Another stone-cold monster record delved from the dustier parts of the vaults of Nigerian label Tabansi. Remastered and cut loud and proud with lovely artwork - LOOK AT THAT COVER! - and fresh liner notes brought lovingly to us by the ever active and mighty BBE Records.
Most of us discovered the wonky brilliance of Juju music through King Sunny Ade’s classic ‘Synchro System’ album but here we have it in the raw and without that 80s production sheen and it’s all the better for it. Juju is generally Yoruba music for the Yoruba people but we can hear a backbone of Highlife in amongst the chiming psyche-Hawaiian guitar sounds and hyperactive talking drums. Sedate and warm bass lines keep out of the way of the soloists and the call-and-answer of the singers. It’s a beauty.
I recommend buying the vinyl as each side is one long medley and having road tested it to a room of dancers from various countries, folk will want the groove to keep on rolling…The first side is a gentler affair, the second will rock any floor that knows its oats….Essential buying for the African music lover.
