Afrobeat 9 Items

The label say: This release marks the first complete album reissue on Canopy. Originally released in Nigeria in 1987, “Oppressor” was executive produced by Myke Moul himself and distributed domestically by EMI Nigeria & Tropic Records.

“Oppressor”, the album, finds the sweet spot between synth reggae, boogie, and euphoric Balearic island vibes.

Written by Myke Moul and arranged in collaboration with reggae star Majek Fashek in Nigeria, it was later re-crafted and recorded in France with a host of French musicians. Most notably the contribution of multi instrumentalist Pierre de St Front added engaging synthesiser parts and electronic drums.

Unfortunately the pressing of the album suffered from inherent technical flaws which adversely affected the sound quality and therefore even those lucky enough to find a copy, will not be able to enjoy it without considerable sonic defects. Therefore this remastered reissue will prove welcome to both collectors and new discoverers.

The titular track “Oppressor” stands out as a mid-tempo synth-reggae-boogie jam espousing the turbulent political times in Nigeria that were present in the late 80s. Elsewhere “Shadows in the Rain” is an instrumental cut displaying a jazz-funk sensibility which was unusual for a Nigerian artist at that time, and reflects Myke’s influences outside his home country. “Heading for the Top” is a boogie dance floor gem that shows the popularity of this genre at the time, as evidenced in many Nigerian releases and still sounds just as vital today. “Rescue us. O! Lord” shows Myke’s great song writing and Pierre’s fine musical skills working in tandem to create a reggae boogie tune, displaying the reggae & ska tendencies that were present in pop music in this era, from artists such as Grace Jones, Sly & Robbie or The Police.

All in all, the album demonstrates something fresh & exciting for Nigerian album reissues, touching down in a reggae fusion direction, with some fuller sounding production aesthetics, making the dynamics full and crisp on sound systems while also well suited to home listening.

Transparent Vinyl.Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 Unveil Dynamic Collaboration with Damian Marley in Latest Single `Dey', to be released on a limited edition 7" clear vinyl on September 6th. A Historic Moment for African Unity and Art between Seun Kuti and Damian Marley.Grammy-nominated Nigerian musician Seun Kuti has once again set the music scene ablaze with the announcement of his electrifying new single, `Dey' featuring reggae icon Damian Marley that will be available on all major streaming platforms on June 26th on independent Milan label Record Kicks. The single will also be released on a limited edition 7" vinyl, featuring the instrumental version on side B, to be released on September 6th.This much-anticipated collaboration combines the raw energy of Afrobeat with the rhythmic vibes of reggae, creating a musical masterpiece that is sure to captivate audiences worldwide. `Dey' is the first single from the much-awaited new album by Seun Kuti & Egypt 80, `Heavier Yet (Lays The Crownless Head)' that will hit the streets on October 6th.Produced by a collaborative dream team of top-tier producers that includes pop/rock superstar Lenny Kravitz (executive producer) and Fela Kuti's original engineer Sodi Marciszewer (artistic producer), `Dey' delivers a timeless fusion of sounds that pays homage to the rich musical traditions of both Nigeria and Jamaica while pushing the boundaries of contemporary music.Seun Kuti expressed his deep sentiment about the new single `Dey' featuring Damian Marley, emphasizing its special significance. He described the song as one that wrote itself, highlighting its spontaneous creation. He sees it as a historic moment for African unity, art, and brotherhood, emphasizing the significance of collaborating with Damian Marley, marking the first time Kuti and Marley have been on a record together, symbolizing the rebuilding of a bridge."The song depicts African unity and African art" Seun Says. "We are two performers, both from the dynasty of Africa, with a huge continental divide, sing...