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Huge samba funk classic from Brazil! Mega hard to find nowadays...This album holds loads of bangers and is true classic! Welcome reissue. Banda Black Rio’s ‘Maria Fumaca’ is one of the strongest Brazilian samba-disco-funk-soul-fusion albums of all time.Banda Black Rio were formed in 1976 by the late Oberdan Magalhães in Rio de Janeiro. They revolutionised ‘black instrumental music’ at the time with their Brazilian re-interpretation of soul, jazz, funk and disco grooves, inspired by the likes of Tim Maia and reminiscent of Kool & The Gang and Earth Wind & Fire during their most on-point period of the 1970’s. ‘Maria Fumaca’ is the groups first album, originally released by Atlantic in 1977; a record that bought the group worldwide fame.The title track is a real stand-out for us and a long term firm favourite. ‘Miss Cheryll’, more of a disco/ AOR jam, was released by RCA UK in 1980 as the track become popular within several London scenes. ‘Maria Fumaca’ features in a list of the 100 greatest Brazilian albums of all time published by Rolling Stone Brazil, coming in at number 38.

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.