V.A. - 1970's Nigeria Pop

Many people may currently associate Nigeria with some rather negative things yet as evidenced in this blog Nigeria has produced some amazing music. This was especially true in the 1970's as Nigeria was coming out of a brutal civil war into a major oil boom. Thus giving the opportunity for many bands to play not just the politically charged music that the country is famous for but also very "poppy" style songs. Here I have put together a small compilation of some of my favorite old school Nigerian pop songs. There are some very cool songs in here and if you are any fan at all of music from Nigeria or Africa itself or if you just want an introduction into the music of this country then I recommend giving this one a listen.

1. Cloud 7 - Beautiful Woman

2. Bongos Ikwue And The Groovies - Sitting On The Beach

3. Founders 15 - Be My Own

4. Kris Okotie - I Need Someone

5. Rex Williams - You Are My Heart

6. The Apostles - She's A Dropout

7. Sir Victor Uwaifo -Guitar Boy

8. Sir Victor Uwaifo - West African Safari 

9. Sonny Okosun - Help

10. Bongos Ikwue And The Groovies - Still Searching 

11. Sweet Breeze - She's Cooler Than You 

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Philemon Zulu - How Long- Zulu Jive

Any true reggae lover will recognize Shanchie as one of the great reggae labels having put out albums by such legends as Augustus Pablo. However Shanchie's killer records are not limited only to reggae but include various other genres including music from various different countries. So whenever I am in a record store and happen to find a Shanchie record I usually will buy it and take it home with me. The latest of these additions is an album from Southern Africa, "How Long" by Philemon Zulu. This album is clear evidence of the great music that the African continent has been able to produce by blending traditional song with modern instruments. This is also an album that would be great for anyone looking for an introduction into the world of African music specifically South African music. Overall an album that I am very much glad I found and recommend giving a listen to.

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Various Artists - Afro-Rock Volume 1

For your consideration today I have a great little compilation album that I picked up at a record store a few years ago. Afro-Rock Vol 1 is one of many great releases by Strut Records who for a long time have put out some great compilations focusing on music from around the globe. This particular album has some great material that truly stretches throughout the whole continent of Africa from Nigeria to Zaire (Congo). The thing that really makes this album standout is that while all tracks have some killer rhythms and beats no two sound even remotely alike. Also many of the tracks on here would be a rare find even in Africa as they were unreleased demos or tapes that have long been forgotten about. Personal favorites of mine on this album are Steele Beauttah's "Africa" and Envy No Good by Mercury Dance Band. If you are even remotely interested in Afro-rock or just rock and funk in general then I highly recommend downloading this album as it will have you hooked for a long time to come.

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The Bhundu Boys - Shed Sessions 1982 - 1986

Today we will take a trip all the way to East Africa, specifically to the country of Zimbabwe to listen to the epic sound of The Bhundu Boys. The Bhundu Boys played traditional music from Zimbabwe but with a mixture of rock, disco, and even country. They developed their own sound to the point that they basically created a new genre of music known as "jit". The Shed Sessions will give you a very good introduction to this group and their completely unique style. While also giving you an introduction to some of the coolest music and greatest guitar work to come out of Africa.

CD 1
01    Une Shuwa Here - Part 1        
02     Une Shuwa Here - Part 2        
03     Kuroja Chete    
04     Chekudya Chose        
05     Zvichatinetsa        
06     Pachedu        
07     Kumbirayi        
08     Nhai Mukoma        
09     Hupenyu Hwangu    
10     Faka Puresha        
11     Ziva Kwawakabva    
12     Shabhini        
13     Wakandiparadzisa Musha        
14     Ndipo Mari Yangu
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CD 2
01    Zvandinetsa         
02     Wakasikirei Satani    
03     Dai Ndakaziva         
04     Wenhamo Haaneti         
05     Pendeke         
06     Hatisi Tose        
07     Vakaparei         
08     Baba Munini Francis         
09     Wafungeyiko         
10     Tsvimbodze Moto         
11     Manhenga         
12     Kupedza Muto         
13     Chimanimani         
14     Simbimbino         
15     Muchihwa     
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Nigeria 70 Lagos Jump

This is the second album from the great Nigeria 70 series done by Strut Records. The series looks at some of the main artists in the country and some of the popular music styles of the period. I really recommend this album to anyone wanting an introduction into the vast styles of music that the country of Nigeria has to offer and just as well recommend it to anyone who already enjoys music from this nation. I do not usually say this however if you enjoy this go out and buy the real thing and support Strut Records and their work to compile great music from all around the world.

 1    Sir Shina Peters & His International Stars* –     Yabis       
2     Ify Jerry Crusade* – Everybody Likes Something Good       
3     Bola Johnson & His Easy Life Top Beats – Ezuku Buzo       
4     Ashanti Afrika Jah –     Onyame     4:56   
5     Olufemi Ajasa & His New Nigerian Bros* – Aiye Le       
6     Peacocks Guiter Band* –     Eddie Quansa        
7     Peter King – African Dialects
8     Dynamic Africana – Igbehin Lalayo Nta       
9     Chief Checker – Ire Africa        
10     Tony Tete Harbor & The Star Heaters Of Nigeria* – Tete Muo Bu Muo       
11     Faces, The (3) – Tug Of War       
12     Eric (Showboy) Akaeze & His Royal Ericos* – Wetin De Watch Goat, Goat Dey Watcham        
13     Immortals, The (5) – Hot Tears       
14     Rex Williams –     You Are My Heart       
15     Sir Victor Uwaifo & His Melody Maestroes – Dododo (Ekassa No. 1)   
16     Eddie Okwedy –     Happy Survior
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Nigeria Special (3) Sir Victor Uwaifo - Guitar Boy Superstar

Victor Uwaifo is in my opinion the best guitarist to come out of the Nigerian music scene and could also rival any of the more well known guitarists of the Western World. Guitar Boy Superstar compiles some of his greatest hits though ironically the song Guitar Boy which is one of my favorites was left off you can find it on Youtube though.
If you play electric guitar or are a fan of any type of music that revolves around this instrument I highly recommend this album! A personal favorite on here is West African Safari which almost does make you feel like you're in a Range Rover going through the West African desert.

1. Kirikisi   

2.Igboroho  

3.Idogo   

4.Egbe Natete   

5.Edenderio   

6.Obodo Eyo  

 7.Talking Instruments 

 8.Agho  

9.Iye Iye Oh  

10.Mother Witch   

11.Atete   

12.Ebibi  

13.Osalobua Rekpama   

14.Do Lelezi   

15.Akuyan   

16.Dododo   

17.Madaka  

18.Happy Day From Me To You   

19.West African Safari

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Orchestra Lovy Du Zaire

Congolese rumba is arguably one of my favorite styles of music with its incredible guitar work and great rhythms that make you forget all your troubles and make you just want to get up and dance. Orchestra Lovy Du Zaire is a group I came across online and have really enjoyed the few songs by them that I have been able to find and listen to. Here I compile them for you so you can enjoy this great music which so little people in the west know about.

1. Orchestra Lovy Du Zaire - Conseil Dami
2. Vicky Longomba & Lovy Du Zaire - Ba Cuites Ya Vatican
3. Vicky Longomba & Lovy Du Zaire - Invocation
4. Vicky Longomba & Lovy Du Zaire - Nakobala Ata Mongamba
5. Vicky Longomba & Lovy Du Zaire - Thomas Kinshasa Bomoko

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Nigeria Special (2) Sonny Okosun

Sonny Okosun is arguably one of the most recognized and famous Nigerian artists after Fela Kuti. Much like with Fela, Okosun's music was heavily influenced by politics and the social issues going on in Africa at the time. One of his mos famous songs is Fire in Soweto which talks about the different struggles and conflicts happening in Africa at the time and how the common man was the one that kept being the most affected by these. He developed his own sound so much so that his music came to be simply known as Ozziddi. The sound quality is a bit rough on some of these songs but give them a listen as they are great and do a great job of showing the harsh realities that the African continent has and continues to face to this day.

1. Third World
2. Fire in Soweto
3. Tire Ni Oluwa
4. Tell Them
5. My Woman

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Black Star LIner Reggae From Africa

Black Star Liner is a great album for anyone out there who has even a remote interest in reggae or also for the people out there who are more than experts on the genre. This album gives you a great introduction into some of the best groups to come out of 1970's Africa. Nigeria's Bongos Ikuwe, Sonny Okosun, Sir Victor Uwaifo and Cloud 7 or Sierra Leone's Sabanoh 75 are some worth mentioning. But really all the songs and artists on this album are great and I highly recommend it to anyone with any sort of interest in reggae or rock music.

1.

Sonny Okosun - Third World

2.

Sabanoh 75 - Carry On

3.

Cloud 7 - You Can Make It

4.

Bongos Ikwue & The Groovies - Still Searching

5.

Sabanoh 75 - Leaking Heart

6.

Victor Uwaifo & His Titibitis - Destiny

7.

Miatta Fahnbulleh - Kokolioko

8.

Sonny Okosun - Fire In Soweto

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