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v/a - nigeria afrobeat special - soundway records - cd

Genre: African

1. Fela And The Africa 70 - Who're you? (Original 45 Version)
2. Eric Showboy Akaeze and His Royal Ericos - We Dey Find Money
3. The Anansa Professionals - Enwan
4. Saxon Lee and The Shadows International - Mind Your Business
5. Bongos Ikwue and The Groovies - Otachikpopo
6. Orlando Julius and His Afro-Sounders - Afro-Blues
7. Bob Ohiri and his Uhuru Sounds - Ariwo Yaa
8. Mad Man Jaga - Hankuri
9. Godwin Omabuwa and His Casanova Dandies - Do The Afro Shuffle
10. Segun Bucknors Revolution - Gbomojo
11. The Black Santiagos - Ole

Nigeria Afrobeat Special is the fourth addition to the Nigeria Special series, a project initiated by Miles Cleret, owner of the Soundway record label back in 2004.

Focusing on the big band sound dominated by wailing saxophones, brass solos and relentless poly-rhythmic grooves, Nigeria Afrobeat Special delivers a no-nonsense collection of tracks that (bar one) have NEVER been re-issued outside of Nigeria.

It was Fela Kuti and his musical and political ideals that formed the core of afrobeat's message. Fela's highly sought after version of 'Who're you' lends this set it's lead. Originally released on 7" in 1971, It would later be re-recorded at Abbey Road for his album Fela's London Scene and here is re-issued for the first time ever

The collection features Fela's rival and fellow afrobeat veteran Orlando Julius, represented by the track 'Afro-Blues' - amazing that this has previously managed to escape re-issue. Also featured are tracks by big names on the Nigerian scene - Eric Akaeze, Bongos Ikwue & Segun Bucknor as well as a Victor Uwaifo produced cut by previously unknown artist Andrew "Madman" Jaga. The album also features a cut featuring Pax Nicholas, a singer whose album Na Teef Know De Road Of Teef has recently been made available after 30 years.

Cleret's ambition to distinguish the blossoming music scenes of 1970's Nigeria has lent to an indispensable series of CD and LP compilations documenting the influence of western blues, rock and disco amongst artists and musicians versed in the local musical styles of highlife and juju.