Spread over 2 CDs and 2 triple gatefold LPs, this bumper collection is brimming with youthful exuberance, fuzzed out guitar and cosmic organ vibes and owes much to the psychedelic sounds of Jim Morrison, Santana, Hendrix, Jefferson Airplane and James Brown.

As the summer of love was blossoming in London and San Francisco, Nigeria was imploding into civil war. Also known as the Biafran war of 1967, it was a grisly conflict taking over three million lives yet at the same time as the country was being pulled apart there was a new world beginning. The tracks featured represent a forgotten chapter in Nigeria’s musical history when the youth threw their varied morsels into the pot from hard rock to psychedelic soul when guitars were cherished instruments, symbolic of a new movement, when highlife and Afrobeat played second fiddle to ‘the beat’.

CD Double Digi Pack with 44 page booklet
Triple Gatefold Vinyl (Version 1 & 2) – BONUS TRACKS INCLUDED

CD Track Listing

CD1

Ify Jerry Krusade – Nwantinti / Die Die
The Hygrades – Rough Rider
The Hykkers – Deiyo Deiyo (Akpuwunlobi)
Wrinkar Experience – Soundway
The Funkees – Breakthrough
The Mebusas – Mr. Bull Dog (45 version)
Foundars 15 – Don’t Take Me For A Ride
Ceejebs – Eti Ufok
Tony Grey Super 7 – Yem Efe
The Identicals – Akwa Kayi Ji Bia Nuwa
P.R.O. – Blacky Joe
Cicada – Oli Nkwu
The Lijadu Sisters – Life’s Gone Down Low
Eppi Fanio – Ikoko Ti Yio Jata (On Perseverance)
Bongos Ikwue – All Night Long

CD2

The Thermometers – Babalawo
Colomach – Ottoto Shamoleda
The Black Mirrors – The World Ends
The Semi Colon – Isi Agboncha
Lawrence Amavi Group – Money That’s What I Want
The Hygrades – Somebody’s Gonna Lose Or Win
Ofege – In Concert
The Elcados – Chokoi & Oreje
Sonny Okosuns & Paperback Limited – Ohomi
Chuck Barrister & The Voices Of Darkness – Be Kind, Be Foolish, Be Happy Tony Grey & The Black 7 – Ugbo Ndoma
Reme Izabebo’s Music Research – (Ayamayama) The Same Man
Action 13 – Active Action
The Actions – Kpokposikposi
The Strangers – Onye Ije
The Comrades – Bullwalk
Ofo The Black Company – Egwu Aja

Co-compiled by Lucas Silva (resident of Bogota and owner of Palenque Records) and Soundway Records’ Miles Cleret, the album highlights the long relationship that the Caribbean coast of Colombia has with Africa stretching back to the 17th century. Specifically, the rise of the percussion heavy champeta sound, born out of a wave of popularity for psychedelic Afro, Latin & Caribbean music inspired by the DJs of the time.

The influence of the sound-systems spread to local artists as well as re-energising traditional African folk songs and rhythms that had survived since the days of slavery. Record labels recognized the major change in direction from the days when cumbia and porro ruled the hearts of the ghettoes and began employing bands that began experimenting and tapping into these new cultural and musical movements. Disco Fuentes were one of the first labels to recognize this sudden swing and duly signed Wganda Kenya who went onto record some of the first Afrobeat records in Colombia. The trend in recording African music continued at pace with labels like Machuca, Discos Tropical, Orbe & Costeño quickly adapting to the newly adopted sound of the Palenques and bands like Son Palenque, Cumbia Siglo XX and La Cumbia Moderna de Soledad went onto readapt Afrobeat rhythms with a Caribbean slant.

The vinyl version comes as a triple LP with two extra bonus tracks.

Track List

1. Manuel Alvarez y Sus Dangers – Esclavo Moderno
2. Cassimbas Negras – Bumburumbumbum
3. Abelardo Carbonó y su Conjunto – Palenque
4. Son Palenque – Tungalala (El Sapo)
5. Cumbia Siglo XX – Naga Pedale
6. Wganda Kenya – Pim Pom
7. Banda Los Hijos de La Niña Luz – Dejala Corre
8. Pedro Beltran – Puyalo Ahi
9. Cumbia Moderna De Soledad– Tetero
10. Abelardo Carbonó y su Conjunto – Quiero a Mi Gente
11. Lisandro Meza y su Conjunto – Shacalao
12. Son Palenque – Palengue Palengue
13. Abelardo Carbanó – La Negra Kulengue
14. La Tromba – Calaba Calabao
15. Los Soneros de Gamero – Katunga
16. Rabel Y su Grupo – Manaye
17. La Nelda Pina – El Sucusu
18. Wganda Kenya – El Lobo
19. Son Palenque – Dame Un Trago
20. Grupo Palma Africana – La Botellita
21. Wganda Kenya – Yoro

Vinyl Bonus Tracks

Cumbia Siglo XX – Los Esquelitos
Los Aguilas Rojas – Yeye Yeye

Download from the new Soundway Store or iTunes.

1. Ebo Taylor – Heaven (Ghana Soundz: Afro Beat, Funk and Fusion in 70s Ghana)
2. Fruko Y Sus Tesos – A la Memoria Del Meurto (Colombia! The Golden Age of Discos Fuentes: The Powerhouse of Colombian Music 1960-76)
3. Papi Brandao – Viva Panama (Panama! Latin Calypso and Funk on the Isthmus 1965-75)
4. Lito Barrientos – Cumbia En Do Menor (Colombia! The Golden Age of Discos Fuentes: The Powerhouse of Colombian Music 1960-76)
5. Oscar Sulley & The Uhuru Dance Band – Bukom Mashie (Ghana Soundz: Afro Beat, Funk and Fusion in 70s Ghana)
6. Les Loups Noirs de Haiti – Jet Biguine (Tumbélé! Biguine, afro & latin sounds from the French Caribbean, 1963-74)
7. Sweet Talks –Akumpaye (Sweet Talks “The Kusum Beat” album)
8. The Action 13 – More Bread To The People (Nigeria Rock Special: Psychedelic Afro Rock & Fuzz Funk in 1970s Nigeria Blues 1970-6)
9. Los Silvertones – Tamborito Swing (Panama! 2: Latin Sounds, Cumbia Tropical & Calypso Funk on the Isthmus 1970-6)
10. Celestine Ukwu – Okukwe Na Nchekwube (Nigeria Special: Modern Highlife Afro-Sounds & Nigerian Blues 1970-6)
11. Orchestre Poly-Rythmo – Gendamou Na Wili We Gnanni (T.P Orchestre Poly Rythmo: The Kings of Benin Urban Groove 1972-80)

Like a small handful of seminal Ghanaian albums, The Kusum Beat has stood the test of time and sounds as original and unique today as it did back in 1974. Original pressings are in high demand and can be found on record exchanges for significant prices. This was the second album from the band formerly known as ‘El Dorados’, later to change their name to ‘Medican Lantcis’ before settling on ‘Sweet Talks’ – they were live residents at the legendary ‘Talk of the Town’ nightclub in the port town of Tema near Accra. It is here they established a name for themselves as one of the most exciting young bands in the country.

Due to the popularity and commercial success of their first three albums – Adam & Eve, Kusum Beat and Spiritual Ghana – the band began touring on a regular basis and made it as far as Los Angeles. They went on to record what was to be their biggest selling record, the Hollywood Highlife Party LP, as well as some straight disco recordings aimed squarely at the burgeoning American market.

The Kusum Beat is far from typical of their trademark sound but shows just how versatile an outfit they were – able to turn their hands to any one of a number of styles. It’s a great reminder of how open-minded, experimental and curious the music scene in Ghana was in the first half of the 1970s.

THE VINYL WILL COME WITH A FREE MP3 DOWNLOAD OF THE ALBUM

TRACKLISTING CD & LP

1. Akampanye
2 .Mapam Sukuruwe
3. Eyi Su Ngaangaa
4. Oburumankoma
5. Sasa Abonsam
6. Kyekye Pe Aware

Masekela met Hedzoleh Soundz through an introduction from Afrobeat legend, Fela Kuti. In the early 70s, he had been thinking of recording with West African musicians as he was tiring of the American jazz scene and Hedzoleh fitted the bill perfectly. All but two of the compositions on Masekela’s album were written by Hedzoleh so it could be argued that Masekela’s classic was in fact Hedzoleh’s album with Masekela acting as the guest!

Managed and created by the enigmatic producer Faisal Helwani, Hedzoleh were originally formed in 1972 and consisted of musicians from rock and pop backgrounds plus individuals from the Ghanaian Arts Council’s traditional music troupe. By 1972, the group had recorded only two 45s on the tiny Bibini label in Ghana, and had a minor hit with the song Rekpete. The original leader of the band Lash Laryea (formerly of the afro-rock band The Aliens), had just quit so Stanley Todd, the bass player and vocalist from ‘El Pollos’ band, stepped in and it was at this point that they recorded their self titled LP at the EMI Nigeria studio.

The original trumpetless Hedzoleh sound hasn’t had a chance to be heard for nearly 40 years…until now.

THE VINYL WILL COME WITH A FREE DOWNLOAD OF THE ALBUM

TRACKLISTING CD & LP

1. Rekpete
2. Mee Bee (When)
3. Yei Baa Gbe Wo
4. Kaa Ye Oyai (Don’t be in a hurry)
5. Omusu Da Fe M’Musu
6. Hedzoleh!
7. Hearts Ne Kotoko
8. Mo Oso Obu Naa

The range of styles vary from highlife to Juju and Nigerian blues in the languages of Yoruba, Igbo, Bini and Ijaw. With a peppering of ‘afro’ experimentation the same musical stew pervades volume 2 as it’s predecessor – some artists appear again alongside some new artists as the emphasis continues to focus on the laid back and mid tempo feel found on volume 1.

1970’s Nigeria was a time that allowed Nigerian bands more freedom to record their own style than ever before. Highlife, afrobeat, rock, jazz & native blues rubbed shoulders and were turned out at unprecedented levels. Nigeria Special 2 features five of the artists on the previous volume leaving space for a choice selection of some of the hundreds of other recording artists that were active in Nigeria at the time.

The CD is presented with a full colour 24-page booklet with nuggets of historical information and a background to the scene at the time. The triple LP comes with two exclusive bonus tracks, available only on vinyl.

Download Nigeria Special vol 2 from:

Soundway Store

CD Track list:
1. Fubura Sekibo – Psychedelic Baby
2. Black’s’ Zenith – Shango Oba Onina
3. Twins Seven – Seven and His Golden Cabretas – Totobiroko (Ogbele)
4. The Professional Seagulls Dance Band of Port Harcourt – Ibi Awo Iyi
5. The Otarus – Omohupa
6. The Don Issac Ezekiel Combination – The Lords Prayer
7. James Etamobe & His All Weatther Band – Agboyabakpa
8. The People Star – Onwu Dinjo
9. Bola Johnson & His Easy Life Top Beats – Jeka Dubu
10. Emperor Dele Ojo & His Africana Internationals – Jekoyewa
11. Commander in Chief Stephen Osita Osadebe & His Nigerian Sound Makers – Onyebu Chi
12. Paulson Kalu Afrikhanah & His Stars 25 – Ochea Special
13. Fidel Sax Bateke & The Voices of Darkness – Motako
14. Opotopo (Easy Kabaka Brown) – Agboho
15. Tunji Oyelana & The Benders – Iwo Ko La Dami
16. Etubom Rex Williams & His Nigerian Artistes – Isip 2
17. The Peacocks International Guitar Band – Onye Aghala Nwanneya
18. The Nkengas – Anyi Bundi Igbo
20. Joy Nwoso & Dan Satch – Egwo Umu Agbogho

LP Track list

Side 1 :
1. Fubura Sekibo – Psychedelic Baby
2. Black’s’ Zenith – Shango Oba Onina
3. Twins Seven – Seven and His Golden Cabretas – Totobiroko (Ogbele)
4. The Professional Seagulls Dance Band of Port Harcourt – Ibi Awo Iyi
5. The Otarus – Omohupa

Side 2
1. The Don Isaac Ezekiel Combination – The Lords Prayer
2. James Etamobe & His All Weatther Band – Agboyabakpa
3. The People Star – Onwu Dinjo
4. Bola Johnson & His Easy Life Top Beats – Jeka Dubu

Side 3
1. Emperor Dele Ojo & His Africana Internationals – Jekoyewa
2. Commander in Chief Stephen Osita Osadebe & His Nigerian Sound Makers – Onyebu Chi
3. Paulson Kalu Afrikhanah & His Stars 25 – Ochea Special
4. Fidel Sax Bateke & The Voices of Darkness – Motako

Side 4
1. Opotopo (Easy Kabaka Brown) – Agboho
2. Eric Akaeze – Ajambene
3. Etubom Rex Williams & His Nigerian Artistes – Isip 2

Side 5
1. The Peacocks International Guitar Band – Onye Aghala Nwanneya
2. The Nkengas – Anyi Bundi Igbo
3. Joy Nwoso & Dan Satch – Egwo Umu Agbogho
4. Mary Afi Asuah – Ima Mma Nyem

Side 6
1. Tunji Oyelana & The Benders – Iwo Ko La Dami
2. The Ikenga Super Stars – Aku Nke Uwa

It was Fela Kuti and his musical and political ideals that formed the core of afrobeat’s message. Blending highlife, Yoruba music, funk and jazz, Fela dominated the musical tapestry of 1970s Nigeria and his influence in Nigeria and West Africa led to a craze where most of the bands of the day incorporated this new sound into their repertoires to satisfy the tastes of the audiences of the time. This compilation highlights some of those recordings that have, until now, not seen the light of day.

Appropriately, Fela’s highly sought after version of ‘Who’re you’ lends this set its lead. Originally released on 7” in 1971, It would later be re-recorded at Abbey Road for his album Fela’s London Scene and here is re-issued for the first time ever.

Set for release on 22nd February, Nigeria Afrobeat Special is released as a CD digipack and triple LP featuring five bonus tracks not available on the CD. Extensive liner notes are provided.

Download Nigeria Afrobeat Special from:

Soundway Store

CD Tack List:

1. Fela & The Africa 70 – Who’re you? (Original 45 Version)
2. Eric Showboy Akaeze & His Royal Ericos – We Dey Find Money
3. The Anansa Professionals – Enwan
4. Saxon Lee & The Shadows International – Mind Your Business
5. Bongos Ikwue & The Groovies – Otachikpopo
6. Orlando Julius & His Afro-Sounders – Afro-Blues
7. Bob Ohiri and his Uhuru Sounds – Ariwo Yaa
8. Mad Man Jaga – Hankuri
9. Godwin Omabuwa & His Casanova Dandies – Do The Afro Shuffle
10. Segun Bucknor’s Revolution – Gbomojo
11. The Black Santiagos – Ole

LP Track list

Side 1
1. Fela & The Africa 70 – Who’re you? (Original 45 Version)
2. Bongos Ikwue & The Groovies – Otachikpopo

Side 2
1. Orlando Julius & His Afro-Sounders – Afro-Blues
2. Saxon Lee & The Shadows International – Mind Your Business

Side 3
1. Eric Showboy Akaeze & His Royal Ericos – We Dey Find Money
2. Mad Man Jaga – Hankuri
3. The Nigerian Police Band ( “The Force 7”) – Mori Keke Kan

Side 4
1. Bob Ohiri and his Uhuru Sounds – Ariwo Yaa
2. The Anansa Professionals – Enwan
3. Godwin Omabuwa & His Casanova Dandies – Do The Afro Shuffle

Side 5
1. The Tony Benson Sextet – Shish Ke Bab
2. . Segun Bucknor’s Revolution – Gbomojo
3. The Black Santiagos – Ole

Side 6
1. Abiodun Bakare & His Kobi’s band – Nigeria
2. The Martins Brothers Dance Band – On Shakara O
3. The Sahara All Stars – World People

This sweet soul inspired double header harks back to Panama in the late 60’s, a time when musicians fearlessly combined and brilliantly executed styles that reflected their multicultural environment.

‘Moving Grooving’ and ‘Hiko Iko’ are both ultra rare hand clapping, foot stomping soul workouts courtesy of the Greaves brothers, Frankie and Franklyn. ‘Moving Grooving’ is featured on Soundway Records’s third release in the Panama series titled Panama! 3, compiled by Quantic and Roberto Gyemant AKA Beto.

Both tracks were originally served up on a super limited 45 on Segraves Records in 1969 and and highlight the massive influence of American soul music on musica Panameña during and after the black power cultural movement in the US. A reference to the early work of the godfather of soul, James Brown, may seem a tad lazy but it’s about as honest as it gets.

‘Moving Grooving’ is featured on Soundway Records’ latest album:

Panama! 3 – Calypso Panameño, Guajira Jazz & Cumbia Típica on the Isthmus 1960–75

Little Francisco Greaves

“Further showcasing the unique mix of the music if Panama”
Clash Music

Download here:

Track List

1. Lord Panama and The Stickers – Fire Down Below
2. Orquesta de Armando Boza con Manito Johnson – Samba Calypso
3. Papi Brandao y Sus Ejecutivos – Bilongo
4. Ceferino Nieto – El Pajaro Zum Zum
5. Little Francisco Greaves – Moving-Grooving
6. Los Silvertones – Up Tight
7. Orquesta Los Embajadores con Camilo Azuquita – Shingalin en Panama
8. Soul Apollo with Fredrick Clarke – Chombo Pa’ La Tienda
9. Amalia Delgado con El Conjunto Inspiracion Santena – Carretera Al Canajagua
10. Yin Carrizo – 20 de Enero en Ocu
11. Maximo Rodriguez y Las Estrellas Panamenas – Chevere Que Chevere
12. Ralph Weeks With The Telecasters – Gua Jazz
13. Panaswing – Me Lo Dijo Una Gitana
14. Beby Castor con Los Juveniles – Lloraras
15. Los Mozambiques – Llegamos Ya
16. Los Salvajes del Ritmo – St. John’s Guaguanco
17. Lord Cobra – Colón Colón
18. Conjunto Panama – Trigueñito y Solo
19. Black Czar – Bamboo Dance
20. Lord Cobra and His Sugar Tone Band – Partido Calpysonian
21. Sir Valentino con Combo Esclavos Alegres – Masters Are Gone
22. Los Invasores – El Raton
23. Los Silvertones – Carmen

Ghana Special represents nearly ten years of on-going research in and around the cities of Accra, Tema, Cape Coast, Takoradi and Kumasi, knocking on musician’s doors and visiting ex-distributors, DJs, collectors, manufacturers and shop owners who helped piece the story together.

The roots of this project goes back to a pair of albums named Ghana Soundz (Volumes 1 and 2), which focussed solely on the ‘funkier’ side of the same period. Alongside new artists and groups, some other works of the many musicians and producers Cleret met whilst researching those records are also included here. Many of these tracks have remained only in people’s memories or in collections of LPs that sit unplayed: until now of course.

Ghana Special comes as a double CD hardback case-bound book and 5LP vinyl box set. Both the CD and boxset features a booklet full of history, photographs and original record scans. The 5xLP boxset comes with bonus tracks, unavailable on the CD.

“Rare and glitteringly good”
The Guardian

“Little-heard music from the ’60s and ’70s now pours out of archives from Accra, Lagos and Cotonou….But this collection stands out.”
New York Times

Download here:

Track List

CD1.
1. The Mercury Dance Band – Kai Wawa
2. T. O. Jazz – Owuo Adaadaa Me
3. Christy Azuma & Uppers International – Din Ya Sugri
4. The Barbecues – Aaya Lolo
5. Asaase Ase – Ohiani Sua Efir
6. St. Peter & The Holymen – Bofoo Beye Abowa Den
7. City Boys Band – Nya Asem Hwe
8. Hedzoleh Soundz – Edinya Benya
9. The Cutlass Dance Band – HweHwe Mu Yi Mpena
10. Dr. K. Gyasi & His Noble Kings – Sei Nazo
11. Kyeremateng Atwede & The Kyeremateng Stars – I Go Die For You
12. Vis a Vis – Obi Agye Me Dofo
13. Ebo Taylor – Twer Nyame (excerpt)
14. The Big Beats – Mi Nsumõõ Bo Dõnn
15. Pa Steele’s African Brothers – Odo Mmera
16. The Ogyatanaa Show Band – You Monopolise Me

CD2
1. The African Brothers International Band – Wompe Masem
2. Gyedu-Blay Ambolley & His Creations – Akoko Ba
3. The Sweet Talks – Akampanye
4. Houghas Sorowonko – Enuanom Adofo
5. Oscar Sulley’s Nzele Soundz – Bukom
6. Bokoor Band – You Can Go
7. K. Frimpong & His Cubanos Fiestas – Kyenkyen Bi Adi M’Awu
8. Basa Basa Soundz feat. Fela Anikulapo Kuti – Dr. Solutsu
9. Pagadeja – Tamale
10. Hedzolleh Soundz – Omusus Da Fe M’musu
11. The Uhuru Dance Band – Yahyia Mu
12. Dr. K. Gyasi & His Noble Kings – Noble Kings (Yako Aba)
13. The Wellis Band – Bindiga
14. Boombaya – Boombaya
15. Sawaaba Soundz – Owuo
16. The Cutlass Dance Band – Them Go Talk Of You
17. Honny & The Bees Band – Sisi Mbon