Al Massrieen “Habibi Funk 006: Modern Music” (1970, Habibi Funk)
via Boomkat: Disco, Funk and modernized Arabic Pop from Egypt! “In the beginning of Habibi Funk, our search was focussed on vinyl records. Around a year ago though, we got to the point where we realized that it became substantially harder to discover music that we enjoyed and hadn’t heard …
Tewolde Redda “Eritrea’s Guitar Pioneer Singles 1970-73” (1970, Domino Sound)
via Boomkat: A fascinating and engaging compilation of Tewolde Redda’s milestone singles for the Philips, Amha and Yared labels c. 1970-73. This album includes songs that are all responsible for revolutionizing traditional Eritrean music, with innovative use of amplified kirar, electric guitar and horns – as thoroughly outlined in the …
Vincent Ahehehinnou “Best Woman” (1978, Analog Africa)
via Analog Africa: In early 1978, Vincent Ahehehinnou left the Orchestre Poly-Rythmo de Cotonou without explanation. He had been one of their principal vocalist since 1968 and had helped transform them from a hard-charging nightclub band into a musical powerhouse and Africa-wide sensation. By the end of 1977, after an …
Tradition “Captain Ganja and the Space Patrol” (1980, Bokeh Versions)
via Bokeh Versions: Years before Scientist and Jammy battled the space invaders, Tradition dreamt up a sci-fi jazz/dub odyssey in north London. “Captain Ganja and the Space Patrol” is one of the most singular dub albums that barely saw the light of day. A conscious effort to create a new …
Monsalve Y Los Forajidos “Abeja b/w Black & Decker” (Olindo Records)
via Olindo: Our first release comes from the Paris-based septet Monsalve Y Los Forajidos, led by Venezuelan bassist Raul Monsalve, the band is an amalgamation of sounds and influences that revolve around traditional afro-latin styles of music with a heavy dose of psychedelia, latin jazz, and funk. Both tracks originally …
Denis Mpunga & Paul K. “Criola” (1980-1984, Music From Memory)
via MFM: The work of the Belgian/Congolese duo Denis Mpunga and Paul K. is the subject of Music From Memory’s latest compilation EP, ‘Criola’. Combining elements of traditional African music with experimental electronics, the pair recorded and released only a handful of tracks, scattered across a few obscure LP and …
Alessandro Alessandroni “Afro Discoteca” (Four Flies Italy)
via Four Flies: Alessandro Alessandroni is one of the legendary composers and musicians that shaped the characteristic sound of Italian soundtrack of the ’60s and ’70s. This EP contains unreleased music composed and produced by Alessandro Alessandroni in the ’70s, taken from a dusty tape found in his vault. The …
Various Artists “The Original Sound Of Mali” (Mr. Bongo)
“The Original Sound of Mali” compiled by David “Mr Bongo” Buttle, Vik Sohonie (Ostinato Records) and Florent Mazzoleni. As featured as ‘Compilation of the Week’ on Lauren Laverne’s BBC 6Music show. Malian music is arguably deeper, more sophisticated and lyrical than any other form of African music. Those of us …
Ethio Stars / Tukul Band ft. Mulatu Astatke “Addis 1988” (1992, Piranha Records)
via Piranha: “Addis 1988” is the document of a moment in time when Mulatu Astatke was not yet the global Ethiojazz superstar he is today, but a change was gonna come for him, and for the whole world. In Ethiopia, the Derg had started to tumble and fall; Europe saw …
The Techniques & Friends “Winston Riley’s Rock Steady & Early Reggae” (1968-1969, Dub Store Japan)
via Dub Store: Winston Riley started his production career as a singer with an enviable track record, having formed the Techniques in 1962 and hitting the top of the charts two years later with the splendid ‘Little Did You Know’ for Duke Reid’s esteemed Treasure Isle label. When the frantic …
Daymé Arocena “Cubafonía” (Brownswood Recordings)
via Brownswood: With Cuba poised to become more connected to the rest of the world, the Cuban people’s pride in a unique musical heritage has never felt more vital. Arising from that lineage, Daymé Arocena has returned to deliver an ambitious second long player; rooting her compositions in Cuba’s classic …
SJOB Movement “Friendship Train” (1977, Cultures Of Soul)
via Culturesofsoul: We’re excited to announce the first in a series of rare Nigerian releases we’re putting out with the help of Uchenna Ikonne. SJOB Movement’s “Friendship Train” was the second LP by the group and one which saw the group rise to new heights. It’s a masterpiece of African …