Ifang Bondi – Atis-A-Tis

( Gambia , 1978 , Disques Griot )

posted on 09 / 02 / 2025

For today, I wanted to share with you “Atis-A-Tis “, an astonishing 70s Psychedelic Afro Fuzz Soul Folk Funk track from Gambia, taken from the first Lp recorded by the mythical Gambian band “Ifang Bondi” (“Be Yourself” in Mandinka, variant of the Mandingo language spoken in Gambia, Senegal & Guinea-Bissao), formed in 1973 after the disband in 1970 of the 60s group “The Super Eagles” (more infos & sound here ).

The band included the following musicians :

Pap Touray : Lead Vocals, Percussion ;

Pa Musa Njie : Bass, Backing Vocals ;

Samson Gassama : Congas, Drum (Sabar) ;

Karamo Sabaly : Drum (Sabar), Congas, Percussion, Drums ;

Pa Alien Njiel : Drums, Drum (Sabar) ;

Bai Janha “Sweet Fingers” : Guitar, Backing Vocals (Background Vocals) ;

Badou Jobe : Guitar, Percussion ;

Kunon Jarjutay : Keyboards, Wind (Cowhorn), Percussion, Backing Vocals ;

Ali Harb : Saxophone, Flute, Vocals, Drum (Sekereba) ;

Really deep groovy 70s Psychedelic Manding with Folk influences, hope you’ll like it – Enjoy !

Ifang Bondi & The Afro Mandingue Sound – Atis-A-Tis (Gambia, 1978, Disques Griot)

You can also listen to this song on my Youtube Channel here : https://youtu.be/zrcpOFWVtII

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Have a nice Sunday, see you next week for another musical (re)discovery !

Armand de Preseau

Choc Stars Du Zaïre – Nakombe Nga

( Democratic Republic of The Congo , 1989 , Espera )

posted on 26 / 01 / 2025

For today, I wanted to share with you “Nakombe Nga“, a killer Afro Synth Soul Funk track from Congo with proto House Music flavors, taken from an album recorded in Belgium in the late 80s by the legendary Congolese band “Les Choc Stars du Zaire” founded in 1983 by the composer & musician Ben Nyamabo and that recored dozen & dozen of albums & singles.

This album includes some of the bests Congolese musicians, such :

Bass : Bolenge Djo Mali, Jerry Lema ;

Drums : Djudjuchet Luvengoka ;

Lead Guitar – Roxy Tshimpaka, Sos Watondo ;

Rhythm Guitar : Carrol Makhamba, Sos Watondo ;

Synth : Maika Munan ;

Vocals : Ben Nyamabo, Charles Ndombasi Lassa, Debaba Mbaki, Defao, Djuna Djanana, Zemano Germain Kanza, Nzaya Nzayadio, Petit Prince, Ditulala ;

One of my personal tropical dance floor scorcher of the genre when I play as a DJ in clubs, hope you’ll like it – Enjoy !

Choc Stars Du Zaire – Nakombe Nga (Democratic Republic of The Congo, 1989, Espera)

You can also listen to this song on my Youtube Channel here : https://youtu.be/_z6H3nZBpSg

Follow me on Instagram too for more exclusive contents : https://www.instagram.com/armand_de_preseau/

Have a nice Sunday, see you next week for another musical (re)discovery !

Armand de Preseau

BLO – Roots

( Nigeria , 1979 , Afrodisia )

posted on 12 / 01 / 2025

Following to this former article, I wanted to share with you for today “Roots“, an instant killer Afro Disco Boogie Boogie track from Nigeria, recorded in 1979 and taken from the fifth and last album of the legendary band “BLO“, named in reference to the initials of its founders :

Berkley “Ike” Jones (guitar)

Olaoluwa “Laolu Akins” Akintobi (drums) ;

Mike “Gbenga” Odumosu (bass) ;

Odumosu left the band later and was replaced by Lemmy “Otu” Udofa (also known as “Lemmy Jackson” in his 80s solo carrer !).

This song is always a dance floor burner when I play it in my DJ Set, hope you’ll like it and dance – Enjoy !

BLO – Roots (Nigeria, 1979, Afrodisia)

You can also listen to this song on my Youtube Channel here : https://youtu.be/wAQnJjznLnc

Follow me on Instagram too for more exclusive contents : https://www.instagram.com/armand_de_preseau/

Have a nice Sunday, see you next week for another musical (re)discovery !

Armand de Preseau

Star Band De Dakar – Massane Cisse

( Senegal , 1980 , Sonafric )

posted on 29 / 12 / 2024

Following this previous article, I wanted to share with you “Massane Cisse“, one of the numberless version of this all-time Senegalese standard, interpreted here in a really deep psychedelic Afro Folk Soul Fusion version with Afro Latin flavors by the legendary “Star Band De Dakar” orchestra, including some of the best Senegalese musicians of that era such as Cheikh Tidiane Tall & Idrissa “Idy” Diop (previous members of “Le Sahel” Band)

The version presented here is my favorite by far, hope you’ll like it too – Enjoy !

Star Band De Dakar – Massane Cisse (Senegal, 1980, Sonafric)

You can also listen to this song on my Youtube Channel here : https://youtu.be/QMkVDCdSjxg

Follow me on Instagram too for more exclusive contents : https://www.instagram.com/armand_de_preseau/

Have a nice Sunday, see you on next Sunday for another musical (re)discovery !

Armand de Preseau

International Charles Iwegbue & His Hino Sounds – Memeleyeme

( Nigeria , 1975 , Afrodisia )

posted on 18 / 12 / 2024

For today, I wanted to share with you “Memeleyeme“, a splendid sweet Afro Highlife Folk Jazz track from Nigeria driven by sweet trumpet parts, taken from the third album of the composer & musician Charles Iwegbue from the Ukwuani people in Delta state, and backed by his “Hino Sounds“.

Cherry on the cake : this beautiful cover art by Laurie Richards.

One of my personal favorite of the genre, mellow as it gets, hope you’ll like – Enjoy !

International Charles Iwegbue & His Hino Sounds – Memeleyeme (Nigeria, 1975, Afrodisia)

You can also listen to this song on my Youtube Channel here : https://youtu.be/1hnI9GVX9xk

Follow me on Instagram too for more exclusive contents : https://www.instagram.com/armand_de_preseau/

Have a nice Wednesday, see you on next Sunday for another musical (re)discovery !

Armand de Preseau

 

Verckys & l'Orchestre Veve – Zonga Vonvon

( Democratic Republic of The Congo , 1971 )

posted on 10 / 11 / 2024

 

For today, I wanted to share with you “Zonga Vonvon“, a sweet Congolese Rumba that quickly turns to an insane Psychedelic Afro Soul Funk track with killer horn parts, taken from an ultra hard to find single recorded in 1971 by the mythical Congolese producer & musician Georges Kiamuangana “Verckys” Mateta, and backed by his legendary “Orchestre Veve“, founded after he left the “Tout-Puissant OK Jazz” Orchestra, and that included : Aladji Nguendi, Beya Maduma, Bovick Shamar, Diatho Lukoki, Domingo Salsero, Fukiau Pepito and, of course, Verckys.

Funfact : Verckys took his nickname after being impressed with the American sax player “King Curtis“, whom he heard the name “Curtis” as “Verckys.”

One of my personal tropical dance floor scorcher of the genre when I play as a DJ in clubs, hope you’ll like it – Enjoy !

Vercys & l’Orchestre Veve – Zonga Vonvon (Democratic Republic of The Congo, 1971, Editions Veve)

You can also listen to this song on my Youtube Channel here : https://youtu.be/wq07OS0Edx4

Follow me on Instagram too for more exclusive contents : https://www.instagram.com/armand_de_preseau/

Have a nice Sunday, see you on next Wednesday for another musical (re)discovery !

Armand de Preseau

One World – Mind Searcher

( Nigeria , 1978 , EMI Nigeria )

posted on 03 / 11 / 2024

For today, I wanted to share with you “Mind Searcher“, a deep Psychedelic Afro Rock Soul Funk track with mesmerizing horns & organ parts, taken from the 5th and last album of the Nigerian band “One World“.

Produced by the legendary Orion Iruoje, recorded by the famous engineers Kayode Salami & Monday Oki and released in 1978 on the mythical Nigerian record label “EMI Nigeria“, this album includes the following musicians :

Acoustic Guitar, Lead Guitar : Anii Hofnar Umebuani ;

Bass Guitar : Samuel Ifeanyi Eze McKing ;

Congas : Tony Francis ;

Drums : Geoffrey Omodhebo ;

Engineer : Emmanuel Odenusi ;

Guitar : McPharson Aguta ;

Liner Notes : Tony Amadi ;

Organ : Clement Amaechi ;

Percussion, Vocals : Samuel Nkem Mathews ;

Vocals : Gab Chuma Ozani ;

One of my personal favorite band from that era & country, quite hard to find nowadays in decent – Hope you’ll like it, enjoy !

One World – Mind Searcher (Nigeria, 1978, EMI Nigeria)

You can also listen to this song on my Youtube Channel here : https://youtu.be/YvyuLrfx9_k

Follow me on Instagram too for more exclusive contents : https://www.instagram.com/armand_de_preseau/

Have a nice Sunday, see you on next Wednesday for another musical (re)discovery !

Armand de Preseau

Gyedu-Blay Ambolley – This Hustling World

( Ghana , 1975 , Essiebons )

posted on 27 / 10 / 2024

 

For today, I wanted to share with you “This Hustling World“, an incredible bouncy Afro Soul Funk with Afrobeat flavors, taken from the 1st album of the legendary Ghanaian composer & musician Gyedu-Blay Ambolley, that used to play with the finest orchestras & band of the country such Uhuru Dance Band, C.K. Mann Big Band & Apagya Show Band. It was produced by Deroy Ebow “Ebo” Taylor, another Ghanaian legend (the two artists are still touring today !).

Recorded in 1977 on the mythical record label “Essiebons” founded in the 60s by Dick Essilfie-Bondzie, the his album features some of the greatest Ghanaian artists of that era, such :

Composition, Production, Arrangements, Lead Vocals : Gyedu-Blay Ambolley ;

Producer : Ebow Taylor ;

Backing Band : The Super “C” Sounds ;

Bass Guitar, Vocals : Ralph Karikari ;

Claves, Vocals : Tony Mensah ;

Congas, Vocals : Willie Sam ;

Cowbell : Paul Willie ;

Drums : Sammy Essilfie ;

Lead Guitar : Frank Wireko ;

Maracas : Joe Ghansah ;

Organ : Nana Yaw Boakye I ;

Rhythm Guitar : Paul Kumi ;

Saxophone, Flute : Bobby Asiamah ;

Trumpet : Kofi Acheampong ;

One of the best albums out from that decade in Ghana, ultra hard to find holy grail record nowadays especially in that decent condition, and that comes with super cult cover art – Enjoy !

Gyedu-Blay Ambolley – This Husting World (Ghana, 1975, Essiebons)

You can also listen to this song on my Youtube Channel here : https://youtu.be/0totRwKwIyM

Follow me on Instagram too for more exclusive contents : https://www.instagram.com/armand_de_preseau/

Have a nice Sunday, see you on next Wednesday for another musical (re)discovery !

Armand de Preseau

Benoit Aleka – Orem'Iniva

( Gabon , 1980s , L'Amitié )

posted on 16 / 10 / 2024

For today, I wanted to share with you “Orem’Iniva“, a instant catchy bouncy bewitching 80s Afro Digital Funk Soul with killer Synths with Zouk flavors, taken from the sole album of the Gabonese composer & musician Benoit Aleka, privately released and that includes the greatest African & French West Indian musicians of that era such :

Music, Lyrics,: Benoît Aleka ;

Synths : Jean-Claude Naimro, André Manga, Alain Yomba, Serge Damas ;

Guitar : Moustick Ambassa ;

Bass : Jean-Yves Messan, Moustick Ambassa ;

Digital Drums : Jean-Yves Messan ;

Percussion : Deba Sungu ;

Timpani : Amara Toure ;

Obaka, Ngoma : Aleka Victor Aurelien ;

Orega : Azizet Ngondo Honorine ;

Horns : Beugre Amore, André Manga, Moustick Ambassa ;

Chorus : Regine Mvoundi, Dalila, Benoit Aleka ;

Really hard to find LP, highly recommended from start to finish, hope you’ll like it – Enjoy !

Benoit Aleka – Orem’Iniva (Gabon, 1980s, L’Amitié) :

You can also listen to this song on my Youtube Channel here : https://youtu.be/xMxIkHM8ab4

Follow me on Instagram too for more exclusive contents : https://www.instagram.com/armand_de_preseau/

Have a nice Wednesday, see you on next Sunday for another musical (re)discovery !

Armand de Preseau

Maele – Osiman

( Equatorial Guinea , 1987 )

posted on 09 / 10 / 2024

For today, I wanted to share with you “Osiman“, a dope bouncy balearic 80s Afro Synth Electro Soukous with Zouk flavors, taken from the 2nd album of the composer, musician & politician Martiniano Abaga Ele Ndoho better known as “Maélé“, self-produced & released in 1987 and that features some of the best musicians of that era as :

Vocals, Drums, Acoustic Guitar : Maele ;

Arrangements : Jean-Yves Messan, Maele, Ambassa Moustik, Alain Yomba, Toto Guillaume ;

Synths : Jean-Yves Messan, Alain Yomba ;

Guitars : Ambassa Moustick ;

Drum Machines : Jean-Pierre Kohn ;

Sax Alto : Jean-Marie Tang ;

Sax Tenor: Amores Beugre ;

Trombone & Flûte : S. T. Kossi ;

Trumpet : Jean-Christian Mbadinga ;

Chorus : Georges Seba, Marilou ;

Violins : F. Dubois, P. Defay, J. Gaunet, R. Berthier ;

Killer LP, one of my personal Tropical weapon when I play as a DJ, set everytime the dance floor on fire !

Maele – Osiman (Equatorial Guinea, 1982, Maele Self-Released)

You can also listen to this song on my Youtube Channel here : https://youtu.be/Xl6CnC2iiVI

Follow me on Instagram too for more exclusive contents : https://www.instagram.com/armand_de_preseau/

Have a nice Wednesday, see you on next Sunday for another musical (re)discovery !

Armand de Preseau

African Grooves

A Time & Space Journey in the African & West Indies Countries