Ekosound is a label collaboration between Ekostar records and Soundway. Ekostar is run by Kayode Samuel, a Nigerian based in London. Ekosound will be releasing strictly Nigerian Music both new and old. Ekostar records are known for the series of albums put out over the last few years including Nu Afrobeat Experience, that featured the cream of the crop of current musical talent coming from Nigeria (most notably Duro Ikujenyo and Dele Sosimi – 2 of Fela’s ex keyboard players from the early days of the Egypt 80 band, as well as appearances by Tony Allen and Jimi Solanke, 2 greats of the afro music scene in Lagos). The musical heritage of Nigeria is a large area that holds many jewels from Afro-beat to Highlife, unknown outside of cities like Lagos, Ibadan, Onitsha and Benin City. Ekosound hopes to put the record straight by representing some of the country’s most respected musical figures such as Orlando Julius, Victor Uwaifo and Tunji Oyelana., as well as nuturing new talent influenced as much by the sounds of today as by the older west African styles.
		Awa band Ft Tony Allen and Quantic mixes "Bababatteur" is a new track from the Awa band, recorded in Paris and featuring the legendary Tony Allen on drums. This 12" is a French/English bi-lingual release, celebrating the international nature of the Afrobeat sound. The Awa band previously released the club smash "Timba" on Defected records in 1998; here they supply a bumping modern afro groove, backed up with a deep club re-rub from the excellent Quantic. More/Order
		Orlando Julius Orlando Julius was one of the originators of Afro-beat in Nigeria and was one of the main contemporaries of the legendary Fela Kuti from the mid sixties onwards. He has become known outside of Nigeria since his early material was re-issued on Strut records and the track Alo Mi Alo was featured on the Strut Nigeria 70 compilation 2 years ago. Also responsible, but never properly credited for his part in writing the Lamont Dozier dancefloor classic Going Back to My Roots, he has played with Hugh Masekela and worked on the musical score for Disney’s The Lion King. The style of the Afro-Sounders is a fusion of Highlife, Jazz, Funk, and traditional Yoruba culture from the west of Nigeria. As well as remaining popular to the Nigerian community Afro-beat has become popular in the last few years with a diverse mix of house-producers, rare funk and jazz collectors, the world music community and many more – it’s influences being felt in all sorts of areas. Here we present the recordings Orlando made between the period of 1969-72, a period when some of the funkiest sounds emanated from not only the USA but also Africa. More/Order