William Onyeabor

Today I thought I would share some music from one of the most mysterious and best musicians to come out of the 70s-80s Nigerian music scene, William Onyeabor. I first heard his music a few years back and instantly became addicted though with the exception of a few songs there wasn't much material out there and there was absolutely no information out there on who William Onyeabor was. His music is very hard to describe almost a mix of Afro-Funk or Afro-Rock with way ahead of its time electronic that makes for an extremely unique sound. His music also used equipment such as synthesizers which at the time were way out of budget for the vast majority of African musicians and studios giving rise to the theory that Onyeabor was backed by someone "big" in Eastern Europe and thus the source of his money and equipment. Never the less through his music Onyeabor shows some amazing talent and creativity in making some amazing music. I usually like to upload full albums to the blog but this is one of those times when I will only upload a sample of a few songs. The reason for this being that independent label Luaka Bop just released the album "Who  is William Onyeabor?" and if you like the songs I am uploading here I highly encourage you to buy this album to support this label and encourage them to release more if this super rare material.

1. Better Change Your Mind
2. Atomic Bomb
3. When The Going is Smooth and Good

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V.A. Studio One - Scorcher Instrumentals

Today we have something for any lovers of reggae and jazz that may be out there. As any fan of reggae can tell you the Studio One record label is synonymous with some of the best artists and music to come out of Jamaica. One of the greatest assets of Studio One was its amazing selection of instrumental players who would put down tracks in the 1960's and 70's that to this day continue to influence the Jamaican music scene. This included  groups and musicians like The Skatalites, Jackie Mittoo, The Soul Vendors, and Tommy McCook all of  which can be heard on this album. This album does an amazing job of highlighting the amazing instrumental tracks that were produced during the golden age of Jamaican music as well as demonstrating the influence that outside music had on the Jamaican music scene.The influence of jazz will clearly be seen in these tracks. Not to mention tracks like Lester Sterling's - African Beat which is clearly based on the classic Afrikkaan Beat by Bert Kaempfert. Overall this is a great album which I highly recommend as there is no way any music lover could be disappointed with these classic Studio One tracks.


The Skatalites - Coconut Rock
Cedric Im Brooks & The Sound Dimension - Mun Dun Go
The Skatalites & Tommy McCook & Richard Ace - Shockers Rock
The Soul Vendors - Ringo Rock
Jackie Mittoo & Ernest Ranglin - Jericho Skank
New Establishment - The People Skanking
Karl Bryan & The Afrokats - Money Generator
Lester Sterling - Afrikaan Beat
The Sound Dimension - Heavy Rock
Sugar Belly - In Cold Blood
The Skatalites & Don D. Junior - Heavenless
The Soul Vendors - Bugaloo
Vin Gordon - Red Blood
Pablo Black - Push Pull
Jackie Mittoo & Brentford Rockers - Sidewalk Doctor
Liberation Group - Namibia
The Brentford Road All Stars - Last Call
The Soul Defenders - Still Calling
Karl Bryan & Count Ossie - Black 
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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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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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CLICK TO DOWNLOAD PART 2