LP

Next up on Africa Seven is the second edition of our "African Funk Experimentals" LPs. With these we took some of our favourite African artists, choose the most funky we can find and then put together a compilation of their choicest and funkiest tracks. Of course that may not be their most popular or best selling tracks..., but that's just fine. We are digging for the funk.Step forward Cameroonian funk master Pasteur Lappe. The story begins in the 60s with a charming 19 year old Nicolas "Pasteur" Lappe becoming a sensation on Radio Adele in Douala Cameroun. He goes on to become the editor of Douala Gazette newspaper and become friends with other African music stars such as Tala AM, J Moboule and Fela Kuti. He also works tirelessly promoting new and upcoming local Cameroonian talent. After moving to Paris, a stint in Journalism school and publishing a book of poems "Chansons Negres" he finally settles into a new life of music in Paris.Our hero makes a trio of albums from 1979 to 1981 with backing band and production collective called the Zulu Gang which include Douglas Mbida (who goes onto release several top flight albums himself) and Jacob Desvariaux (who went on to form Kassav). The three albums are full of diverse sounds, from driving funk, sweeping disco grooves, syrupy ballads, reggae, Jackson-five-esque pop to finger-lickin' soul. At their core though is the "Sekele" groove..., a movement to encompass the dance, grooves and vibes from his native Douala.Our album opens up with the pulsating percussion and floor-filling bass groove of "More Sekele Movement". We then move onto Africa Seven favourite "Na Real Sekele Fo'Ya" which takes stabby moog bass synth to a whole new level of grooviness. "Sanaga Calkpso" is more experimental in comparison its moog groove would go onto to form the basis of a highlight of the debut Kassav album. "Hiembi Nin" is a song in two parts, half Shaft groove and half synthy Calypso. "Back To Funky" is dance funk and features Maryse Lappe guesting on vocals.Opening up on side two of the record is the Rhodes and sax led jazz funk of "Mbale", followed by the clavinet groove, sleezy brass and politically charged lyrics. "Sekelemania" is a cool piece of tropical, calypso funk. Lead track from Album 2, the single "ABC" is stomping afro, pop funk delight closes proceedings.The nostalgic poet, with Africa at his essence Pasteur Lappe, we salute you.

Jo Bisso was born and raised in Yaounde, the political capital Cameroon. He grew up being a fan of American soul music such as Otis Reading and Wilson picket. In 1971 he left Cameroun to pursue his musical career. Beginning an 8 year stint of Paris to New York jet trips the young ambitious man forged his musical career on his own terms, Staring off with the minor hit "Flying To The Land Of Soul" which he signed to Decca and moving on to produce, finance, write and create several albums released under his own name and other artsits such as Sookie and Venise.In 1975 Jo created his genre blended debut album "Jo Tongo" on the Paris based Disques Esperance label. Sung in English and his native language it was way ahead of its time for the day, blending Jazz, Funk, Soul, afro rhythms and the sounds that were at the time being come to be known as Disco. The album was produced by Jo who plays a wide variety of the instruements and contributes his baritone "Barry White" tinged spoken vocals about life and love.The album opens up with the title track "Dance To It", A slice of groovy lounge-funk. Part 1 is all about the driving catchy groove which is layered with a downtown funk saxophone lead line. Part 2 brings in Jo's spoken vocals in his native language and English, setting the tone of the album to come. "Disco Madonna" introduces a Latin flavour with Spanish vocals, a rumba groove and darting percussion. "Ramaya" melds a playful, summery, euro melody with Jo's throaty, fun-loving vocals and a nascent use of synthesizers."Lets Keep It Together" is a song in two parts. The first half builds the groove over washy guitar, and chords before breaking into a solid soul riff with bass, Rhodes and guitar. Over this Jo layers the catchy, soulful vocals, summer-breeze guitars and jazzy keys. A real treat. Flip over to the Vinyl B side for what is probably the albums most "getting down" moment. The driving funk of "Give It Up". Stabby brass, whirling organ and tight bass which is all wrapped up in a one tight arrangement. Add in doses of Jo's sulty vocal and that is a recipe for a real winner."Don't Fight The Feeling" again furthers into real deep funk territory. Jo opening up with a sermon on "love and sex". The album closes with the swinging soul of the pensive Jo and his thoughts on life, "Odwa". What is going down?The Give It Up track was a highlight of the recent Africa Seven debut release "African Airways Volume 1: (Funk Connection 1972-1979). To Follow that up Africa Seven are proud to repress the debut Jo Bisso album in its full glory.Jo moved back from the US in 1981. From 1981 to 1989 his lived in Cote D'Ivoire. He now lives in Paris and although he sometimes "finds it hard to listen to his albums", he does thinks it great that people love his music and his debut album is getting a re-release all these years later.