Future Classic: Big Mean Sound Machine “Blank Slate 014”
via Blank Slate: Big Mean Sound Machine is a twelve-piece Afrobeat band native to Ithaca, New York. They tour 150 days a year and have a large and dedicated following up and down the East coast. Still, it is a crime that Big Mean Sound Machine is not well known …
“Space Echo” The Mystery Behind the Cosmic Sound of Cabo Verde Finally Revealed!
via Analog Africa: In the spring of 1968 a cargo ship was preparing to leave the port of Baltimore with an important shipment of musical instruments. Its final destination was Rio De Janeiro, where the EMSE Exhibition (Exposição Mundial Do Son Eletrônico) was going to be held. It was the …
Forgotten Treasure: Nel Oliver “Nel Oliver” (1980)
Over the last few years, under appreciated artists like Leon Ware and Leroy Hutson seem to have been rediscovered by a whole generation of new listeners. But another overlooked gem from the early 80’s soulful (last days of) disco era is this self-titled album by Benin singer-songwriter Nel Oliver. Recorded at Studio …
Forgotten Treasure: Ebo Taylor “Twer Nyame” (1978)
via Mr. Bongo: Originally released in 1978 on Philips-West African-Records. Classic highlife sounds; uptempo grooves, vocals, tons of percussion, guitar, horns and organ lines. Featuring the stand-out ‘Atwer Abroba’. Ebo Taylor is one of Ghanaʼs finest producer/arrangers. Taylor was heavily influential in the unique sound that emerged from the country in …
The Sound of Durban, South Africa – Compilation by Gqom Oh!
via Gqom: ‘The Sound of Durban Vol.1’ represents the first full length compilation collecting the sound of the suburbs and townships of Durban, South Africa known as “gqom”. The album unites many of the local young producers of this fresh genre over 15 tracks on double LP and digital (with …
Future Classic: Afriquoi “Kolaba”
South-London outfit Afriquoi dropped their first album Kolaba in September following 4 years of anticipation, largely due to their famously feverish live performances. With roots spread across multiple continents, their sound fuses traditional African instrumentation and contemporary electronica. Soca, UK Funky, Dub, Dancehall and House run through the veins of Kolaba. …
Future Classic: Nozinja “Nozinja Lodge”
Although I try to keep up to date with all of the various music and dance scenes popping up in Africa I am by no means an expert. However, whenever i take time to do some research I always find the African styles inspiring and unique: sadly with globalized culture it’s …
Mix of the Day: Alex Nut “Mix for Thump”
Brilliant eclectic mix for the one Alex Nut that will please your dancing feet and stimulate your mind! Lots of curve balls and well researched gems from the Alex who is a resident DJ on Rinse FM and the co-founder of EGLO & Ho_tep records. Not your run of the …
Guest Mix #50: NIK WESTON (Mukatsuku Records, UK)
Special guest mix by MUKATSUKU head honcho and digger extraordinaire: NIK WESTON! Nik Weston is a DJ, music producer, record label owner of Mukatsuku Records and music buyer for Juno Records. Based out of London, UK, he was from the late 1990s to 2007 a key player in the promotion …
Guest Mix #47: DJ KHALAB (Black Acre Records, London)
We’re very excited to host this exclusive mix from DJ Khalab, a new addition to the Black Acre Records roster, a label we’ve loved for quite some time now. Black Acre is one of the most interesting, diverse and daring electronic music labels out there, but also one of the most …