The Berlin-based Afro-fusion outfit Jembaa Groove have been on our radar since their debut album ‘Susuma’ brought their dreamy, light touch blend of soul and jazz-influenced highlife and Afrobeat to the world. Formed in late 2020 by Ghanaian percussionist, vocalist and songwriter Eric Owusu and Berlin born bassist, composer and producer Yannick Nolting, they have a new 4-track E.P. out soon and it’s a beautifully relaxed affair with sublime collaborations with highlife revivalists The Cavemen, Mali’s brilliant Fatoumata Diawara, and Nigerian singers Azekele and Tim Lyre to ensure a sublime listening experience. If you love acts such as Kokoroko, then this is undoubtedly for you. Read / Listen.
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Gyedu-Blay Ambolley 'Hi-life Jazz' (Agogo Records) - a review
On his 35th album, the great Ghanaian bandleader Gyedu-Blay Ambolley has masterfully carved out a record half full of original highlife gems, the other half containing superb interpretations of standards from the modern jazz playbook. Coltrane, Shorter, Monk and Miles get the treatment and the results are something else. Vibey, funky and a masterclass in rearranging a song into your own vision. Read / Listen here
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Atakora Manu 'AFRO HIGHLIFE' / 'OMINTIMINIM' (BBE) - a review
In celebration of 100 years of recorded Ghanaian Highlife, BBE release this gorgeous double pack of mid-80s albums by the underappreciated but wonderful Atakora Manu. A brilliant melding of ‘palmwine’ blues and eccentric synth work that stands it out from most Highlife that we are usually exposed to. Read / Listen
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Victor Chukwu / Uncle Victor Chuks & The Black Irokos 'Akalaka / The Power' (BBE) - Album Premiere
BBE return with two albums by the mysterious Victor Chukwu for their brilliant Tabansi Gold Series and they are gorgeous examples of late 70’s Igbo highlife…joy, pride and wonder throughout. Truth & Lies Music are pleased to host the album premiere for your pleasure! Listen / read….
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BBE In-store: Tabansi Studio Band - Album Launch
Our own Ex-Friendly joins legendary compiler John Armstrong at The BBE Store in East London for the launch of two albums by the brilliant Tabansi Studio Band…Afrobeat but not as we know it!
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Ebo Taylor 'Palaver' (BBE) - a review
A ‘lost’ album from the undisputed heavyweight champion of Ghanaian funky-highlife, Ebo Taylor you say? Finally released by BBE after nearly 40 years on the shelf, this is a wonder…read/listen here…
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Ojo Balingo – Afrotunes – Best of Juju Vol. II – Oba Mimo Olorun Ayo (BBE/Tabansi) - a review
A totally bad ass album of rare Nigerian Juju music from Ojo Balingo…if you know ‘Synchro System’ by King Sunny Ade, then here is the source…read/listen here…
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Trumpet King Zeal Onyia Returns (BBE/Tabansi) - a review
A true wonder of West African highlife, this ultra-rare LP is the first in the Tabansi Gold Series and it’s a beauty! Read/Listen more here…
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