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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Lekan Animashaun 'Low Profile (Not For The Blacks)' (Strut Records) - a review
We don’t often cover reissues but we felt compelled to look at this superb album from Fela’s second and final bandleader Lekan Animashaun that is getting a new lease of life via Strut. In the time-honoured Fela Kuti album format of two extended compositions that span either side of the record, this is heavyweight Nigerian Afrobeat featuring key members of Africa 70 (latterly Egypt 80) and was produced by Fela himself who also contributed on keys. Read / Listen.
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Phil Dawson ٤-tet with Dele Sosimi and Biola Dosunmu - Ilé (Iyesa) feat. Rowland Sutherland (Funkiwala) - PREMIERE!
We are delighted to premiere the first single from Phil Dawson ٤-tet’s forthcoming ‘Don’t Waste Your Ancestors’ Time’ album on Funkiwala. ‘Ilé (Iyesa)’ is an absorbing, funky and spiritually charged number that stands up tall next to Airto’s Afro-Brazilian experiments in the 70s and features an outrageous lineup of world class musicians from Nigeria, Brazil and the UK jazz scene. Read / Listen.
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Lagos Thugs 'Chaos' (Immensum Music) - a review
Lagos Thugs are a young 12-piece Afrobeat orchestra from Nigeria in the vein of the classic Africa 70 and Egypt 80 outfits of Fela Kuti. Led by singer, saxophonist and multi-instrumentalist Adetunji Adeyemi, the band have come a long way since their inception in 2020. On this, their debut album, they deliver four lengthy new compositions that hark back to the golden eras but also mark out new ideas with touches of New Orleans style brass collisions and a touching and soulful vulnerability. With forthcoming projects with Ezra Collective and more coming, Lagos Thugs are bringing that home-grown authenticity back to the genre. 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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RIP Tony Allen - A True Giant Of Music (1940 - 2020)
A personal experience of Tony Allen from Ex-Friendly…read / listen here…
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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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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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