africa
Jonah Moyo and Devera Ngwena – Fundisa Umlomo Wakho
Jonah Moyo and Devera Ngwena –this last meaning ‘follow the crocodile’ in the Xitsonga language native to southeast Africa– are a Zimbabwean rhumba act that blends native mbira rhythms with a modern, Chimurenga-style social sensibility.
This track from 1987 has catchy, birdsong guitars taking the mbira (thumb piano) part and a sort of droned vocal harmony that at once invigorates the lower-half of the body while soothing the upper half.
African Brothers International Band – Me Nnye Osansani
Something lovely just came down the wire! A first appearance for the African Brothers International Band on these pages, which seems a shameful omission. Coalescing in 1963 around Nana Kwame Ampadu, in all its incarnations the African Brothers Band was known for its politically instructive lyrics, catchy guitar rhythms and performing only original music.
The rhythm track is deft –built on native percussion and intertwining guitars– and will summon a shake to all but the most moribund of hips.
Me Nnye Osansani translates as ‘I’m not a drifter/bum.”
Ayub Ogada – 10%
Oh, how I love this song. Kenyan-born actor & musician Ayub Ogada coaxes a cheerful rhythm from his Luo nyatiti (the traditional eight-string lyre of the Luo people of western Kenya), counter-pointed with a playfully-made flute melody. Sets a quick pace for walking, toes tapping, or a hip shaking: whatever’s free.
Dr Nico Kasanda & Orchestra l’African Fiesta Sukisa – Munka
A neat, unexpected appearance of slack-key guitars in an African tune, this from Congolese bandleader Dr. Nico Kasanda and Orchestra l’African Fiesta Sukisa.
Mekongo – Me Bowa Ya
Such tight horns! Cameroon’s Mekongo –about which next to nothing is known– with the first track from one of the two Mango Records ‘Sound d’Afrique’ Afropop compilations.
Pépé Kallé – Ami Ya Bomuana
Congolese soukous genius Pépé Kallé lays the rhythms in thick. Tight horns roving all up and down the production, deft guitars like a drunken centipede dancing on the fretboard, drums and drums and drums…
Reggae Covers: The Skatalites – Pata Pata (Miriam Makeba)
My longtime love affair with Miriam Makeba is a matter of record. Hers is a voice that winds itself around you like the arms of a beloved friend, dance partner, or paramour, depending on her mood. Her enthusiasm, perhaps best exemplified by the 1957 original Pata Pata, is as infectious as her loving heart. In 2002 The Skatalites did a number on the original on their ‘From Paris With Love‘ release, kicking 33 1/3 to 45 in the application of a ska rhythm track. The usual fine performances abound, but none somehow as satisfying as the original.
Hugh Masekela – Puffin’ On Down The Track
Witbank South Africa’s most honored son trumpet master Hugh Masekela here gives the South African version of the train song. Masekela is also known for his song ‘Stimela (Coal Train),’ which would seem to lend a certain thematic flavor to his music. My kids loved this song when they were bouncing babies.
Note: Apologies for the vacant video. Apparently whoever owns Hugh’s rights is all hell up in the internet preventin’ and clearly doesn’t understand the value of videos like this for Hugh’s record sales. Sorry.
A Biscuit In The Sun 