Matata Independence

Originally released in 1974 on President Records, Tidal Waves Music now proudly presents the first official reissue of this seminal Afrobeat/Afrofunk album. Deluxe 180g vinyl edition (strictly limited to 1000 copies worldwide) with obi strip and featuring the original artwork. This reissue also comes with an insert featuring pictures of the band and extensive liner notes from award winning author John Masouri.Matata (which means "trouble" in Swahili) was an African funk band who took nightclubs by storm and jammed with some of the biggest giants in soul, jazz and Latin music. The band had its roots in the Congo although it formed in Kenya in the mid-sixties. Matata was based around the famous 'Starlight Club' in Nairobi. The group retained elements of traditional music by incorporating instruments such as the 'ngoma' (a large drum) and an eight stringed guitar-harp called the 'nyatiti'_ this brought something different to their style and made for a unique sound. Each of the songwriters sang lead in their native tongues and this meant they used vocals in three African languages (next to the songs sung in English). As the sixties drew to an end Matata (sometimes also known as 'Air Fiesta Matata') were regulars on Kenyan television and enjoyed a national following.In 1971 when the BBC held a competition to find the best band in Africa, Matata submitted a song and came in first. They were sent to visit London, performed at the BBC and stayed around to do some gigs (after years of playing at the 'Starlight Club' the band was tight and well-rehearsed). The timing was perfect because there was a serious cross-fertilisation taking place between musicians from many different genres and nationalities_and this brought such vibrancy to cultural life in the capital. Matata arrived in London just as Assagai and Osibisa - groups led by African musicians who also played a fusion of styles - released their debut albums, paving the way for their peers.The band signed a two-album deal with the UK-based label President...