Afrobeat Vinyl 491 Items

A mysterious release, not only for its unique expressive style but also because it isn't even known when it was initially recorded let alone its release date. According to non profit Studio Piccolo owner Vincent Bruley, it could have been recorded during the 70s and eventually released in the early 90s, sometime throughout Nilton Castro's time in Paris making music for contemporary dance classes (often led by his wife). This album was originally intended for accompanying dancers in classes with an emphasis on rhythm and coordination. Given Nilton's background and expertise in percussion, the focal point of this album is to present an array of Afro Brasilian rhythms performed by himself with additional moments of choir, flute and keys/metallophone. Effortless due to Nilton's prowess and unburdened by typical financial pressures (often behind the release of a record), the result feels like charmingly unadulterated and pure expression throughout the entire album. But what really takes the listener to places of unheard-of bliss is “Ondes (Les Vagues)” a track that has plagued the curiosity of diggers and collectors for a while now. With its harmony crescendos elegantly coming and going as per the title, overlayed on Nilton's subtle percussive patterns, an aural landscape of illusory beauty - listening is believing. Remastered and officially re-issued with its original artwork.

Official Mr Bongo reissue of the ultra-rare Nigerian disco-boogie, ‘Viva Disco’, album from 1980. Originally released on the Afrodisia label, this one is unknown to even the most knowledgable collectors out there.
Tunde Mabadu recorded two albums in the 70’s – ‘Viva Disco’ and ‘Bisu’ as Tunde Mabadu & His Sunrise. Perfect examples of golden-era Nigerian disco & boogie, that still hold their own today.
Licensed from Tunde Mabadu and PMG.

The Selenites Band returns with a Live album ahead of their 3 Studio album, due for release in late 2024. 8 tracks of psychedelic jazz influenced by Ethio-groove, Swinging Addis and pentatonic grooves, recorded in analog on tape recorders during two concerts between 2021 and 2023.

These recordings are an opportunity to discover 5 previously unreleased tracks, as well as live versions from the previous album "Behind The Mask". The Selenites Band are first and foremost a live band, and we've seen them at the New Morning, in Paris, in Belgium, as well as opening for the prestigious group Gong, on their only date in France, and at many other festivals. The Selenites Band's lively style takes us into a world of traditional music, Shamarnic grooves, spicy jazz and bewitching rhythms. A melodic universe, a music of heady modal trance, a cinematic space of energetic jazz punk! . All compositions are by Antoine "Obi Riddim" Laloux, with the exception of two tracks by Seyoum Gèbrèyès and Tlahoun Gèssèssè.

All sleeves are hand-silk-screened and numbered / limited edition.

Ephat Mujuru Exemplifies A Unique Generation Of Traditional Musicians In Zimbabwe. Born Under An Oppressive Colonial Regime In Southern Rhodesia, His Generation Witnessed The Brutality Of The 1970s Liberation Struggle, And Then The Dawn Of Independent Zimbabwe, A Time In Which African Music Culture_long Stigmatized By Rhodesian Educators And Religious Authorities_experienced A Thrilling Renaissance. Under The Tutelage Of His Grandfather, Who Was A Respected Spirit Medium And Mbira Master, Ephat Showed An Early Talent For The Rigors Of Mbiratraining, Playing His First Possession Ceremony When He Was Just Ten Years Old. By Then, Guerilla War Was Engulfing The Country And His Grandfather Muchatera Tragically Became A Victim Of The Violence, A Devastating Blow To The Young Musician. In The Midst Of The Liberation Struggle, Mbira Musicbecame Political. Eventually, The Rhodesians Were Defeated, But Rather Than Return To The Past, The Nation Of Zimbabwe Was Born And A New Future Unfolded. Ephat Threw Himself Into The Spirit Of Independence, Singing Of Brotherhood, Healing, And Unity: Crucial Themes During A Time When The Nation's Two Dominant Ethnic Groups, The Shona And The Ndebele, Were Struggling To Reconcile Differences. Ephat's Band Would Eventually Follow The Popular Trend And Add Electric Instruments. But Before That, He And Spirit Of The People Released Two Allacoustic Albums, And They May Well Be The Most Exciting And Beautiful Recordings He Made In His Career. Mbavaira, The Second Of These Albums, Was Released In 1983. As The Independence Years Moved On, There Would Be Fewer And Fewer Commercial Mbira Releases. But For The Moment, Ephat Had The Required Stature And Reputation. Also, With The Energy And Drive We Hear In These Recordings, And The Unmistakable Lead Vocals By His Uncle Mude_truly One Of The Greatest Mbira Singers Of The 20th Century_the Album Could Easily Rivalthe Pop Music Of Its Day. Within A Few Years After The Release Of Mbavaira, It And Albums Like It Became Harder To Find In Zimba...