians. Having said that they must have been, maybe still are, pretty prolific and damned good to boot as this is their fourth album of hits. Could they now be Vijana Orchestra whose albums Air Pamba Moto and Bye Bye Umasiki I had a few years ago? Their top hit Thereza was for me easily eclipsed by both Usicheze and Mama Chichi with their beautifully lilting vocals and twinkling guitars. Mfitini could have been in the same vein but for the rather squeaky seben. ( F.T.Index: Mama Chichi, Usicheze Na Bahari No. 2, Thereza, Shoga, Mfitini, V.I.P. ) [6T/63M] | 1. THEREZA
2. MFITINI
3. USICHEZE NA BAHARI No. 2
4. V.I.P.
5 SHOGA
6 MAMA CHICHI |
   |
| WESTERN JAZZ | HITS FROM WESTERN JAZZ - NJONOLE | CPOLP1028CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| When I first got a copy of this album in 1990 I stuck an note on it with just one word, WONDERFUL. Now six years later, it is in stock and I'm sitting here doing the write up, any change to that first impression - yes - it doesn't do it any justice at all. Old style East African rumba with super sweet vocals set to guitars that are both melodic and glitzy or even downright Hawaiian. The drummer rattles along in the background with a bit of cow bell every so often just so you don't forget he's there, likewise the sax players who give a quick brass burst every now and then. However its definitely guitars and vocals up front in a truly classic performance. Miss it at your peril. ( F.T.Index: No chance, its all brilliant. ) [13T/55M] | 1. LIPA KODI YA NYUMBA
2. UNIONAPO NIKIANDAMANA
3. NILIKUPENDA SANA
4. MIMI MTOTO WA WATU
5. TANGU UMEONDOKA
6. UKITUMWA TENA
7. FUJO ACHA
8. MSITUCHUNGUE
9. KWA HERI MPENZI
10. WATAKA NINI LINA
11. STELLA YAPUNGUZE
12. WAMEMCHUKUA MPENZI
13. KILICHOKUZUZUA |
   |
| WESTERN JAZZ BAND | SABOSO | CPOLP654CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Originally released way back in 1971 this album sounds as fresh and fragrant today as it was then. Soft and dreamy vocal harmonies weave their way through the absolutely gorgeous Dar-es-salam influenced rumba guitar playing. No point in writing any more as this album is simply exquisite. ( F.T.Index: Salima, Weka Akiba, Masikini, Kilimo, Veronica, Jeanine, Mtindo Wa Saboso. ) [12T/57M] | 1. SALIMA
2. MASIKINI
3. VERONICA
4. KILIMO
5. WEKA AKIBA
6. MTINDO WA SABOSO
7. JEANINE
8. MWENZANGU FATUMA
9. BARUA YAKO
10. BABA NYARERE
11. ANNA
12. SINA WIVU |
   |
| WESTERN JAZZ BAND | TUNAZIKUMBUKA Vol. 11 | AHD027CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Christina, Christina, Christina, as soon as it starts to play I just stop everything and drift of to cloud nine. If the girl was as perfect in life as this track then its no wonder they wrote a song about her. The album's softly lilting guitar rhythms, simple woodblock style percussion, breezy horns and singing that is sweetness itself is perfection all the way through. Definitely classic material that deserves a home in every collection. ( F.T.Index: Ewe Mpenzi Christina, Karibu Kwetu, Juhudi Zao, Pesa Nyingi, Barua Nyingi Nilikutumia, Macheche, Ndoto Ya Uongo, Mali Ya Mwenzio. ) [8T/40M] | |
| |
| TOGO |
| UGANDA |
| THE AFRIGO BAND | MUSIC PARADE Vol. 8 | TAB008CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
In 1990 The Afrigo Band recorded one of their most successful albums Music Parade Vol. 8, also called Afrigo Batuuse II. It attracted the attention of British music promoters and eventually earned the band a first ever tour of the UK. Still going strong today in 2022 with loads of albums under their belt. This was one of the first albums that the newley founded NATARI Music of Africa imported direct from the band themselves.
For much more information on the band please go to afroriginal blogspot | 1. AFRIGO BATUUSE II
2. MUNDEKE
3. EMMERE ESIRIDDE
4. SPEED
5. TWALI TWAGALANA
6. AMAZZI GENYAMA |
   |
| ZAIRE |
| AFRI-JAZZ | ODEMBA | JWSCD3CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| Abolute cracker as Papa Noel, Bopol, Wuta May, Caien Madoka, Shaba Kahamba and loads more knock out one of the sweetest albums that I've heard in ages. SUPERB. [8T/59M] | |
| |
| AURLUS MABELE AND LOKETO | GENERATION WACHIWA ENCAISSE TOUT | 41032-2CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| | |
| |
| AWILO LONGOMBA | MOTO PAMBA | JIP073CDCDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| Magic...Syran Mbenza, Dally Kimoko, Rigo Star, Lokasa Ya Mbongo, Nguma Lokito, Miguel Yamba, Sam Mangwana, Dindi Yogo, Luchiana, Abby Suria, Ponpon, Ballou Canta and Shimita just to name a few! BRILLIANT. | |
| |
| BELLA-BELLA - CAVACHA - MACCHI - LIPWA-LIPWA | JEUNES ORCHESTRES ZAIROIS 71 - 73 - 74 - 75 | CD36517CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| | |
| |
| BICKO TCHEKE AND COYABILE STAR BAND | MORE SOUKOUS | KL076CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| Features Diblo and Pablo Lubadika on guitars along with songstresses Deese Mukangi and Denise Cairo. Originally released on LP by Gefraco who used the original record sleeve for the CD as is shown by the tracks being listed by sides A and B. A real cracker of an album and ultra rare on any format. | 1. COYABILE
2. DATHY
3. MESSAGER
4. SORROW
5. HOTESSE D'ACCUEIL
6. PRESENCE ELEKI
7. JOJO LA CONGOLAISE
8. GALILEE |
   |
| BOPOL MANSIAMINA | INNOVATION | BM05CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| Recorded in Paris at Studio J.J.S. and released in 1990. Features some gorgeous guitar from Dally Kimoko and of course Bobol. | 1. DJENEBA
2. MISERE
3. AIDA P. B. ( inst )
4. AIDA
5. YEMBE YEMBELE
6. DJENEBA |
   |
| DEFAO | ALVARO | 50392-2CDC | CD | £ 0.00 | DEFAO ALVARO 50392-2CDC CD 0.00 ZAIRE  |
| | 1. ALVARO-MUANZA
2. MAMIE ESTHER
3. MUANDA DIMABIALA
4. BILIMAYAMAYI
5. SIMPLICE
6. MUJINGA MAMIE |
| |
| DEFAO | FAMILLE KIKUTA | DEF001CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| | 1. FAMILLE KIKUTA
2. NATHALIE
3. PITIE MON AMOUR
4. P.P.C.M
5. PAPA NA BENEDICTE
6. MUANA FINLANDE
7. MADAME BERTHA
8. YA GEGE
9. ONIVA
10. GEORGINA |
   |
| DIBLO AND LE GROUPE LOKETO | MONDO RY | JP014CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| Diblo's guitar playing has become a legend with his style copied and admired all over the world. With singers Jean Baron, Lucien Bokilo and the late Aurlus Mabele his band Loketo became one of the most popular soukous bands around. | 1. MONDO RY
2. ABSENCE CRUELLE
3. S.P. DIBLO
4. LA JOIE DE VIVRE
5. BONUS
6. IRENE |
   |
| DINDO YOGO | SOO WA | 50461-2CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| Just the line-up alone makes this album a must for everyone who likes Soukous and especially guitars. How about, Alain Makaba, Awilo Longomba, Caen Madoka, Maika Munam, Miguel Yamba, Luciana, Abby Surya, Ballou Canta and Reddy Amisi. With that little lot getting together its no wonder there isn't a bad track on the album - brilliant guitaring throughout and pure dance floor magic. Big suprise was the wonderful styling given to the neo-traditional 'Siyo Siyo' and the title track - just gorgeous. (F.T.Index: Je T'aime, Papy Luntala, Maladie De Coeur, Bosana Boum's, Siyo Siyo. ) [10T/56M] | 1. SEBENE
2. JE T'AIME
3. PAPY LUNTALA
4. BOSANA BOUM'S
5. Z, RHAPSODIE
6. SIYO SIYO
7. SOO-WA
8. MALADIE DE COEUR
9. TRAVAILLONS
10. LOLA MUANA |
 |
| DINDO YOGO AND EMENEYA | WILLO MONDO AND LA CONGOLAISE | EPP09CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| | |
| |
| DINDO YOGO AND LOLA | LE DUO PERE ET FILS | KL0165CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| Magic stuff as Dindo and son plus the rest of the group belt out their dance happy guitar driven soukous with gorgeous vocals throughout. [10T/59M] | 1. AMOUR LIPOU
2. NANA KITENGUE
3. SINA-NDUKU
4. PEPSY
5. ZONGA-ZONGA
6. NICKY
7. PERSEVERENCE
8. DECEPTION
9. CASTEL BEER
10. AMBIANCE NGWAKA |
   |
| EMPIRE BAKUBA | ALLAH | REM550CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| Lovely album which was released in 1985 at the height of their fame. Sweet guitars throughout make you just want to drift away with the music. My favotite track is Plainte D'amour composed by Solo Sita which I think is superb. | 1. ALLAH (PAPY TEX)
2. PLAINTE D'AMOUR (SOLO SITA)
3. MAMA YA ZANDO (DILU DILUMONA)
4. BOMENGO (KINANGA 737) |
   |
| EMPIRE BAKUBA | CHAMPION D'AFRIQUE - FLASH! | 8979CDC | CDx2 | £ 12.50 | |
| | CD 1
1. LUZINGU
2. ERISTOYO
3. TUAYI KUETU
4. MON AMOUR
5. YA MUANET
6. BOMOYI YA MOTO
7. MACEDOS
8. MON AMOUR (INSTRUMENTAL)
CD 2
1. KINDIMBU
2. MICHEL NSUNGU
3. SALOTI
4. MOTEMA
5. CHARLENE
6. FOLK EMPIRE
7. PLUS JAMAIS
8. SALOTI (INSTRUMENTAL) |
   |
| FRANCO - JOSKY AND TPOK JAZZ | MISSILE 1983 | GASS014CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| Paris re-issue by Grace Music of a double LP from 1983 titled Tout Feu Tout Flamme. Along side Franco it features famed guitarist Michelino, Josky and the rest of the TPOK magic musicians. A superb set of songs in the same order as the original LPs. | 1. MISSILE
2. CHACUN POUR SOI
3. PARTAGE
4. ADIEU, JE M'EN VAIS
5. TU ES MECHANTE
6. LAISSEZ PASSER
7. NGAITE |
   |
| FRANCO AND LE TPOK JAZZ | CANDIDAT NA BISO MOBUTU | POP030CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| | |
| |
| FRANCO AND LE TPOK JAZZ | NABALA ATA MBWA - INEDITS ANNEES 70 | CDS6953CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| The first five tracks are very nice but the sixth one about halfway through has nails down the blackboard touch. Sonodisc should have been shot for publishing it like that. | 1. NAPEKISI YO KOBIMA
2. MANINGO, MWANA ANIEMA
3. AGETRAVEL MOBIKISI
4. NGAI KAKA BOMBOKO
5. NABALA ATA MBWA
6. VYCKINA |
   |
| FRANCO AND TPOK JAZZ | AFRICAN PARTY | 360096CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| From the old 360 series comes this absolutely magic rumba album from Franco and TP OK Jazz's early days. Beautiful vocals, gorgeous guitar, real drumming and not a keyboard in sight, now that's what I call music. Simply superb from end to end. ( F.T.Index: Mbongo Zi Ya Voni, Fula Nbombu Ngulu Kadia, Telegramme Maloba Mokuse, Accident Ya Cherie, Nani Apedelaki Te?, Awa Nazui Likambo Oyaki, Libongi Lizongi, Linzanza Ebongi Na Langi, Yaka Nalongolo Yo Botutu, Da Da De Tu Amor, Anny Sukisa Ngai Bandoto, Ata Mosika Yoka Mongongo Na Ngai. ) [12T/33M] | |
| |
| FRERES SOKI AND BELLA BELLA | FRERES SOKI AND BELLA BELLA 1970-75 | CD36602CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| Pure magic from start to finish as the sweet vocal harmonies of the brothers Vangu and Dianzenza Soki completely mesmerize you only to be snapped out of your dream by the gorgeous guitaring and scintillating horn lineup of the boys in the band. All recorded pre-1975 when the band broke up. [13T/72M] | |
| |
| GRAND KALLE AND AFRICAN JAZZ | MERVEILLES DU PASSE | CD36506CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| | |
| |
| GRAND KALLE AND L'AFRICAN TEAM | ESSONS - KWAMY - MUJOS - EDO - CASINO | CD36570CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| | |
| |
| GRAND KALLE ET L' AFRICAN JAZZ | 1958 - 59 - 60 VOL. 1 | CD36503CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| This CD is the first volume of some of his hits between 1958 and 1960 and what a lovely album it is. It was compiled from two compilation LP's - Merveilles Du Passe Hommage Au Grand Kalle Grand Kalle et l'African Jazz Volumes 1 and 2. The records were released back in 1984 and this CD was released in 2006. They were perhaps the first full-time, professional band in what was then known as the Belgian Congo. Founded in 1953 by Joseph Kabasele Tshamala, popularly know as Grand Kalle. Some other well known members of the band include Dr. Nico, Tabu Ley Rochereau and Vicky Longomba. | 1. BACARA
2. AFRICA BOLA NGOMBI
3. BONBON SUCRE
4. MAYELE MABE
5. KAYI KAYI
6. SUCCES AFRICAN JAZZ
7. NABOYI VIE YA MBANGU
8. ENNEMI NA NGAI YA KALA
9. EL QUE SI EMBRA SU MAIZ
10. LINDA CALEGNITA
11. NAWELI BOBOTO
12. MERENGUE SCOUBIDOU
13. SENTIMENT EMONANI
14. MAWONSO PAMBA
15. TOSEKANA
16. TABLE RONDE
17. SOPHIE YA MOTEMA
18. BATELA MWANA NA BISO
19. MOTINDO NA YO PAULINA |
   |
| JOHNNY BOKELO | ISABELLE | WNL401CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| | |
| |
| JOHNNY BOKELO AND MBONDA AFRICA | ANTI BALLE | ESPERA2698994CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| | 1. ANTI BALLE
2. SUPER SANDOKA
3. BIJOU
4. MUNGINA |
   |
| JOHNNY BOKELO AND MBONDA AFRICA | MWANA SELE | KARI017CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| | |
| |
| KANDA BONGO MAN | SANA | E03062924CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Loads of stunning guitar music cascading from the fingers of Nene Tshakou, Mimi Kazidonna and N'gouma Lokito. Not forgeting of course the beautiful vocals of Kanda and his girls. Talking of the girls, Jena Mandako, Odette Abby and Sylvie Aoun, wait till you hear them in action on 'Muchana', the zouk love song, it's an absolute cracker of a track. Mind you, that goes for the whole flipping album. An absolute must in any collection. | 1. SANA
2. MUCHANA ( zouk love )
3. WAHITO
4. BILI
5. NZAMBE
6. TOKEI |
   |
| KANDA BONGO MAN | ZING ZONG | HNCD1366CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| | |
| |
| KOFFI OLOMIDE - SOKI VANGU | HOMMAGE AUX FRERES SOKI VOL 1 | BMP940016CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| | |
| |
| LADY ISA | ALE MAMA | ESPERA29063CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| Lovely album from sweet voiced singer Lady - Isa which was released back in 1990. The track Dunia gets me every time I play it. | 1. KUTELEZA
2. TAMA
3. TABOU YA AFRIKA
4. DUNIA
5. ALEMA
6. DJAMBO |
   |
| L'AFRIQUE DANSE | VARIOUS ARTISTS | 360050CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| The recording is a bit tinney in a couple of places but that's a small price to pay for some really gorgeous music. They don't make e'm like this anymore. [50M] My favorite track is definitely Tabu Ley's Aon-Aon. | 1. NGOYA
BOKELO ~ ORCHESTRE CONGA
2. NGALULA MARTHE
BEDEREMOS ~ ORCHESTRE ELEGANCE-JAZZ
3. TATA NKENTO
MAKIADI SAMUEL ~ ORCHESTRE SURPRISE LOS ANGEL
4. MIBALI YA SIMBA
MOBUNDA MAWATU / ANIMO ~ ORCHESTRE SYMBA
5. NZAMBE MOKONZI
SOKI DIANZENZA ~ ORCHESTRE BELLA-BELLA
6. LISUMU LISANGO
BEDEREMOS ~ ORCHESTRE ELEGANCE-JAZZ
7. AON AON
TABU LEY ~ ORCHESTRE L'INTERNATIONAL AFRISA
8. MASSAMBA M.J.
FIDELE ZIZI ~ ORCHESTRE MANDO NEGRO KWALA-KWA
9. KENGE Nº 3
MODJOS ~ ORCHESTRE TP ZEMBE-ZEMBE
10. OU EST LE SERIEUX
LO KANGALWA / DJO PENE LWAMBO MAKIADI ~ ORCHESTRE TP O.K. JAZZ |
| |
| LASKINO AND MATCHATCHA | MABINA-M'BOKA | 45325-2CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| Released back in 1994 by Laskino Ngomateke and the group Matchatcha headed by guitarist superb Didlo Dibala. | 1. MABINA-M'BOKA
2. L'UNION
3. ZAMAKELE
4. MOLAMOGUI
5. FETE DES MERES
6. MOI JE REGRETTE
7. ANNIE |
   |
| LOKASSA YA M'BONGO | ADIZA | CEL8723CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| | |
| |
| MOSE FAN FAN - SOMO SOMO | HELLO HELLO | STCD1065CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| Superb album from Mose who is joined by a veritable Who's Who of African guitar players and singers. Youlou Mabiala, Nyboma, Wuta Mayi, Syran Mbenza, Bopol Mansiamina, Miguel Yamba, Saak Sakoul and last but not least Sam Mangwana. Magic...... | 1. HELLO HELLO
2. MAMITA
3. ODILE
4. SHERITA
5. NDEMDELI
6. MANIOLO |
   |
| N'GOUMA LOKITO ET LES SOUKOUS STARS | LEDDY | CDAT91CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| What a cracking album, but when you see who is on it you could not expect anything else. Nene Tchakou plays his heart out on lead guitar while Lokassa Ya M'Bongo plays rhythm and Shungu Omba Dit N'Gouma backs it on bass guitar. Super vocals from Ballou Canta, Luciana De Mingongo and Shimita add the finishing touch to this wonderful set of tracks. Have a listen. | 1. LEDDY
2. NADY BLONDE
3. YALA
4. ANIMATA
5. LIDIA
6. PAS DE CONTACT |
   |
| NICO | DERNIERE MEMOIRE | VA013CDCDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| | |
| |
| NTESA DALIENST | GRAND MARQUISARDS VOL. 2 1969 - 71 - 72 | NG034CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| Lovely album compiled and recorded from old singles and virtually untouched so came with a bit of background noise and a few clicks included. This CD-R version has had most of the clicks removed but due to Ngoyarto having trimmed the tracks it was not possible to remove the background noise. Still a cracker. Tracks : Mamisa, Rosa, Essesse, Mbanza Velela, Benede 1ere and 2eme, Nzumba, Tina Nini ?, Yo, Biki. [9T/61M] | |
| |
| ORCHESTRE SOSOLISO | PHOTO MADJESI BY ORCHESTRE SOSOLISO | CASLP2010CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| For a few years one of the hottest acts in Zaire of the early 1970s. Madjesi, a composition of Mario Matadidi Mabele, Loko Massengo 'Djeskain' and Saak 'Sinatra' Sakoul, the three prominent members of the band, made a joyful mix of Congolese music and soul music in the style of the then so popular James Brown. The actual tracks on the tape are not as listed on either the cassette or the different set listed on the inlay. The list to left is correct though. Further info can be found at Frank Bessem's web site. | 1. PHOTO MADJESI Pt 1 & Pt 2
2. MOUSA PHOTO NA YO
3. NALELI MOKILI Pt 1
4. NALELI MOKILI Pt 2
5. CARTE BLANCHE Pt 1
6. CARTE BLANCHE Pt 2
7. MAMA TSHIKA NGAI NALEMBI
8. MOSEKA
9. CINEMA |
   |
| PAPA WEMBA AND VIVA LA MUSICA | BEAU GOSSE YA PARIS | EPP20CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
Very nice album from Papa and the group with the title track being my favourite. This CD was released on the Ngyarto label and like many of their releases was obviously recorded from vinyl. I have repaired most of the clicks and a noticeable jump and background hiss in the last track so should sound pretty near perfect. I also got this from Allan Moss.
Thanks Nick.
That's pretty interesting.
Four tracks on the CD are the original Papa Wemba & Viva Musica 1986 LP, issued by Veve International (that's #3-6), the first two tracks come from the LP 'Hee!' by Papa Wemba & les Djamuskets de Paris, issued in 1982 on the Le Passport label (which apparently only issues two albums). The last track was a 1978 two part 45! That was by Orchestre Isifi, of which Papa Wemba was a member and issued on the Maillot Jaune (yellow shirt!) label. This CD is the only reissue of that 45.
The label that made the compilation was Editions Plus de Paris. Nyogarto reissued it and, as usual, used the original company's catalogue number. So that all gives several opportunities for faults to get into the system.
Thank you for that Allan and it also explains the double dropout in the middle of the last track. A bad join now repaired. | 1. DIDO SENGA
2. ZEA
3. SULIYA
4. KALISIA
5. BEAU GOSSE YA PARIS
6. SAHEL AFRICA
7. CHERIE MAZENA
|
   |
| PEPE KALLE | PON MOUN PAKA BOUGE | AR1007CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| | |
| |
| QUATRE ETOILES | ADAMA COLY | 08728-2CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| Fabulous dance album from four of the greatest names in Congolese music - Wuta May, Nyboma, Bopol Mansiamina and Syran Mbenza. Their sweet vocal harmonies have always been hard to better while their superb guitar playing just can't be beaten. Just listen to them playing the very life out of those strings on 'Antho' to say nothing of the crazy 'Speedy Gonzalez' style they give to the title track! The hot guitar picking on 'Nsangu Zimuangane' is guaranteed to turn the floor into an dancing inferno. HOT, HOT, HOT. (F.T.Index: Polygamie, Nsangu Zimuangane, Mini Tenkole, Antho, Alima, Adama Coly, Samba Samba, Zouzou.) [8T/49M] | 1. ALIMA
2. ANTHO
3. POLYGAMIE
4. ADAMA COLY
5. NSANGU ZIMUANGANE
6. MIMI TENKOLE
7. SAMBA SAMBA
8. ZOUZOU |
   |
| SAM MANGWANA | RUMBA MUSIC | STCD9003CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| | |
| |
| SAM MANGWANA | THE VERY BEST OF 2001 | BMP00158-2CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| | 1. AFRIQUE ANTILLES
2. BAMILEKE SANS PEINE
3. CANTA MOCAMBIQUE
4. MUANA Y'AFRIKA
5. MUASI YA BATO
6. BUAYIKI
7. LE PARISIEN
8. MARABENTA |
   |
| SAM MANGWANA AND L'AFRICAN ALL STARS | SUZANA COULIBALY | AMALP005CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| Recorded and released in the Ivory Coast back in 1979 it is a beautiful album of soft tinkling guitars with sweet vocal harmonies guaranteed to melt the heart of any listener. ( F.T.Index: Suzana Coulibaly, Eyebana, S. Maymouna, Edoh. ) [4T/31M] | |
| |
| SHIMITA | ET SOUKOUS STARS | SYL381054CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Released back in 1991 this fast paced soukous album is brim full of the days top stars. To name but a few - Lokassa Ya Mbongo on rhythm guitar, Nene Tchakou on lead guitar and Nguma Lokito on bass guitar. Shimita on lead vocals with the chorus provided by Ballou Canta, Kisangani Esperant and Luciana Demingongo. Not forgetting Manu Lima on synth. A lovely album as you can hear from the clips.. | 1. MACLO
2. FLORY
3. MAVI (DUB)
4. LOSSAMBO
5. CONSEIL KISSI
6. MAVI
7. FLORY (DUB)
8. SEMBLO |
   |
| SOMO SOMO | PARIS | STC1014CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| | |
| |
| TABU LEY ROCHEREAU AND MBILIA BEL | SARAH - NADINA | GENCD1032CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| | |
| |
| UNKNOWN ARTISTS | AFRICAN RETRO VOL I. PONT SUR LE ZAIRE | 6215801CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Great album of old Zairean rumba tracks but no mention of who is singing or playing, just the track titles and here they are: 1. Misele, 2. On A Ose Le Dire, 3. Polo, 4. Bolingo Ya Bougie, 5. Si Tu Bois Beaucoup, 6. Le Temps Passe, 7. Pa'vacillar, 8. Bantous Pachanga, 9. Mobili Ya Craneur, 10. Honole, 11. Endiable Merengue, 12. Tout Brazza. All the tracks have come off old vinyl and the sound has that beautifully atmospheric crackle. | |
| |
| VARIOUS ARTISTS | SOUKOUS GENTLEMEN Vol. 1 | GB1CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| The gentlemen are Fede Lawu, Geo Bilongo, Shimita and Papa Wemba who are the vocalists. While Geo Bilongo is on lead and rhythm guitar together with bass guitarist Pablo Lubadika Porthos. Awilo Longomba is on drums with Komba Bellow on percussion. Other well known names such as Sam Mangwana, Theo-Blaise Kounkou, 3615 Code Niawu, Awilo Longomba and Petit Makambo also help with the vocals.
| 1. MUASI YA INTERET
2. BASSALA
3. PEUL KEILA
4. BEL ASSY
5. TOUCHE PAS
6. Dr OLELA
7. Dr OLELA (instrumental) |
   |
| VICTORIA-ELEYSON | REPONSE POLO-KINA | REPONSECDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| One of Zaire's top bands and one of his best releases ( so much better than their leader Emeneya's dodgy solo crossover disc 'Everybody'). Guitarist Auguy Lutula's 'Dandy' was the big hit off Reponse Polo-Kina but for me even better is El Chato's 'Ayite Sungu', vocally led by Malembe Chant surely one of Zaire's most under-rated singers. A classy band with a superb vocal front line have produced here a superb album. (MS - Sterns). | |
| |
| WENGE MUSICA BCBG | TITANIC | SIPE29331CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| Gorgeous from start to finish and one I could listen to all day long. | 1. TITANIC
2. R.D.C.
3. BARAKUDA
4. OMBA
5. PROCES MAMBIKA
6. LIKALA MOTO
7. TOUR EIFFEL
8. CHAMPION KAPANGALA
9. LIBERATION
10. SERGE PALMI |
   |
| YA NTESSA DALIENST AND LE MAQUISARD | BELALO | 3811002CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| Same 4 tracks as the LP - Belalo, Dangara, Difela and Dorothy but with an extra 20 minutes of Dangara and Dorothy instrumental versions. [6T/60M] | 1. BELALO
2. DANGARA
3. DIFELA
4. DOROTHY
5. DANGARA (inst.)
6. DOROTHY (inst.) |
   |
| ZAIKO LANGA LANGA | L'OISEAU RARE | 6155CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| | |
| |
| ZAMBIA |
| AMAYENGE | AMAYENGE | MON003CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| A cracker of an album from the late 80's with the gutsy voice of the late Chris Chali belting out the vocals. (died 2003) ( F.T.Index: Mushala, Umwana Amonekela Uluchelo, Kubatana Mu Zimbabwe,Ten Kwacha, Ina Chisungu, Keilelembe Ndeke QZ, Chifuchi Cha Zambia, Kaunda Wize, Mazela Maleza. ) [9T/43M] (CDR includes 12AMA001) | 1. MUSHALA
2. UMWANA AMONEKELA ULUCHELO
3. KUBATANA MU ZIMBABWE
4. TEN KWACHA
5. INA CHISUNGU
6. KEILELEMBE NDEKE QZ
7. KAUNDA WIZE
8. MAZELA MALEZA
9. FILI UKOTULEYA
10. CHIFUCHI CHA ZAMBIA |
   |
| AMAYENGE | FILI UKOTULEYA - CHIFUCHI CHA ZAMBIA | 12AMA001CDC | 12in | £ 0.00 | |
| The eleven minute Fili Ukotuleya didn't make it onto Mondeca's Ameyenge LP but four and a half minutes out of ten for Chifuchi Cha Zambia did. So if you have the LP then you are missing sixteen and a half minutes of these original tracks. (Included on MON003CDC) | |
| Sorry no image |
| MASASU BAND | TUWELELE | MB002CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| | |
| |
| VARIOUS ARTISTS | SHANI! - THE SOUNDS OF ZAMBIA | WOMAD009CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| 1. LELO BALEISA. 'They are coming today' a street song in Bemba in praise of the local football team and adopted by Amayenge as their anthem and rousing introduction to their live show. 2. CHIBUYUBUYU. Traditional dance music of the Lamba people. The beat is called 'Mayenge' from which the band take their name. 3. KARIYAMA. The title means 'wild beast' in the Tumbuku dialect and the song debates the difference between the quiet, honourable life of a villager and the uncaring attitude of city people. In the village the Kanyama is feared for obvious reasons, while human beings should be respected regardless of origins or social standing. 4. MULUMBWE. A traditional Lozi song performed twice a year at a ceremony occurring at the flooding of the mighty Zambizi river and again later when it recedes to reveal the plains. At the ceremony the chief of the Lozis moves from his summer palace to his winter residence by the royal barge called Nakiwanda. 5. SALAULA Salaula refers to the second-hand clothes for the less privileged which arrive in Zambia from donor countries. They generally end up for sale on the market stalls however. Times are very hard for most working men and women; shop-bought clothes are too expensive so 'salaula' have found a very large market. 6. AMAKWEBO. Another song reflecting the prevailing economic hardships of a developing country. 'Prices rise daily, but your pay remains the same. Business has lost its direction, each morning prices take on a different shape and all that can result is deprivation. 7.KAMUSISI. (Part 1) The title refers to the name of a young man who is mourning the death of his mother bewitched and struck-down by another woman. Why should anyone do this, he asks, to such a quietly spoken and kind woman? 8. UMWANA WACHIPONDO CHANDI. 'My enemy's child' an enormous hit in Zambia for a strange song indeed. Akim assumes the role of a husband whose wife has had no children. When the so-called 'barnulamu' (brother-in-law) comes to stay he is welcomed with the usual hospitality and he stays with the couple for a year. Unexpectedly the wife becomes pregnant but the child looks nothing like the husband' How could she give birth, he asks. to his enemy's child' after such hospitality was shown in the face of such lies? 9. BASUMBULA. The title means thieves' and relates a story of an old man's bag which is snatched. Opening the bag to share the spoils the thieves discover, to their horror that it contains an 'llomba' a snake with a human head (a typical witch doctor's charm). The thieves drop the bag and make a run for it, in spite of the Ilomba's calls to be returned to his master' One-by-one the criminals strangely develop a variety of illnesses and die . - the moral of the tale is clear'. 10. UMUTI WA AIDS. AIDS is a serious problem in Zambia and P.K.'s umuti' or medicine is 'self-control'. It is a disease which cannot be healed and about which we still know very little, and yet European countries simply point the finger and blame Africa. 11. KAMUSISI (Part 2) The reprise of the beautiful song on track 7. Advice is now given to Kamusisi he should relax, he's not from this area and only travel and experience can give him proper understanding of the ways of the world This, however, only emphasises Kamusisi's loneliness and inconsolable grief for his mother. | 1. LELO BALEISA
2. CHIBUYUBUYU
3. KARIYAMA
4. MULUMBWE
5. SALAULA
6. AMAKWEBO
7. KAMUSISI
8. UMWANA WACHIPONDO CHANDI
9. BASUMBULA
10. UMUTI WA AIDS
11. KAMUSISI |
 |
| ZIMBABWE |
| BHUNDU BOYS | ABSOLUTE JIT - LIVE AT KING TUT'S WAH WAH HUT | AFRILP09CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| As it says on the cover - Recorded live at King Tut's Wah Wah Hut in Glasgow on 8th july 1990 by the Radio Clyde Mobile Studio. Features Kenny Chitsvatsva on drums, Rise Kagona on guitar, Shakespeare Kangwena on guitar and keyboards and last but not least David Mankaba on bass guitar and of course all of them on those wonderful vocals. | 1. MANHENGA
2. KUROJA CHETE
3. CHEMEDZEVANA
4. MY FOOLISH HEART
5. VANA
6. MUKOMA
7. NDOITASEI
8. BYE BYE |
   |
| BHUNDU BOYS | TRUE JIT | 242203-2CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| The first of their two international releases for W.E.A. and not as good as their previous home releases. Like the Curate's egg its not bad in parts but the inclusion of horns rather spoils their natural home grown sound and they definitely should not have let them sing in English. Chemedzevana and Ndoitasei are tracks that I do rather like though. | 1. JIT JIVE
2. MY FOOLISH HEART
3. CHEMEDZEVANA
4. RUGARE
5. VANA (THE CHILDREN)
6. WONDERFUL WORLD
7. NDOITASEI
8. SUSAN
9. AFRICAN WOMAN
10. HAPPY BIRTHDAY
11. JEKESA |
   |
| BLACK SAINTS | OH ISHE | MUWZ107CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| An absolutely wonderful gospel album is what I wrote about this record when I got it over 20 years ago and then I put it in a rack and left it there....... Well having now cleaned up the recording and transfered it to CD-R I can see what an understatement that was. It is stunningly beautiful with lovely soft guitars, a real drum set, sweet as honey vocals and catchy tunes. I particularly love track 3 which translates as God is merciful and gentle. PURE MAGIC. Just have a listen. Five tracks went straight into my computer juke box. | 1. OH ISHE
2. ZIVA NEMOYO
3. MWARI NGONI NORUPFAVE
4. HAMA YANGU
5. KUTI NDODAIDZWA NDIYE
6. MWARI WANGU SAMATENGA
7. MWEYA WANGU UNOMUPONESI
8. YESU HANDINA SIMBA |
   |
| BLACK SAINTS | RIRIPO TSIME | L4MUWZ114CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Paul Phiri was a singer, musician and the leader of the Black Saints band. The group is most popularly known for the hit song Yera Yera. Phiri and his group were from Mutare in Zimbabwe but his surname could suggest that he was of Malawian descent. Sadly he passed away sometime in 1995/96 after a long illness and the group now all deceased never played again. This extreemly rare album was released originally by Gramma in the 1980's and digitally re-released in 2005 by Universal Music. | 1. RIRIPO TSIME
2. UYA YESU CHIDO CHANGU
3. NDYEUKE YESU
4. IZWI RADAIDZIRWA
5. ZUVA RICHIBUDA
6. PASI RINO
7. MWARI ANOPA
8. TINOKUDZA KRISTO |
   |
| BLACK SAINTS WITH PAUL PHIRI | YERA YERA | L4MUWZ121CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Another extreemly rare album which was released originally by Gramma in the 1980's and digitally re-released in 2013 by Universal Music. Track 3 translates in English as Good Time but the music is instantly recognisable as our new years eve song Auld Lang Syne. This was regretably to be their final album. In addition on this CDR there are both tracks from the 7" single AP549 ZVIKOMBORERO and ZUVA IGORE and what a couple of great tracks they are. | 1. GARE GARE
2. YERA YERA
3. NGUVA YAKANAKA
4. JUMP ON
5. TURN ON THE LOVE LIGHT
6. SIMBA NEKUNAMAT
7. ZVIKOMBORERO
8. ZUVA IGORE |
   |
| CEPHAS KARUSHANGA AND THE MABHAUWA EXPRESS | CHIMANIMANI | MDALP07CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| Another almost unknown gem of an album with a throbbing beat backed by sweetly tinkling guitars over which the voices of Cephas and the other four band members belt out the vocals. A real dancefloor stomper with some great guitar playing. ( F.T.Index: Chimanimani, Mhandara, Apongozi, Fungai, Baba Vevana, Susan. ) [6T/44M] | 1. CHIMANIMANI
2. MHANDARA
3. APONGOZI
4. FUNGAI
5. BABA VEVANA
6. SUSAN |
   |
| CEPHAS MASHAKADA AND THE SOUNDS OF THE MUDDY FACE | SAMSON HAANA MHOSVA | CDGRAMMA370CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| This album was released in 2005 a year before he had a leg amputated for diabetes which finally caused his death in 2011. Started his career in 1977 when he, with Biggie Tembo, Jacob Teguru, David Ziome and Franco Kazere started the World Ten Band. Later merging with the World Tomorrow Band to form The Sounds Of The Muddy Face or as it was at first just The Muddy Face. Beautiful soft Gospel based music with lovely smooth guitar play. No wonder it got to Number One in the Zimbabwe charts as soon as it was released. | 1. DHERIRA
2. KUSATENDA HUROYI
3. MOYO WAKANAKA
4. JESU VAIFAMBA
5. PANYIKA PANO
6. FAMBA MANGWANANGWANA |
   |
| COMRADE CHINX | EARLY HITS | CXLP1CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| Comrade Chinx started out by forming one of the many choirs during the liberation struggle and finally led the Zanla Choir. After Independence choirs were no longer in favour and together with Keith Farquarson (misspelt as Rarquherson on the album cover) he formed the group Barrel of Peace. Together with Producer Benny Miller they went on to make the hits on this album. | 1. ZVIKOMBORERO KUSIMBA
2. MUNHU DENGA, NENYIKA
3. MARCHING TOGETHER
4. JOURNEY OF LOVE
5. NERUDO
6. MAGAMBA OSE
7. ZVIKOMBORERO KUSIMBA (LIVE) |
   |
| DEVERA NGWENA JAZZ BAND | DEVERA NGWENA 2 FEATURING BABRA | ZML1004CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| Wow! It has been years since I played this album which came out in the early 80's and has been re-released recently a couple of times. Absolutely superb with 6 tracks going straight into my computer juke box as soon as I heard them all again while making a CDR to replace my LP. Have a listen and be amazed. | 1. BABRA MWANA WAKANAKA
2. SHAMWARI YANGU WAKAIPA
3. NDICHAZVIREVA
4. MAKUHWA
5. CHANDAKATADZA CHIYIKO?
6. RUVA REMOYO WANGU
7. ZIVA KWAWAKABVA
8. HOMBARUME
9. KUDA KWANGU HERE?
10. HUYAYI MOSE MUZOONA |
   |
| DEVERA NGWENA JAZZ BAND | DEVERA NGWENA 5 | ZML1011CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| Starts off with top hit Too Cheap and continues with track after track of pure magic music. Zimbabwean albums just don't come any better than this. I did originally buy a copy of CDZML1011 but there was a small recording error at the begining of track 2 and so I cleaned up a brand new LP recording for my own collection CD-R. | 1. TOO CHEAP
2. NDANI ANDIBERA
3. NDIUDZE
4. AMAI VANGU
5. MAI VANORAMBA VAMWE
6. MASIRIVHA
7. WANGU P.
8. BABA VAUYA |
   |
| DEVERA NGWENA JAZZ BAND | DEVERA NGWENA 8 | ZML1024CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Another cracking set of tracks from the early days. | 1. CECELIA
2. HOYO WOBHURURUKA
3. NDASHAYA ZVINOKUNETSA
4. SVIKA FAIR FAIR
5. ROSE
6. JUWERE
7. AND WAKAOMA |
   |
| ELIJAH MADZIKATIRE AND BERO BAND | TOROFIKA | JLP1008LPCDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| Elijah is the son of Safirio Madzikatire and I can't do better than direct you to this blog for information about him, Elijah Madzikatire. A lovely album that had been kicking about in my collection unloved and unplayed until someone asked for it. It's a little cracker so please do have a listen. | 1. TOROFIKA
2. MARIA (KANA NDAGUMBUKA)
3. MHORO DORO
4. AZANIA UNITE
5. WAKANONOKA |
   |
| EXODUS SOUND BLAST | USANDITONGESE MUBHAWA | KSALP120LPCDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| Another of those overlooked and unplayed LPs that have been gathering dust in my collection for over 20 years. Nothing on the web except my own entry. So after 20 odd years was it worth waiting for? You bet it was. Fantastic all the way through with great vocal harmonies with plenty of room for the magic guitar playing. Have a listen and be amazed. The CD-R comes with the original LP images rather than the standard Gramma one that the LP came with. | 1. USANDITONGESE MUBHAWA
2. NDAKAROORWA NEROMBE
3. NHAI MUKADZI WANGU
4. MOLLY
5. RUDO ISHIRI
6. IWE MUKOMA WANGU
7. MUNYAMA WANGU
8. USATEERERE RUMBIDZO |
   |
| HARARE MAMBOS | NGATIGAREI TESE | ZML1025CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| Formed way back in 1957 by lead singer, guitarist and keyboard player Green Jangano, the Mambos are Zimbabwe's longest running group. They were one of the first bands to sing in both Shona and English and started by singing promotional songs for some of the major companies. This album features one of their top hits Mbuya Nehanda and my favorite - Kudendere. The album is a bit like the curate's egg as it also has four rather lack luster tracks sung in English. | 1. NGATIGARIE TESE
2. MWANASIKANA
3. MBUYA NEHANDA
4. SAY ANYTHING
5. KUDENDERE
6. STAY AWAY
7. LET'S GET MARRIED
8. WHAT'S IT LIKE TO BE IN LOVE
9. ZVANHASI NDEZVEDUWO
10. NHASI ZVAITA NEPAMWE |
   |
| ILANGA | SILVER AND GOLD | ILGLP5CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| | |
| |
| JAMES CHIMOMBE AND O.C.B. | MUNAKANDAFA | ZIL218CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| Great music and song from the late lamented James Chimombe and his Ocean City Band. recorded back in 1987 and an album that is definitely up for an Old is Gold award from me. | 1. MUNAKA NDAFA
2. RUDO
3. KANA NDADA MUNHU
4. JONAH
5. USANDISIYE
6. MUCHITI MUGERE
7. JIKINYA
8. DENGA |
   |
| JAMES CHIMOMBE AND THE OCEAN CITY BAND | MAVANGA | ZIL210CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| A lovely album from the late James Chimombe and his Ocean City Band made way back in 1986. | 1. SIYA WAWONEKA
2. CHIVIMBA NEMWENI
3. MUJUBEKI
4. MASUTU
5. MAITIRO ANGU
6. VANHU
7. ZVIYEDZO
8. MAVANGA |
   |
| JOHN CHIBADURA | THE BEST OF JOHN CHIBADURA | CDZIL300CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| Lovely CD compilation album from the late John Chibadura (died 1999) culled from his 25 albums that all went Gold. I don't need to say any more so just have a listen to some clips. [10T/70M] All ten tracks went straight in to my computer juke box. | 1. MUKADZI WAMAKANDIRORERA
2. MUTUMWA
3. HUYA TIWIRIRANE
4. YEMURAWO
5. MUNONDISHORA
6. NDICHAFA NDIRI BHACHURA
7. KUKURA KURERWA
8. NYARARA ZVAKO
9. MITEMO YABABA
10. MUMWE NEMUMWE |
   |
| JOHN CHIBADURA | THE GREAT MR CHITUNGWIZA | CDZIL342CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| Known throughout Southern Africa as Mr Chitungwiza. The late great John Chibadura who died in 1999, was acknowledged as one of the best singer and guitarists of the fast paced Sungura music which became very popular in the 1980's. He released a whole string of Gold selling albums during his lifetime and these tracks here make for a superb compilation album. Three tracks went straight in to my computer juke box. | 1. CHIIKO
2. MUKADZI WAMAKANDIROORERA
3. MAINTANANCE
4. RUDO RWECHOKWADI
5. NDICHAFA NDIRI BACHURA
6. MAKOROKOTO
7. ZUVA RAWAKANDIDA
8. SARA UGARIKE
9. VENGAI
10. 5000 DOLLARS KUROORA
11. PFUMA YENHAKA
12. HANDICHAZVIITA |
   |
| JOHN CHIBADURA AND TEMBO BROTHERS | UPENYU HWANDINETSA | ZIL206CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| Stunning stuff with the guitars cascading notes in all directions. Lovely vocals and great tunes make for a really beautiful album which was made way back in 1985. Just have a listen. | 1. UPENYU
2. MOMBE YEHUMAI
3. NDATAMBURA
4. DZIMBA MBIRI
5. RUMBIDZAI
6. KUSHAYA MBEREKO
7. NGATISHANDE
8. MWANA ASIRIWAKO |
   |
| JOHN CHIBADURA AND THE TEMBO BROTHERS | KUGARIKE TANGENHAMO | ZIL212CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| Another superb album from John and the Brothers. Great dancefloor beat with magic guitar and wonderful vocals. What more could you want. | 1. KUGARIKA TANGENHAMO
2. AMAI VANGU
3. WIRIRANAYI
4. MUKWASHA
5. CHISI CHAKO
6. SHIRAH
7. CHISINGAPERE
8. VATEZVARA |
   |
| JOHN KAZADI AND THE SPIDERS | SHAMWARI WANGU | MDALP06CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| Must be a rare one as my entry is the only mention on the web of this artist. A cracking set of tracks which according to the LP includes the track Vemazuva Ano, but if you play it then it it missing. Strange to get a purely instrumental track and stranger still that it has no other name but Instrumental and it is also my favorite track which once heard you can't stop humming. Wonderful. ( F.T.Index: Instrumental, Susana, Rose, Angeline, Shamwari Wangu, Vakwasha. ) [6T/41M] | 1. ROSE
2. ANGELINE
3. SHAMWARI WANGU
4. INSTRUMENTAL
5. VAKWASHA
6. SUSANA |
   |
| JONAH MOYO AND DEVERA NGWENA | MASVINGO NE CARPET | ZML1028CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| Jonah and the band on top form with this super smooth set of songs. The guitars are pure magic as they weave their tinkling spell on you and mix that with some very sweet vocals and a stunning brass section and you have a simply superb album. | 1. MASVINGO NE CARPET
2. HUYAI MOSE
3. NGATISHANDEI PAMWE
4. VICTORIA FALLS
5. UNOBUDA NEPI
6. NDAKAFADZA HERE
7. UCHAENDEPI
8. NDOCHEMA NAANI |
   |
| JONAH MOYO AND DEVERA NGWENA | NDATAMBURA NEWE ( SUH1040 ) | ZML1026CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| A top selling album featuring hits Ndatambura Newe which the album is named after and Taxi Driver. Great vocals and even greater guitar playing. Just have a listen. | 1. NDATAMBURA NEWE
2. FARAI NA PESVU
3. NDICHAFA NEWE
4. YES YES
5. TAXI DRIVER
6. BABA MUCHAZVIREGA
7. USAENDE KUDHOROBHA
8. CHIMUSORO |
   |
| JONAH MOYO AND DEVERA NGWENA JAZZ BAND | TSAVA TSAVA GOLDEN REMIXES | CDGRAMMA197CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
This album is a pleasant compilation as it reflects the time shortly after independence when young couples were happy, free and thus chose to get married in a new and promising country. Devera Ngwena Jazz Band were the main attraction, so popular that you could hear them being played at weddings or downtown shops through the loud speakers that were usually placed outside the entrance. They were the trendiest thing around and so this music portrays that period. Personally I was beginning to forget some of the tunes as I haven't been in Zimbabwe for so long and am influenced today by other cultures around me. However, as a true Zimbabwean I have a love of Devera Ngwena Jazz Band, especially their old numbers. This album of re-mixes is a real party album!
Some of the artists from Zimbabwe that you have available on Natari website, as far as I am concerned were produced at a time when Zimbabwe was still discovering how to develop in the music scene, some of the material was released as 'experimental' as African-modern music hit the scene while the country was still under colonial rule. When the country gained it's independence rhythms that were exsistent before the country's time were thereafter gradually developed that today make Zimbabwean rhumba, the music of Zimbabwe, very unique. Unfortuneately some of the really good artists have just disappeared from the music scene for various reasons etc.. but Jonah Moyo and the Band, well they're something else!
My thanks to Peter Chikasha over in Sweden for the above. To have a place in my collection this 2002 release must have been pretty good even if it was experimental. Having looked all over the web the only listing was mine - a rare item or what. Times are after the tracks as they are different to some other versions of the songs. | 1. FULLSTOP 7:34
2. NDAFUNGA MAKARE 10:00
3. LOVE, PEACE AND HAPPINESS 5:30
4. HATIMBONYARA 4:43
5. WAKANDICHEKA NERAKAGOMARA 7:00
6. USAMUBATE 6:34
7. MAMUONA 4:50
8. TAMBA CHIZUKURU 4:45
9. REGINAH WAENDA 4:19 |
   |
| JORDAN CHATAIKA AND HIS THREE SISTERS | MASHOKO AMWARI | JFLP1001CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| Jordan Chataika (b 1939 d 1985) has been described as the godfather of Zimbabwean gospel music. Guitarist and singer Jordan started in the early 1960s when most Christians still considered nomadic guitarists like Chataika as unholy? He persevered and during the fight for independence he became well known for his songs which were seen as anti government. After independence he also became a part-time radio presenter and often shared the stage with Oliver Mtukudzi and the late David 'Mr Bulk' Chiyangwa, both gospel musicians of note. The Time Wasters who provide the backing music to this album are actually Rob Mtukudzi and Pick Kasamba. [9T/40M] Tracks 1, 2 and 9 are in my computer juke box which was a difficult choice as they could easily all have gone in they are that good. | 1. HATINA MUSHA
2. KANA MANZWA IZWI RASHE
3. NYIKI YAKANAKISA
4. JESU MUPONISI
5. MAKANAKA JESU
6. NDINOSUWA DENGA
7. NDIYE JESU ZVOSHAMISA
8. MUMHANZI URI KUDENGA
9. GARAI NENI BABA |
   |
| JOSEPH MUTERO AND AFRICA SOUNDS | TIRI VADOKO | ZML1039LPCDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| Great album that was released back in 1989. I can't tell you anything about the artist as there is abolutely nothing in any of my books and virtually nothing except my own entry on the web. So have a listen and be amazed. Since I wrote this a few years ago this has appeared about
Joseph Mutero and this album. | 1. TIRI VADOKO
2. NYARADZAI MWANA
3. MAPENZI HAAPERI
4. RIVA RINENGOZI
5. CHIPATAPATA
6. MA CRECHE |
   |
| KASSONGA BAND | KUGUTA KUSHANDA VOL.3 | TEC2149CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| The singing is pretty good but the guitars are just wonderful on this rather rare album. Rare? Well you try and find another mention of it anywhere on the world wide web. [8T/44M] | 1. KUGUTA KUSHANDA
2. TAKABVIRA KARE
3. VUKUBWA WAINCHI
4. MWARI BABA
5. NHAYI MUKOMA WANGU
6. IMWI VANHU WOYE
7. NHAMO HURU
8. SISI HATUNA FEZA |
   |
| KHIAMA BOYS | SINGLES COLECTION Vol 1 - MABHAUWA | ZCD123CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| | 1. MABHAUWA
2. ABALE ANGA
3. NHAMO
4. NDINE ZVINONDINETSA
5. MWANA WANGU WAKURA
6. NDIRI MUNHAMO
7. MWANA UME
8. KUPEREKA MONI
9. HUPENYU
10. VANA MUKOMA
11. HANZVADZI YANGU
|
   |
| LEONARD DEMBO | VERY BEST OF LEONARD DEMBO | ZCD113CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| Tracks: Shamwari Yangu Warova from Tinokumbira Kurarama. Venenziya from Singles Collection. Dudzai from Singles Collection Vol 2. Chitekete from Chitekete. Manager from Kuziva Mbuya Huudzwa. Sharai from Sharai. Zll-Zll from Singles Collection Vol 2. Murombo from Singles Collection. Kukura Hukutane from Singles Collection Vol 2. | 1. SHAMWARI YANGU WAROVA
2. VENENZIYA
3. DUDZAI
4. CHITEKETE
5. MANAGER
6. SHARAI
7. ZII-ZII
8. MUROMBO
9. KUKURA HAKUTANE
|
   |
| LEONARD DEMBO AND BARURA EXPRESS | PAW PAW | CDGMP40574CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| | 1. PAW PAW
2. ZORORA WAWANA
3. TSIKA DZINOKOSHA
4. MUSHA RUDZIKO |
   |
| LOVEMORE MAJAIVANA | ISONO SAMI | CDMUSI873CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| Lovemore was born in 1954 in Gweru in central Zimbabwe but is best known in the southwest as one of Bulawayo’s most popular musicians. He started as a drummer at the age of 15 and then moved to Harare singing Western songs. Today he sings mostly in Ndebele or Zulu with a strong and clear voice. This was his last album released in 2001 before he emigrated to the U.S.A. | 1. XOLANI
2. ISONO SAMI
3. YINGWE BANI
4. ANGILA MALI
5. NAMHILA KWENZEJANI
6. BAKHATHAZ'UMOYA WAMI
7. ISIZUNGU
8. ISONO SAMI (IMBONGI) Version. |
   |
| MACHANIC MANYERUKE AND THE PURITANS | KANA VATSVENE VOPINDA | COOK025CDC | LP | £ 0.00 | |
| Lovely 10 track album that took 8 of the 10 tracks from NDLP17. (See NDLP17) | |
 |
| MACHANIC MANYERUKE AND THE PURITANS | NDEYEIKO NYAYA IYO | NDLP25CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| Recorded at Shed Studios back in 1989 this lovely album of softly sung gospel features a couple of surprise make overs, one of which is Auld Langs Syne would you believe. I loved every minute of the album with its beautiful vocals over fragrant guitar and and it is now a firm favourite of mine. [10T/44M] | 1. SHOKO RAMAMBO JESU
2. NDEYEIKO NYAYA IY
3. RIRIPO GOMO
4. NYARARA KUCHEMA
5. HAANGANYADZISE CHOKWADI
6. MUFUDZI NDIYE JUSU
7. IGAZI LAKHE
8. TSITSI DZAJESU
9. MUNOMUTSVAKIREIKO JUSU
10. HAANGASHANDIRE SATANI |
   |
| MACHANIC MANYERUKE AND THE PURITANS | ZAKEWU | NDLP17CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| Beautiful LP that gave 8 of its 10 track to the set on COOK025. (The CDR contains all 10 tracks from the LP and the two extras from COOK025) | 1. NDOFARA
2. ZAKEWU
3. CAIN NA ABEL
4. KANA VATSVENE VOPINDA
5. NDIYANI ACHANDIUDZA
6. PETRO ANORAMBA
7. ZVANDAIVA MUTADZI ZVANGU
8. JESU PAMUCHINJIKWA
9. JONAH WENINIVHA
10. MAIWE MUPONSI WANGU
11. JESU UNOMUTSA RAZARO
12. MWARI WAKANA |
   |
| NYAMI NYAMI SOUNDS | KWIRA MUDENGA | ZML1030CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| From the Kariba region of Northern Zimbabwe, the band was formed in the 1980s as a youth band called the Angoni Family. They eventually progressed from covers to playing their own music and renamed themselves Nyami Nyami Sounds after a Shona river God. Released in 1986, this album has a superb sound all round with stunning guitar work backed by an infectious beat and great vocals. Have a listen. | 1. NDIANI APISA MOTO
2. PARUFU RWENYU
3. LINDA
4. VARI KUMHEPO
5. TUCKSHOP
6. CHAKANETSA
7. JIMMY |
   |
| OLIVER MUTUKUDZI | DZAKAITA MUKUSUMBISA NA. TUKU | ZIL246CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| | |
| |
| OLIVER MUTUKUDZI | HWEMA HANDIRASE | BL479CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| A golden oldie from 1984 and I still think some of his best music. This is just classic. | 1. HWEMA HANDIRASE
2. MUMWEYA
3. NDANGA NDABAIWA
4. CHAMAIFIRA CHII?
5. MUSAORE MOYO
6. RODA REMOYO
7. GEHENA
8. BABA
9. NDOMUTEVERA
10. UMSHAMWARI |
   |
| PATRICK MKWAMBA AND THE FOUR BROTHERS | TONOSANGANA IKOKO | KSALP104CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| A cracker of an album with the guitars cascading notes in all directions while the drummer sets a throbbing pace trying to keep up. The harmonious vocals are beautifully sung with Patrick taking the lead and the Brothers with perfect timing providing the backing. Truely exceptional and a must have in every Zimbabwe collection. (8T/38M) | 1. WAPENGA NAYO BONUS
2. VAKAKUNDA ZVIEDZO
3. KUBHAWA HANDIGARE
4. EMERIYA USANYENGEDZWE
5. MOMBE YOUMAI
6. URI TSOTSI
7. NDATENDEUKA
8. MWANA WANDAIDA KUROORA |
   |
| ROBSON BANDA AND NEW BLACK EAGLES | GREATEST HITS 1 - LEDGENDS OF ZIMBABWE | ZIM5CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| | |
| |
| ROBSON BANDA AND THE NEW BLACK EAGLES | NGOMA NGAIRIRE | KSALP121LPCDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| Pure magic as Robson and the group go through a superb set of tracks. Just listen to those guitars singing........ They just don't make music as good as this anymore. ( F.T.Index: Ngoma Ngairire, Dziva Renjuzu, Kafira Mbira, Ndiwe Wega Mwanangu, Tofara Sei, Baba Vachipo. ) [6T/32M] | 1. NGOMA NGAIRIRE
2. DZIVA RENJUZU
3. KAFIRA MBIRA
4. NDIWE WEGA MWANANGU
5. BABA VACHIPO
6. TOFARA SEI |
   |
| SHIRINHEMA JAZZ BAND | RUDO IBOFU | ZML1037LPCDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| There would seem to be very little out there on the web about the Shirinhema Jazz Band. All I can tell you about this album is that it came out back in 1988 and the six strong group is probably led by Shepherd Musekiwa. Other than that it is lovely music so do have a listen. | 1. RUDO IBOFU
2. HUPENYU HWAMAZUVA ANO
3. MACYLINE
4. NDAPFIDZA
5. NDIOEIWO ZANO
6. NYAKUCHENJERA
7. NHAMO OZANGU DZAWANDA
8. HAUMUROORI |
   |
| SIMON CHIMBETU AND ORCH' DENDERA KINGS | BOTEREKWA | DALP200LPCDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| More guitar magic from one of Zimbabwe's top groups. Tracks: Usandisiye, Future, Musoro Wachena, Pakati Pegungwa, One Way, Bvuma Mukwasha. As it says on the back - Zimbabwe has many accomplished musicians with various styles ranging from Traditional to Jazz and Hybreed. Simon Chimbetu is one such musician whose style and approach to the art is second to none. This album will not need a lot of effort to prove this. | 1. USANDISIYE
2. FUTURE
3. MUSORO WACHENA
4. PAKATI PEGUNGWA
5. ONE WAY
6. BVUMA MUKWASHA |
   |
| SIMON CHIMBETU AND ORCH' DENDERA KINGS | KUIPA CHETE | DALP100LPCDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| Great guitar play and magic vocal harmonies throughout and with one of their greatest hits in the form of Kuipa Chete. | 1. KUIPA CHETE
2. GOMO RISINA MUCHERO
3. RWENDO RUFERU
4. HATIKANGANWA
5. NGOSI UREMA
6. MANHUNGETUNGE |
   |
| SUNGURA BOYS | THE BEST OF THE SUNGURA BOYS | TEC2063CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Formed in the late 70s the Sungura Boys became very popular in the 1980s. Former members of the band have included John Chibadura, who wrote all the tracks on this compilation. The brothers Simon and Naison Chimbetu of the Marxist Brothers. Michael Jambo of the Zimbabwe Cha Cha Kings and the Marunga Brothers. Ephraim Joe who joined the Khiama Boys before going solo. | 1. LUCIA (Pt. 1)
2. LUCIA (Pt. 2)
3. CHITUMBIRA KURE
4. VADSIMU TIONEWO
5. ROORA WAFUNGA
6. MUNHU WESE
7. JANE
8. KUPA KURE NHERERA
9. MUKOMA EDMORE
10. MAI BETTY |
   |
| THE FOUR BROTHERS | MUKADZI WEPIRI | KSALP129CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| Released in 1990 this album is packed from end to end with that lovely guitar playing that the Brothers were famous for. Just listen to them go on 'Zvakona' and 'Tezvara'. A really wonderful album that shouldn't be missed. | 1. MUKADZI WEPIRI
2. CHIDHAKWA
3. MAZITA NEZVIITO
4. ZVAKONA
5. CHIROORA
6. TEZVARA
7. MUSANDODARO
8. CHANDAVENGERWA |
   |
| THE MUDDY FACE | NHAMO YEHUROJA | SUH1051CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| Released back in 1987 by Gramma as KSALP 117 and for Zimbabwe music fans this album can only be described as totally essential. Throbbing beat with great guitars and super singing. | 1. NHAMO YEHUROJA
2. MUCHAUYA RINI
3. HANGAIWA
4. MAKUNAKUNA
5. MANHUNGETUNGE
6. JERUSAREMA |
   |
| THE MUDDY FACE | TENDA KUMIDZIMU YAKO | KSALP108CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| Another of those groups from the old days that you only ever come across as a single track on a compilation album. Why? They are just gorgeous, great vocals, foot stomping drumming and guitars to die for. The last track has gone onto my all time great song CDR collection straight away and the rest will probably follow. It's a cracker. [44M] | 1. TENDA KUMIDZIMU YAKO
2. KUMBIRA UCHAPIHWA
3. KUMBERI KWAKAIPA
4. NDATOKUPA MOYO WANGU
5. UKAFA UCHAENDEPIKO
6. VANASIKANA IMI |
   |
| THERESA AND AWENDILA | MABANGHENI | MUSI807CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| A nice and quite catchy album from Theresa and Awendila which came with a plain black sleeve and no details except that it was recorded at Musi Oa Tunya Studios back in 1990. I couldn't find anything else about the artists or the music anywhere else on the net so if anybody has any info I would love to hear it.
Info from Nyasha Makosa: They were a husband and wife from Mozambique and they came to perform in Zimbabwe around 1988 and were popular with their other songs Asande Sana and Reconcilliation. Asande Sana was a hit on Zimbabwean charts radio. Both were military trainees in Tanzania for forces fighting for independence for Mozambique. They sang some songs from Tanzania in Swahili and for their home country of Mozambique in Shangaan. Not heard anything of them since. | 1. MABANGHENI
2. ONGENA ZA MAPENZI
3. KINA NA HINA
4. UKALU KUNYATA
5. PENDO LA KWELI
6. KILA MTU NI MTU
7. NYUMBANI KWETU
8. NKONO WAMBONE |
   |
| THOMAS MAPFUMO AND THE ACID BAND | HOKOYO | WATER236CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| Self taught musician Thomas Mapfumo is a legend in Zimbabwe and this was his first album released at the height of the Rhodesian War back in 1976 and the only one with the Acid Band. Mapfumo described the music as chimurenga which is a Shona word for struggle. The lyrics told of the fight against white minority rule and he replaced the traditional sound of the mbira with electric guitar. A year later the Government unhappy with his popularity sent him to a prison camp for subversion. To get released he gave a concert on behalf of the Government which backfired as the only songs he had were his revolutionary ones. Another year later after Zimbabwe had won the war for liberation he formed Blacks Unlimited and released a series of albums but fell out with the Mugabe Government by 1989 after releasing Corruption and left to live in the USA. He returned to play a series of concerts after Mugabe died but still lives in the USA. | 1. HOKOYO!
2. DINDINGWE
3. HWA-HWA
4. MATIREGERERA MAMBO
5. DENDERA
6. MHANDU MUSANGO
7. MURANDU
8. JAJU-MU JAKACHA
9. ZVANDIVIRINGA
10. CHENGETA VA BEREKI |
   |
| THOMAS MAPFUMO AND THE BLACKS UNLIMITED | CHIMURENGA FOR JUSTICE | ROUGH91CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| Released back in 1985 by Rough Trade this wonderful Chimurenga album mixes the sounds of Zimbabwe with its laid back reggae beat on a set of six long and beautifully crafted songs about struggle and praise. Some lovely trumpet play here and there with backing vocalists Prescilla and Terry providing a sweet accompaniment to Mapfumo’s rough vocals. [6T/43M] | 1. TAMBAZUMBA NASHE
2. HUPENYU WANGU
3. RUMBIDZAI MAMBO
4. MUGARA NDEGA
5. MARONDERA
6. ONE MAN ONE WOMAN |
   |
| VARIOUS ARTISTS | ADVANCE KUSUGARI | AFRILP006CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| Superb compilation of 1980's Zimbabwe music mainly from singles with some of the lesser known artists featured. | 1. KAREKITA - JONAH MOYO & DEVERA NGWENA JAZZ BAND
2. ADVANCE KUSUGAR! - MASTER CHIVERO
3. HATICHINA WEKUTAMBA NAYE - R.U.N.N. FAMILY
4. CHIEDZA - JIROS JIRI BAND
5. BHIZINESI MUDHOROBHA - SAFIRIO MADZIKATIRE WITH THE SEA COTTAGE SISTERS AND THE NEW WORLD BAND
6. MUCHEMBERE WEDU NEHANDA - MASTER CHIVERO AND THE ZIMBABWE MILITIA MBIRA SOUNDS
7. NDICHENI - JIROS JIRI BAND
8. HOMBARUME - JONAH MOYO & DEVERA NGWENA JAZZ BAND
9. ZVATAKADANA ATAISIYANA - SAFIRIO MADZIKATIRE WITH THE SEA COTTAGE SISTERS AND THE NEW WORLD BAND
10. TAURAI ZVENYU - PAUL MATAVIRE & JIROS JIRI BAND
11. WE'MFOWETHU - AMANZI OKUPHILA |
   |
| VARIOUS ARTISTS | CHRISTMAS SPECIAL 1984 | ZML1021CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| A cracking set of songs that have all but the first one escaped the CD compilations of the past few years. Also just found track 3 on THE BEST OF NYAMI NYAMI SOUNDS CD. | 1. VENENZIYA - LEONARD DEMBO AND THE OUTSIDERS
2. ACHEUJE - MBADA JAZZ BAND
3. HUPENYU HAUTENGWE - NYAMI NYAMI SOUNDS
4. KURURA KWANGU - ALFA SOUNDS
5. TARIRA - THE FAMILY SINGERS
6. JOHN MAHWANI - JAKACHAKA BAND
7. WAKANDICHEKA NERAKAGOMARA - DEVERA NGWENA JAZZ BAND
8. PEMBERAI - THOMAS MAPFUMO AND BLACKS UNLIMITED
9. GENESIS 4 VERSE 4 - HURUNGWE SOUNDS
10. B.P. - JAMES CHIMOMBE AND THE O.K. SUCCESS
11. DICKSON - SAFIRIO MADZIKATIRE AND THE SEA COTTAGE SISTERS
12. FURUWA - RISING POWER |
   |
| VARIOUS ARTISTS | HITS OF ZIMBABWE | CDZMC02CDC | CD | £ 10.00 | |
| A very nice compilation album made by ZMC in 1998. | 1. TSVARU - MAX MAPFUMO AND DOPIRO CREW
2. MBENGO - KETAI AND THE SIMBA BROTHERS
3. NDIBVUMBAMIREIWO - MARSHALL MUNHUMUMWE AND THE FOUR BROTHERS
4. INXWALA (GREAT TRADITIONAL CELEBRATION) - EDWIN HAMA
5. TINOKUMBIRA MVURA - EPHAT MUJURU
6. JEKESA - BHUNDU BOYS
7. MUCHITI MUGERE - JAMES CHIMOMBE AND THE OCEAN CITY BAND
8. KARIGONI - LEONARD ZHAKATA
9. MUDZIMU MUKURU - ZIG ZAG BAND
10. KUFA KWEMUKURU - MAZANA MOVEMENT
11. ZIMBABWE - OLIVER MUTUKUDZI
12. AMEN - RITA SHONHIWA |
   |
| VARIOUS ARTISTS | INDEPENDENCE SPECIAL | ZML1008CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| Another of those super rare Independence albums with a brilliant set of tracks from some of Zimbabwe's top artists. With a full set of clips to wet your whistle but believe me once you have heard them you will be wanting more. | 1. KUSASANA - NYAMI NYAMI SOUNDS
2. MAI VANYEMBEZI - NEW BLACK MONTANA
3. TIYI HOBVU/STRONG TEA - ZEXIE MANATSA AND THE GREEN ARROWS
4. UPENYU HWANGU - HOSI CHIPANGA AND THE BALFOUR BLACK DIAMONDS
5. KILIMANJARO - THE SOUNDS OF THE MUDDY FACE
6. JOHN WAENDA - AFRICA MELODY
7. ZVINONAKA ZVINODHURA - PATRICK MKWAMBA AND THE FOUR BROTHERS
8. AMAYO - PIED PIPERS
9. NDAMUTSWA NENGOMA - THOMAS MAPFUMO & THE BLACKS UNLIMITED
10. SOLO NA MUTSAI - DEVERA NGWENA JAZZ BAND
11. SAMUTOKO - ZIMBABWE HEROES
12. KATARINA - SAFIRIO MADZIKATIRE & THE SEA COTTAGE SISTERS |
   |
| VARIOUS ARTISTS | INDEPENDENCE SPECIAL 1985 | SPL101CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| Lovely album released way back in 1985 to celebrate Independence. Great music with guitars leading all the way. My favorite track has got to be Zuva Radoka from Devera Ngwena. | 1. ZAMBUKO - THOMAS MAPFUMO AND THE BLACKS UNLIMITED
2. TAIGARA MUMAKOMO - ZIMBABWE AFRICAN NATIONAL UNION
3. AFRICA (LE BUCHERON) - JOHN KAZADI AND THE DESH BAND
4. WATU WOTE - UJAMAA JAZZ BAND
5. WE GO SAY - PIED PIPERS
6. ZUVA RADOKA - DEVERA NGWENA JAZZ BAND
7. INJI YA ZIMBABWE - UJAMAA JAZZ BAND
8. MATICHA - SUPER SOUNDS
9. PAMBERI NECHIKORO - NEW HARD SPIRITS
10. MILITIA - ZIMBABWE MILITIA BAND |
   |
| VARIOUS ARTISTS | SINGLES COLLECTION (Welcome to Zimbabwe) | WTZCDC | CDx2 | £ 12.50 | |
| A selection of late 80's 7" singles plus one 12" single to finish off with. Too many and different to describe so please have a listen to the samples. | 1. CHIGOVANYIKA BROTHERS - CHIBHAMU + MANDINONOKERA
2. SEASIDE BAND - JENI + MUKOMA PETER
3. SIGNATURE BAND - YAIVE HONDO + UCHANDIFUNGA
4. SIGNATURE BAND - TSAMBA YAMAKANYORA + MUKOMA WANGU WAPERA
5. SIGNATURE BAND - MUNYU HAUNA MUSHARU + ZVEMAZUVA ANO
6. MASAI SAI BROTHERS - VAKASUNGWA NA SATINI + BARTIMEO
7. MASAI SAI BROTHERS - SHUNGU DZANGU + MBIRI YAYENDA
8. OCEAN CITY BAND - LYDIA Pt. 1 + LYDIA Pt. 2
9. OCEAN CITY BAND - MAKANDIPEI + ZUVA
10. PETRO NA JOHANE - MWARI ITAI SEKUFUNGA KWENYU + VAROORA VEMAZUVA ANO
11. MAX MAPFUMO AND JUPITER KINGS - SHINGA + USAITA CHIRAMWA
12. MAX MAPFUMO AND JUPITER KINGS - USANDIKANGANWA + MUNENGOZI
13. AFRICA SOUNDS FRANCO - TINODA SOCIALISM + TINEMUNAMATO
14. ZIG ZAG BAND - VAMANDELA + VAMANDELA (Dub Version) |
   |
| VARIOUS ARTISTS | TAKE COVER - ZIMBABWE HITS | SHAN43045CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| A super compilation of 1980's Zimbabwe music with some great sounds from some of the lesser known artists and bands of the time. Also some of the big names - love that James Chimombe. | 1. TAKE COVER - JAIROS JIRI SUNRISE KWELA BAND
2. KUENDA MBIRE - EPHAT MUJURU AND THE SPIRIT OF THE PEOPLE
3. TARIRA NGUVA - THE FAMILY SINGERS
4. B. P. - JAMES CHIMOMBE AND THE OK SUCCESS
5. JOHN WAENDA - AFRICAN MELODY
6. DICKSON - SAFIRIO MADZIKATIRE AND THE SEA COTTAGE SISTERS
7. GEORGE MUDIWA WANGU - JAMES CHIMOMBE AND THE OK SUCCESS
8. CHIPENDANI - SUPER SOUNDS
9. PAMBERI NAVA JIRI - JAIROS JIRI BAND
10. WAPENGA NAYO BONUS - PATRICK MKWAMBA AND THE FOUR BROTHERS
11. KATARINA - SAFIRIO MADZIKATIRE AND THE SEA COTTAGE SISTERS
12. AMAYO - THE PIED PIPERS |
   |
| VARIOUS ARTISTS | ZIMBABWE HITS VOL 9 | ZSU1030CDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| They say never to judge a book by its cover and this cassette is a prime example. The very plain looking cover hides a superb set of tracks many of which I can only find here and from artists that I have never even heard of before. | 1. VIMBAYI - FOUR BROTHERS
2. VANA VAVENDA - DYNAMIC BROTHERS
3. SELF JOB - ZIMBABWE HEROES
4. RAIYA - UJAMAA JAZZ BAND
5. ALUTA CONTINUA - ECHOING CICADA KANGOPISA
6. FUNDISA UMLOMO WAKHO - DEVERA NGWENA JAZZ BAND
7. NHERERA ZVICHENGETE - THE SOUNDS OF THE MUDDY FACE
8. TOSE TIN KUCHEMA - HURUNGWE SOUNDS
9. KUTSVA KWENDEBVU - JAIROS JIRI BAND
10. VASIKANA - RAIN-THUNDER |
   |
| ZEXIE MANATSA AND THE GREEN ARROWS | TSURO SOCCER STAR | JLP1011CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| This Zexie Manatsa and the Green Arrows football based album is probably the most enduring music in Zimbabwe. It's songs from the album Tsuro Soccer Star are still being played today after soccer matches on the radio. With songs named after various local clubs Highlanders, Zimbabwe Saints, Caps United and Dynamos. Apart from that the music is just terrific so just have a listen to the clips. | 1. TSURO SOCCER STAR
2. HIGHLANDERS
3. CAPS
4. VABEREKI
5. DYNAMOS
6. SAINTS |
   |
| ZIMBABWE CHA CHA CHA KINGS | VIMBISO | ZML1041LPCDC | TC | £ 10.00 | |
| Eight wonderful tracks of beautifully played guitars and pulsating drums with softy sung vocals to match. Superb in all departments and one that should be getting a re-release from somebody out there. | 1. VIMBISO
2. MARI
3. AMBEWE
4. JIMI SHAMWARI YANGU
5. SOUTH AFRICA
6. MUDIWA LUCY
7. AMAI WANGA
8. ASAKINA |
   |
| ZIMBABWE TWO STARS (KASONGO BAND) | KUDZIDZA HAKUPERI | KHON1001CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| Recorded at the famous Shed Studios this is an absolute cracker of an album and one that again I had never even opened until someone said they wanted it on CD! The singing is good with nice backing harmonies but the guitaring is outstanding. | 1. KUDZIDZA HAKUPERI
2. MUKOMA WACHATA
3. SISI LOICE
4. KOSA YANINI
5. SARA NEMUSHA WAKO
6. RAFIKI
7. 'TRIP' ISINGADZOKWI
8. UPENYU WEMUNHU |
   |
| ZVISHAVANE SOUNDS | MUTONGI GAVA | ZML1032CDC | LP | £ 10.00 | |
| I bought this in the late 80s with a whole pile of other Zimbabwe albums and somehow never got around to playing this one. What a mistake that was. This album is simply awesome with that lively twangy guitar playing that is the unmistakeable sound of Zimbabwe. Definitely some of the best tunes I have heard from there and the singing from the six strong group is pretty impressive as well. I should really have a dig around in my collection and see what other gems I have hidden away. ( F.T.Index: Mutongi Gava, Veza Mupini, Ipurezha, Inyama Yembongolo, Hukama Igasva, Gerita, Dai Ndakadzidza. ) [7T/43M] Just as a matter of interest I found only two references to this album and group. The LP was listed in the Sterns Guide II and the web listing was my own one! | 1. MUTONGI GAVA
2. VEZA MUPINI
3. IPUREZHA
4. INYAMA YEMBONGOLO
5. HUKAMA IGASVA
6. GERITA
7. DAI NDAKADZIDZA |
   |