Category: African Jams
-
Teaspoon Ndelu – Sputla – 1981
The release of the 4th Record Club compilation from the mighty fine selector Mr. “Dave” Bongo was one of the best news of the year, bringing together many rare gems again. The mix of genres was particularly interesting in this one, covering several continents and a roughly 60 years’ time period. My favorite pick would…
-
Eboni Band – Fasso (The Motherhood) – ~1979
This is an enigmatic piece of wonderful music: the album features Ivorian and Senegalese vocalists who did the recording in the US in the late 70’s, backed by American musicians (including well-known trombonist Fred Wesley). It was even mastered in the prestigious Motown studios. There is not much to read online so I’m interested if…
-
Ntombi Ndaba – Mina Ngilijaji – 1988
Ntombi Ndaba is one of the key figures of South African Bubblegum. In addition to her standout voice, she was talented in songwriting, mixing English and her native Zulu in some of her songs. Mina Ngilijaji (“I am the judge”) has a courageous and empowering message claiming her independence as an artist and a woman.Thanks…
-
Floyd Lavine – My African Acid – 2019
Mixing African beats and Electronic music has been quite the winning combination in the past few years. One artist doing that particularly well is South African producer Floyd Lavine, who is bringing some new vibes to the Techno-oriented city of Berlin. The Afro Deep compilation where he was featured was made for Beating Heart, a…
-
Vincent Ahehehinnou – Maimouna Chérie – 1978
I have to thank DJ / Producer Palms Trax for many many gems that I have heard, including this one. His “Cooking with Palms Trax” shows are always on top of my listening list and strong musical inspirations of mine. Diving in Afrobeat, this song from Benin became one of my favourite of the genre…
-
Funkyjaws – Ole Ole – 2019
Having made quite a name for its disco-funk productions, the Belarusian producer explored new territories in his last EP, called “Afrojaws”. It is a real success and one of my favourite EP of the year. “Ole Ole” is the opening gem of the A side, a tune that will inevitably set a good mood and…
-
Peter M – Let’s Go Dancing – 1985
Amazing song from one of my favourite Bubblegum album, discovered thanks to the legendary DJ Okapi and its Afrosynth Blog. It is a perfect representation of the essence of Bubblegum music, a fine blending of American influences of Funk / Disco and African rhythmics. Sadly, Peter M shared the same fate than many Bubblegum bands,…
Jams & Gems 💎🎷💃🏽 