Modern Highlife, Afro Sounds, Ghanaian Blues 1968 - 1981

Soundway steps back into Africa with thirty-three original and previously un-reissued tracks from Ghana delivering a follow on of sorts from the hugely successful CD/LP Nigeria Special.

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