Words by Justin Turford
The second anthology of the life-affirming África Negra on the great Swiss label Bongo Joe sees not a single drop in quality and joy from the first compilation. The band from the second smallest African state São Tomé and Príncipe (two islands in the Gulf of Guinea off the western equatorial coast of Central Africa), play a deliriously beautiful combination of Congolese rumba, soukous, highlife and the local puxa style, their performances energetic yet somehow languid as well - this is music for the dance and for the heart.
Hailing from islands that were apparently uninhabited until Portuguese explorers discovered it in the 15th Century, these descendants of colonial African slavery gained a peaceful independence in 1975, the Black and mestiço population imbued with the leftovers of Portuguese culture through their language and names and music. Naturally, the rich musicality of their neighbours across the Gulf to the North and East would also have a profound effect as well.
Credit to Mappr
What we have here are thirteen mostly unheard tracks from 1979 to 1990 expertly selected by French digger and DJ Tom B. and with the help of the band’s tour manager Afonso Simoes, giving us rare insight into the band’s abundant musical gifts. They may wield the influences of their continental cousins but their sonic heritage is uniquely theirs.
Something that instantly hits is the singular bass guitar playing on the songs. Whether it is Vasco Gama on their later incarnation or the thunderous fingers of Pacheco who was the linchpin from the late 70s until the 90s (he has since rejoined the band), the bass lines deliver a particularly sweet mix of rumba swing and what sounds like a talking drum melodic slinkiness to the grooves that they play. Underpinning the dual guitars of band original Emidio Pontes and Leonildo Barros, the movements of the bass rumble inside a simple but highly effective drumming style that pushes the songs forwards, flashing hi hats and a 4/4 kick the dominant metronomes.
Then there are the vocalists. Longtime lead singer ‘General’ João Seria is the main voice on many of the tracks here, from the late 70s onwards he was the emotional focal point of the band. A giant in music from the sovereign islands; his passing in 2023 saw a state funeral given in honour. The commandingly voiced Sergi Fonseca appears on five tracks whilst Amorim Diogo appears on the lead on the rawly recorded puxa number ‘Sangue Scabe’ from 1989, his chatty style perfect for this bass heavy dancer.
África Negra - Armando Tito, Emidio Pontes chem Rouge, Zaico chem Bleue, Emidio Vaz, Joao Seria, 1970s
Particular standouts are the now cult favourite ‘Lentlada Cachelo (San Lena)’, its propulsive claves, bubbling bass line and Afro-Cuban-influenced vocals from the ‘General’, an absolute masterpiece in emotional funkiness. Another is the anthology opener ‘Numigo iami ê’, Seria’s voice and the chiming guitars combining to deliver that happy-sad groove that I love so much. Once again, that remarkable slidy bass slithers ahead and behind the beat, the midway solo is just perfect. I want to dance while I’m crying.
Unsurprisingly, the band’s music is much beloved of Colombia’s Pico sound systems, the unstoppable grooves and the emotional artistry of the singers and guitarists in harmony are just stunning examples of the power of great music to uplift the soul. A magnificent second collection that thanks to Bongo Joe Records, continues to reveal the cultural jewels of África Negra and the islands of São Tomé and Príncipe. 10/10.
Released on August 2nd 2024.
BUY HERE! https://africanegra.bandcamp.com/album/frica-negra-antologia-vol-2