Some songs – often from Latin America or Africa – have such stupendously hypnotic grooves that you become utterly lost. But the shaka-shaka-shaka drums, the…
Tag: Africa
22/04/2022: “Tire Ni Oluwa” by Sonny Okosun
Nigeria has always been a musical powerhouse, but for me, the 70s and 80s were a real golden age. “Tire Ni Oluwa” is an ode…
31/03/2022: “Joromi” by Sir Victor Uwaifo
I often find the scratchy, raw recordings made by smaller artists in the past quite pleasant. They are warm – and with a strong song,…
25/03/2022: “Alo Mi Alo” by Orlando Julius & His Afro Sounders
The rhythm just doesn’t quit on this one – an absolute masterclass in Highlife groove! Originally released in 1973 as a single, it resurfaced in…
03/04/2021: “Bayanyonyoba” by Senyaka
Sometimes, I hear a song like this and can’t believe how powerful it is. The groove is just unstoppable, and it captures something really ancient….
16/02/2021: “Obaa Sima” by Ata Kak
This song could have been nothing. Its original, limited release in Ghana went completely under the radar. Yet, by chance, the song was picked up…
29/12/2020: “I Need Someone” by Kris Okotie
The lightning fast guitar fluttering in the background of this marks it out as a distinctively African disco track. Released in Nigeria in 1980, the…
11/11/2020: “Bofou Safou” by Amadou & Mariam
Amadou & Mariam are a couple from Mali, both blind, both excellent musicians. A lot of their music is lighter than this track, which leans…
03/11/2020: “Kona” by Sho Madjozi
South African music stands out even from the diversity of Africa. This frenetic effort from Sho Madjozi is as South African as it comes. Taken…
21/10/2020: “Africa” by Clement Dijmogne
Do Analog Africa ever stop digging up gems?! This song can be found on their compilation Pop Makossa – The Invasive Dance Beat of Cameroon…