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…
Tag: Highlife
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…
11/05/2021: “The Talking Fish” by Ibibio Sound Machine
Ibibio Sound Machine sound like they are from 1980s Nigeria. They aren’t – the band was formed in 2013 in London. That’s not to say…
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…
10/10/2020: “Atwer Abroba” by Ebo Taylor
Ebo Taylor has had a long and fruitful career in highlife and afrobeat. This groove filled jam exemplifies the musicianship which seems to flow like…
04/09/2019: “Invitation Highlife” by Victor Olaiya
Victor Olaiya is one of those incredibly funky musicians from the height of Highlife. There’s quite a lot of them really! Nonetheless, he stands out…
10/02/2019: “Afe Ato Yen Bio” by De Frank Professionals
Ghana has a deep affinity for funky sounds, and if “Afe Ato Yen Bio” is anything, it’s funky! There’s an almost tropical feel to the…