Afrik-aan als een banaan

Nothing To Show For It | Femi Kuti

Release date 02.12.2014
"On his visit to Kinshasa James Brown dubbed him *Mister Dynamite*"

It has been a struggle to lay hands on Verckys, although the man doesn´t go unnoticed. Notorious for being one of Congo´s most ruthless business men, the legendary musician had build a whole imperium in Kinshasa, the capital city of the central african power house (arguably one of the toughest places in the world) and has a whole building with his name, in the very heart of the city.

So I travelled to the Congo in June of 2013 to find Verckys only to find out that he headed in opposite direction to sort out his health issues. But I did meet his manager who gave me his phone number, so I called:  "Oh Monsieur Samy, we need to met, lets talk business", he said, probably not knowing that I was an independent record label, with all it represents.  But the more I spoke to the men the more I realised that he was genuinely interested in music more then anything else. The following message I received few weeks ago, confirmed my feeling:

"Samy, I am writing to you because I´m a little worried. I´ve been thinking about your selection and I now wonder if your compilation will do well due to the fact that the chosen songs had little impact in Kinshasa. Others had much more success"
I was surprised but pleased to see that he cared about the project although I had already paid him in full. But why wouldn't he? Its his music after all.

"Most of the songs you´ve selected were recorded in Nairobi, for the Kenyan market. These songs did very well there, also in Zambia, but here in the Congo they flopped...except for "Ya Nini", that was a monster hit. Still, I am very surprised you´ve mentioned it has become a legendary track in Colombia, positively surprised"

This compilation was supposed to be released in October as a limited edition of 2000 copies, but after a few Skype chats with Verckys, seeing that he has come to terms with his health issues, and pushing for a European tour come next summer, we´ve decided to release this as Analog Africa No.17 which is now going to see light of day first week of December.

In the mean time enjoy this imperial slice of Congolese Afrobeat. "Bassala Hot" is doomed to  cast a spell on each and every dancefloor that dares to spin its bewitching sound. Beware!!!

Thank you for reading. Samy (Analog Africa)

Listen and Buy here

Bassala Hot - Verckys et l´Orchestre Vévé

In conjunction with compiler and highlife researcher Dr. Markus Coester, Soundway Records present a very special release. Double CD & triple 180g gatefold vinyl (with a bonus 7 inch).

This 45 includes the two first ever recordings by a certain Fela Ransome Kuti with his band The Highlife Rakers. Recorded by Melodisc in London in 1960 both tracks have been unearthed after more than fifty years in hiding.

In many ways this compilation is a prequel of sorts to Soundway's groundbreaking Nigeria & Ghana Special compilations, telling the early story of modern highlife's foundation & formulation. It traces the music from West Africa to London, adding elements of jazz, mambo and calypso along the way and paving the way for the afro sounds of the 1970s.

Accompanied by a 44 page CD booklet and 12 page vinyl booklet, the notes by Dr. Coester include rare photographs, labels and advert reproductions alongside some stunning and very rare recordings. 

Pre-order: 

Pre-order

Fela Ransome-Kuti & The Highlife Rakers - Fela’s Special

1973 afro-cuban sounds from enigmatic Guinean percussionist/singer Amara Touré on Frankfurt-based label Analog Africa.

Read more: http://www.stampthewax.com/2015/06/30/premiere-amara-toure-temedy/

Follow:
@analog-africa

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Premiere: Amara Touré - Temedy

Anymositäten #1

Fela Kuti - Gentleman

From his studio in central Bobo-Dioulasso, photographer Sory Sanlé documented a nation's transformation from colonial foothold to cosmopolitan oasis. Bobo Yeye: Belle Epoque in Upper Volta provides an intimate look into the landlocked nation's pop culture explosion of the 1970s. A melange of community elders and emboldened youth spill from the brightly lit confines of Sanlé's Volta Photo into the dimly lit nightclubs of Upper Volta's cultural capital. Accompanying this hardbound monograph are dozens of rare and evocative recordings spread over three discs by Bobo-Dioulasso's musical titans: Volta Jazz, Dafra Star, Echo Del Africa, and Les Imbattables Léopards. 

Bobo Yéyé: Belle Époque in Upper Volta

Volta Jazz - Wêrê Wêrê Magne

Bunny Mack - My Sweety My Sugar

K. Frimpong and His Cubano Fiestas - Hwehwe Mu Na Yi Wo Mpena

Golden Hits Collection

Shaka Bundu

Fela- Mr Follow Follow (Femmy Rekson Edition)

Akalé Wubé songs from the album "Mata" available for streaming.

Mata

Out now on Mr Bongo

http://www.mrbongo.com/products/ebo-taylor-uhuru-yenzu-conflict

Ebo Taylor & Uhuru Yenzu - Love and Death

Shake Hands / Geraldo Pino (Suzumi)

Available on Analog Africa No.13 - The Skeletal Essences of Afro Funk
Release date: April 30th

K. Frimpong and His Cubano Fiestas - Hwehwe Mu Na Yi Wo Mpena

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