Afro

What can we say about this one? Funky Rob Way... HEAVY HEAVY LP from Ghana. Here repressed with original artwork. Just listen to ''One More Time'' and you know enough... After learning his craft in Benin and playing with the likes of Orchestre Poly-Rythmo de Cotonou, ROB returned to Accra to write his own material and find a sound. Hooked on the driving funk and raw soul of stars such as James Brown and Otis Redding, he would often imitate his heroes on his father’s piano during school holidays. The title track sets the pace with a JBs-like rhythm, ROB almost shamanic with his sparse yet commanding vocal. The organ and wahwah guitar spin us out before those imperious horns bring us back in.And what better way to close this set than with ‘More’, swept up in a call and response between Rob and his backing singers as a ‘Blow Your Head’ synth flares and the brass blasts.

Tired of reading the words “classic”, “masterpiece”, “missing link”, “cult”, “seminal” in every press release? Just trust us on this one: this is the real deal. We have no choice but to use those words and urge you to (re) discover one of the ultimate Afro Disco lost classics. If you’ve never heard it, thank god. If you’re one of the very few connoisseurs who have, get to experience it in a carefully remastered version.How could such a masterpiece stay in obscurity for so long?Well, no one knows where N’draman is. He’s presumed dead, and so is Mr Patrick, the label owner, an ex football player who turned his focus on fashion after suffering a career ending injury.Selling jeans from an outlet in Monrovia (Liberia), he only ventured in the music business for a short period of time, releasing a handful of incredible albums on his Cosmic Sounds imprint. The word on the street was that Nigerian legend William Onyeabor was somehow involved with the production of the album, or maybe playing synths on it. Both those rumours were inaccurate, although N’draman Blintch’s previous and first record “Cikamele”, was indeed recorded at Willfilms, Onyeabor’s studio in Enugu, Nigeria. And some of the musicians playing here were also key members in his pool of session musicians.“Cosmic Sounds” is many things: Psychedelic, politically engaged, funky to death, full of synths, with an artwork to die for, a perfect crossover of African and Western culture. Music for the body and soul. Cosmic disco before the genre even existed. Actually the genre was born the year this record was released. Did Dj Danielle Baldelli hear it? Was it ever played by Larry Levan or Mancuso? In a pre internet era, its unlikely but not impossible. Nowadays most DJs know what’s up now that Africa is on the map. Go and check the discogs page: 550 wants, countless messages of people ready to pay any amount for a copy. The last one sold for 1300 euros, and it was the first to show up for sale in 5 years time.We are extremely honored in carrying the reissue of this gem and have treated the task with utmost respect: both artwork and audio were restored by specialists, and liner notes were written by Temitope Kogbe, an Afro Funk expert who runs the label OdionLivingston, founded with the legendary EMI Nigeria producer Odion Iruoje.38 YEARS AFTER ITS ORIGINAL RELEASE

This single features a key track from Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Originally released to domestic markets in 1987. The titular track is taken from difficult to attain LP by Nigerian reggae artist Ehi Duncan (RIP). Here he explores a more up-tempo electronic afro funk reggae–disco direction. Proto electronic beat sequencing, stripped back but warm, Balearic tinged Afro-reggae-disco-funk vibes.Captain Planet provides 2 classy modernised versions. The tracks transition between tight organic reggae funk, afro disco & fat electronic beats.A1. Captain Planet propels the track into the 21st century teaming up with the horn section, keys and synth from the Ibibio Sound Machine to inject extra flavour and dynamics. Replayed bass, hefty bottom end, slick drum enhancements and added groove elements result in dancefloor dynamite.B1. For his second mix, Captain Planet lowers the tempo slightly, easing into a midtempo afro disco session. This time he swaps out the horns and keys, instead embellishing the vibe with the tones of the marimba, while thickening up the mix with classy modernised electronic elements.B2. The original afro funk track fuses proto electronic beat sequencing with a stripped back but warm uptempo reggae-disco vibe. The hook brings a powerful protest message that is still as valid as when it was first written. Crosses over well between organic and electronic, amazing track!!Debut release from newcomer label “Canopy” out of New Zealand. Compiled and conceptualised by label head DJ Sumosui.