Afrobeat 406 Items

Copy is close to VG+!

US reissue from 2016. Black labels. Vinyl with a couple of light scuffs. Copy close to NM

Forward Kwenda was born in the Buhera area of Manicaland, Zimbabwe. This area is known for its fierce resistance to colonial rulers and respect for Shona tradition. Forward Kwenda has always played Mbira, for the spirits, the ancestors, the land of Zimbabwe and the world around it. An undisputed master of this eminently spiritual instrument, he has developed a complex and unique melodic technique that has led him to perform and teach in the United States, Europe and Japan.
The EP Chawapiwa is the result of a collaboration with two of his students: Yann Dubois and Shiho Manabe.
The B-Side of this 12” is a remix and a loving tribute to Zimbabwe by Dj Oil, a french producer and dj, and a true veteran of the underground music and party scene in his native Marseille, Lionel Corsini, aka DJ Oil released his well-received solo debut as recently as 2012 (Black Notes for French label Discograph) but is probably better known as one part of The Troublemakers, who had the (probably unique?) distinction of being signed to both the legendary ‘90s house label Guidance and the most famous of all jazz labels, Blue Note.
The cover artwork is taken from Georgina Maxim's work: "Letters I wasn't supposed to read". Presented as textile sculptures like a diary made from second-hand clothes, the pieces bear the history and memory of the ghost corps that once wore them. Georgina Maxim lives and works in Zimbabwe where she founded the artistic collective, Village Unhu.
The visual adaptation and screen-printing was done by Vivien Le Jeune Durhin from PPP studio, Paris. This is a screenprinted limited edition release of 100 copies.

Damon Albarn & Four Tet dig this gentleman, so you should dig this forgotten master of african synth-craze, too!

Last chance, last repress.

“We present our first ‘Untitled’ album to mark a moment in time where we as Black People, and of Black Origin are fighting for our lives. RIP George Floyd and all those who have suffered from police brutality and systemic racism. Change is happening… We are focused.”

Sault - Untitled (Black Is), released in June 2020, is one of the most celebrated albums from the collective Sault. The album came out during a pivotal moment in global discussions about race, equality, and justice, particularly following the murder of George Floyd and the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement. This context significantly shapes the thematic and emotional resonance of the record.

Untitled (Black Is) blends a wide array of genres, including soul, R&B, Afrobeat, funk, spoken word, and gospel, creating a sound that feels both timeless and contemporary. The album is deeply rooted in Black identity, pride, and struggle, making it a powerful statement on racial injustice and resilience. Lyrically, the album addresses themes of systemic racism, police brutality, Black empowerment, community, self-love, and the importance of unity.

The production, helmed by the collective’s enigmatic core (likely led by producer Inflo), features stripped-down yet layered instrumentation, with driving basslines, handclaps, and rhythmic percussion forming the backbone of many tracks. The vocals are often communal, with group chants and harmonies giving the album a spiritual, anthemic quality.

Key Tracks:
"Stop Dem" – A politically charged track with a pounding Afrobeat rhythm, addressing police violence and systemic racism head-on.
"Hard Life" – A soulful, melancholic reflection on the hardships faced by Black people, with haunting vocals and minimal production that highlights the emotional weight of the message.
"Wildfires" – A standout song on the album, this track blends silky, understated vocals with a powerful message about injustice and violence against Black lives. Its soulful and reflective tone gives it a timeless feel.
"Miracles" – This track offers a sense of hope and redemption, emphasizing the resilience and strength found within the Black community, despite the hardships faced.
"Black" – A declaration of Black pride and power, this track serves as one of the album’s central anthems, celebrating Black identity and culture while recognizing the challenges that come with it.
Cohesion and Impact: The album flows like a meditation on Blackness, weaving together not just music, but spoken word interludes and chants, creating a narrative arc that goes from pain to empowerment, from struggle to solidarity. The use of group vocals, chants, and Afrocentric rhythms throughout gives the record a communal and collective feel, emphasizing the idea of togetherness and unity.

One of the most distinctive aspects of Untitled (Black Is) is how it balances anger and frustration with hope and healing. While it directly addresses the oppression and violence faced by Black people, it also offers moments of joy, strength, and affirmation. The album is a call for action, but also for love and understanding.

As with previous releases, Sault maintained their air of mystery with Untitled (Black Is), releasing the album without much fanfare or explanation about the contributors. However, it's widely speculated that key figures like Inflo, Cleo Sol, and Kid Sister played significant roles in its creation. The album's timing and thematic focus made it especially impactful, with its messages resonating deeply during a time of global reflection on race and justice.

Untitled (Black Is) was met with critical acclaim, hailed as one of the most important albums of 2020. Critics praised its boldness, its timely themes, and its ability to mix protest music with a sense of spiritual uplift. The album was seen as not only a response to the times but as a work that stands in a long lineage of Black music addressing societal ills, from civil rights-era soul to modern-day protest anthems.