Thursday, January 26, 2012
Mama Diabate Nambiyo
Side A
Nambiyo
Koumbe Diara
Tenen Kaba
Bantan
Side B
Gbankole
Danka Boli
Fassoulouku
Koumbe Diara
Glittery and glammed out Manding pop from Guinea, perfectly balanced between traditional and modern persuasions. Vocals cut sharp, kora never dull, everything else falls into place / makes you want to dance. Don't stop.
Awesome Tapes From Africa DJ sets in California coming up:
Feb 6/San Francisco//Aquarius Records In-Store Whatttttt (5-7pm)
Feb 8/Los Angeles//Nomerica at Naya on Sunset (formerly Tantra)
Feb 10/Los Angeles//Top Tape by dublab at The Hyperion Tavern
Feb 11 San Francisco//Tormenta Tropical at Elbo Room
Friday, January 13, 2012
Bola Volume 7 Coming April 2/3 Worldwide
Listen to the track "Abayetidu Ma" from the forthcoming Awesome Tapes From Africa release by Bola. He is a singer and instrumentalist from Bolgatanga, Ghana who has been putting out tape after tape of ridiculously energetic and thoughtful songs for the last few years. I almost died when I heard this Volume 7 tape for the first time. Bola's intense Frafra-language vocals, along with his shredding kologo—a two-stringed lute—boosted by bass-heavy, angular keyboard melodies and dance floor-ready drums. I am fascinated by Bola's take on a traditional instrument and musical style. Look out for this release in early April on LP/CD/MP3/limited edition cassette.
Bola "Abayetidu Ma" by awesometapesfromafrica
Tuesday, January 03, 2012
Side A
Side B
Hoping someone can provide some details on this excellent recording.
Happy New Year to all of you.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Ding Ding Djello Koumandian
Face A
Sida
Hypocrite
Hommage à nos mamans*
Barimihi-Faré*
Sida (Remix)
Face B
/Koumandian
Daff mi Yakh
Ecoutons nos Parents
Koumacitiri-Ghö*
Hypocrite (Remix)
*—Made me feel/think something
Guinean rap from a group of well-educated lads, who big up their school with the album title (Koumandian Keita is the largest private school in Conarky). Established Senegalese rapper Sister Fa helps on vocals. Senegalese and German producer/musicians Bob Dynaa and Steven Töteberg (who ran a very important studio in Dakar for the youth called Maison Yes, where this was recorded) produced and mixed the album. Not much info about the group themselves...I think this is from the late '90s. Meh, this album is mediocre but tracks 3, 4 and 9 made me feel like sharing it.
Monday, December 19, 2011
El Hadj Hamado Kanazoe
Face A
Nabi Yaam Pingr
Face B
Nabi Yaam Siifo
Majestic, otherworldly Sufi music from Burkina Faso. Damn, all zoned out on this "no instruments allowed" recording this morning. Vocal-to-mental invigoration.
More info on Wazu music in particular and Sufi music in general from West Africa and beyond right here.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Ahwach Souss
Side A
Side B
This is Berber music from the Souss region of southern Morocco, which sounds like it was recorded at a festival or event (I think I outdoor ambiance plus background chatter... an awesome spontaneous vibe to this recording). Ahwach music blows me away and I think this tape is particularly insane. Listen to the bone crushing drum rhythm that follows the eerie solo vocal introduction. Side B completely loses its shit around 12 minutes in.
But could someone please help us with the band/album name for this one?
Monday, December 05, 2011
Ndiogou Seck Tarou
Face A
Lupaa-Lup-Samba
Coow-li (Lang)
Interesse +
Face B
Yaama NDiaye
Xoox-yi
Bari-Jom
Man. This tape is killing me today. Senegalese mbalax-ish style acoustic music with amazing choir vocal responses back by beautifully produced ensemble of drums and massive torso-sized kalimba. Enjoy.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Jess Sah Bi & Peter One Our Garden Needs Its Flowers
Face A
Clipo
Katin
Kango
Minmanle?
Face B
Our Garden Needs Its Flowers
Apartheid
African Chant
Solution
Buy this shit at Amazon because it's amazing that cats are making straight up country music in Cote D'Ivoire. My man Marco Werman came across these guys back in the 80s, but I have not heard anything else about them.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Alhaja Queen Salawa Abeni and her Waka Moderniser India Waka
Side 1
Mo Ti Goke
Thank You
India Waka
Mo De Inu Ile Ola
Ayinla Lo Ni Fuji Abeni Loni Waka
Abeni De Olo Un Orin
Side 2
Eru Mba Mi
Chief Popoola Olaofe
Mo Jawe Oriji
Kiniun Ti De Oko
Abeni Ti De Lady Waka Queen
Orin Wa Dun Un Jo
On this Thanksgiving 2011 we give thanks for the female practitioners of Nigerian fuji music. We at ATFA wish you a happy holiday and offer this 1984 recording as the extra gravy for your turkey/tofurkey.
For more info on Alhaja Queen Salawa Abeni's catalog check here.
Extra credit can't hurt.
Awesome Tapes From Africa DJ sets coming up in early December:
02.12. DE Berlin / Haus der Kulturen der Welt (Ghana Hiplife @ Worldtronics)
03.12. CH Genève / Festival Face G
07.12. IT Perugia / Loop Café
08.12. IT Roma / Vangelo @ Animal Social Club
09.12. IT Pescara / Maze
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Bereket Mengistab Vol. 13
Side A
Track 1
Track 2
Track 3
Track 4
Side B
Track 5
Track 6
Track 7
Track 8
Eritrean music! This 1999 recording from legendary singer and krar ninja Bereket Mengisteab (spelled "Mengistab" on the tape) coalesces much of what I love about music from this region of the world: angular melodies, vocal acrobatics, warbly keyboard effects, heavily-swung rhythms and pounding bass.
Attention Berlin: I am super stoked to mention the upcoming Ghana Hiplife night at Worldtronics festival at Haus der Kulturen der Welt on December 2, which was curated in part by Awesome Tapes From Africa. The show features Ghana rap virtuoso Kwaw Kese, up-and-coming hiplife visionaries Bradez, mega-accomplished producer Appietus and UK rapper Sway.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Awa Kassemady Diabate Kayira Vol. 2
Face 1
Baya
Dania
Face 2
Talassa
Kayira
Happy 11/11/11 (and Happy Veterans' Day). Mande griot music for the masses from Mali with an after-taste electronique. Maybe that's just this recording's tinny treble-heavy mix [editor's note--I don't equalize these rips]. I feel like this solid package of soul and virtuosity was worth sharing here regardless.
BTW--First release on Awesome Tapes From Africa is out now: ATFA001 Nâ Hawa Doumbia "La Grande Cantatrice Malienne Vol 3". You can find it at eMusic, iTunes, Amazon or hopefully your favorite local record shop. It's a beautiful album.
Awesome Tapes From Africa DJ set at Spencer's GIFs with Janka Nabay at Santos Party House in Manhattan on Friday, November 18.
Monday, November 07, 2011
Fatou Laobé Hé Laobé
Side A
Serigne Bi
Hé Laobé
Sida
Side B
Djoudé Diabé
Kheul
Diour Dom Sani
Life is short. It's not nearly long enough post the best tapes by all the top mbalax divas from Senegal. Fatou Laobé's ecstatic yet masterfully controlled vocal cadences will have to suffice for today. Likembe has some tracks and info as well.
Friday, October 21, 2011
Zig Zag Crew Bongo Msoto
Side 1
Bongo Msoto
Wazo Jipya feat. F.S.G.
Zig Zag
Watu Bwana RMX feat. Sir Nature
Intro
Side 2
Tumepagawa
Kanyagia
Watu Bwana
Bongo Msoto Instrumental
Kanyagia
Intro
Ill early aughties Tanzanian hip-hop (aka bongo flava). If you like '93 rap you will appreciate these guys' aggressive Kiswahili cadence over Dar-meets-BK kicks.
Awesome Tapes From Africa DJ set Saturday (tomorrow) at the New Museum with tons of bands and djs including Atlas Sound, Light Asylum, Weird Magic, Todd Pendu, et al.
Also, Nâ Hawa Doumbia's La Grande Cantatrice Malienne Vol 3, the first release on ATFA the label, is out now on LP/CD/MP3 and limited edition cassette (see link at left).
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Ithran
Side A
Thshoked Thodath Ino
Wakha Nzwa Yaman
Ossana Diziran
Side B
Yoshishem Babam
Thaziri
Instrumental
Guest post from a friend along the interwebs, he says: "Ithran is an Amazigh (or Berber) word that means stars. The group was created in 1984 in Morocco. Despite inadequate resources, the group managed to break through to become the spokesman of the song of Rif ( North of Morocco). The first album of Ithran recorded in 1986 was a huge success with 600,000 sales. This success has strengthened the confidence of the group and gave them the courage to continue. With over 20 CDs and cassettes interpreted and written either by group or by members in solo, the group remains a star in the Amazigh music that continues to shine high in the sky."
Tonight in DC: The Whale featuring DJ Harvey, Beautiful Swimmers and ATFA at U Street Music Hall, 9pm sharppp. FREE.
Monday, September 26, 2011
3=2+1
Side A
Side B
For me today, 2+1=broken computer. This is all I have for now.
Next week in Europe:
05.10. FR Poitiers / Le Confort Moderne
06.10. DE Heidelberg / Enjoy Jazz
07.10. UK London / Pap.il.lon at The Moustache Bar, Dalston London
08.10. RU St. Petersburg / Ethnomechanica Festival
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Ephrem Tamru
Side A
Track 1
Track 2
Track 3
Track 4
Track 5
Side B
Track 6
Track 7
Track 8
Track 9
Track 10
Track 11
What a beautiful tape from Ethiopia, which is having a morphine-like effect on my body. It's that soothing. I am gonna go take a nap now. I don't have anything to say, just listen to this and feel good today. Talk to you later. Love, Brian.
Tuesday, September 06, 2011
Zagazougou La Confirmation
Face A
Simpa Bognan
Djotigui
Varietoscope
Zagadon
Dabakala
Face B
Djan Fa
Lolo Saraman
Gnan Gban Gna Lô
Bissimilaye
Jack to the sound of the accordion, all the way back to Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. These guys have released a few records internationally where you can find some of these songs.
Check here for an Awesome Tapes From Africa DJ set coming to a venue near you:
16.09. LT Riga Skanu Mezs
17.09. FI Tampere 931
18.09. FI Helsinki Siltanen
21.09. DE Berlin Kater Holzig
22.09. NO Stavanger Numusic
23.09. NL Den Haag Today's Art
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Prince Khonjo Binadamu Hatosheki
Side 1
Binadamu
Kuhanyahanya
Kijicho
Mchezo Wa Zaire
Mahendo
Side 2
Pongezi
Mafundi
Pamela
Mtaliani
Nyika
Mambo Poa
File under: bizarre/mind-blowing. This simple dance of drum machine and determined vocals generates something particularly ill. 1999 cusp-of-bongo flava jams recorded near the Kenyan coast. Thanks to Gearz Kuria of Bin Khalid Sonic Pollution for this.
This Saturday, August 20, Awesome Tapes From Africa DJ set at 70 North 6th St in Brooklyn, part of the inaugural TRADITION party featuring Brenmar, Ford & Lopatin, Rezound (of my super homies Group Tightener) and surprise others.
Awesome Tapes From Africa returns to Europe briefly as well:
25.08. BE Brussels Feerien
26.08. + 27.08. CH Zürich Theaterspektakel
28.08. ES Madrid La Casa Encendida
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Solomon Manori & Chemaner Band Chepkunyuk
Face 1
Matibakach Chito
Narachek
Kwantap David
Tapletgoi
Torikit Agenge
Face 2
Chepkunyuk
Chepkorir
Kenderwa Maiywa
Chemabei Mbaret
Ya Raeli
Ya Terterin
So there's this really great online discography of Kenyan and Tanzanian 45s called KenTanza Vinyl that is doing a brilliant job of digging through the history of singles made before the advent of tapes and CDs...however I can't find much info about this band there. But! Enjoy head-banging (or whatever you prefer to do) to these rugged and joyous Kenyan guitar band tunes that (for me) conjure mental images of dark brown wood. Feel like I am on an old tea plantation or something.
Thursday, August 04, 2011
Ouobraogo Charles
Face A
Zâmsdo
Widga
Face B
Yel Doûûssa
Pag La Rao Yingre
This tape from Burkina Faso has been a minor revelation for me this week. On a scale of dull to wild I'd give it a "bananas++". Fast, energetic, fascinating harmonies, often hard-to-track rhythmic patterns. The kinds of things that make a guy's heart go pitter-pat on this sunny afternoon in Copenhagen.
Early August tour starts tomorrow. Holler at me if you're around:
05.08 DK Sejerø Festival
07.08 PL Katowice Off Festival
08.08 UK London Cafe Oto
11.08 CH Geneva Ecoutes au Vert
12.08 NL Venlo Zomerparkfeest
13.08 DE Hamburg MS Dockville
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Announcement
After more than five years of doing Awesome Tapes From Africa and DJing these cassettes all over it feels like a natural progression to find a way to bring these artists further recognition and perhaps a bit of money in the long run. So beginning in October, Awesome Tapes From Africa will be making available for sale some of the wonderful and obscure recordings that have been so fun to share over the years. In collaboration with the artists, who will receive 50% of all proceeds after expenses, you will soon find at your local music shop vinyl LPs, CDs and mp3s of select sublime albums, the kind which have made doing this blog so easy.
The first release is by Mali's Nâ Hawa Doumbia, a recording the singer made in 1982, La Grande Cantatrice Malienne Vol 3. It comes out October 18 and will be distributed by SC Distribution. More info soon. Feel free to join the mailing list (at left) if you'd like occasional electronic whispers in your digital ear.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Filany Kenedougou
Face A
Dougou
Dambe
Konodagan
Laydou
Face B
Takassegui
Lolo
Yiri-Bine
Konotekouma
This is something wonderful I didn't know about. Douada Filany Sangare is joined by Toumani Diabate, Ramata Diakite, and a chorus of ninja-like instrumentalists brandishing ngoni, kamale-ngoni, balafon, flute and djembe. Full ensemble Mande music from Mali with a Fulani feel.
Buy this record.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Haruna Ishola & His Apala Group Mba B'Ejire Mba Yo
Side One
Mba B'Ejire Mba Yo
Ishola Olugbuyi Kuseju
Bi Taku Oba Ja
Saliu Ma Ya Bikan
Side Two
Bi Mo Duro Bi Mo Ba Bere Lo Orin Nso Simi Lokan
Olorire Legbewa
Ishola De Elenipe Od'Osupa Ti Nmole Kari Aiye
Won Nse Kobaje Didan Lo Ndan
Nigeria's o.g. Yoruba apala master Alhaji Haruna Ishola makes a powerful impression on me here. This particular cassette-shaped drop in the bucket of his immense discography is downright effervescent compared to many zzzz-inducing examples.
Talking drums of 1975 talking to me til I take this tape out.
Buy this record, or at least part of it, here.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Side 1
A'yiti Ma Tkhebbi
Ezzine El-Fassi
Side 2
Waili Lalla
Iyak A Sid
Awesome Tapes From Africa was included in New York Magazine's recent article on analog-obsessed nerds.
Thanks to Tim Abdellah for the artist/track title transliteration from the Arabic.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Francis Bebey Awkwaaba
Side 1
Akwaaba
Bissau
Binta Madiallo
Ngoma Likembe
Side 2
Tumu Pakara
Sassandra
Di Sengi
My buddy Shawn let me know about Francis Bebey a whiiile back but I didn't find a tape until recently. This deep and minimal orgy of sanza (a type of thumb-piano) is alternately back-beat almost-dancey and ketamine heady. I posted the link in one zipped file above, you're gonna want the whole thing.
Awesome Tapes from Africa DJ sets at Central Park SummerStage on Sunday, July 31 (FREE) followed by a show with Brooklyn homeboys The Sway Machinery on Tuesday, August 2 at 92Y Tribeca.
Also, I will be lugging my tapes around Europe in August, sharing sounds from island to village to city to harbour:
05.08 DK Sejerø Festival
07.08 PL Katowice Off Festival
08.08 UK London Cafe Oto
11.08 CH Geneva Ecoutes au Vert
12.08 NL Venlo Zomerparkfeest
13.08 DE Hamburg MS Dockville
BTW--ATFA is no longer fronting on Facebook. Show some like.
Thursday, July 07, 2011
Agele Hot Yinga Na Nabu
Side A
Kilo Ngazi Atiba
Yinga na Nabu
Baba Lo Sunyundro
Kilo Ngazi Atiba
Yinga na Nabu
Baba Lo Sunyundro
Side B
Yinga na Nabu
Baba Lo Sunyundro
Lale Liolo
Yinga na Nabu
Baba Lo Sunyundro
On the occasion of Southern Sudan's independence, which officially begins July 9, we're presenting this guest post from a gentleman working in the region. Here's to newfound freedom and self-determination in Southern Sudan, best wishes. This is light-hearted-sounding danceable jams, things we love on the eve of a historical political victory.
N.B.: The tracklisting on the tape has nothing to do with the actual number of songs on the tape, nor with the order in which they appear. Hence the repeated tracks, etc. Not uncommon among tapes found in Africa.
All Tomorrow's Parties America event curated by Portishead and ATP was recently announced, I will be DJing Awesome Tapes there on September 30. It's in New Jersey!
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Mahmoud Guinia
Side A
Side B
Magnificent music from Morocco. So ill. This other recording I posted a while back is also a severe joint.
Sunday, June 05, 2011
Jagwa Music Vol. 5 Tumechoka Hoi
Side A
Kama Ni Pesa Ni Zako
Asha
Ukimwi Hauna Dawa
Side B
Usiwadharau Wazazi
Wapenzi
Tanzania's Jagwa geniuses. It feels like summer now so we lie in the grass and listen to tunes like this. Swag.
Awesome Tapes from Africa on tour in June/July:
29.06. IT Venice / Osloo @ Biennale
01.07. DE Lärz / Fusion
02.07. DK Roskilde Festival
06.07. FR Sète / Worldwide Festival (+ ALEX BARCK)
08.07. FR Montreuil / Instants Chavirés (SONIC PROTEST BENEFIT)
10.07. FR Paris / Musée du Quai Branly
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Abass Akande Obesere Introduction
Side A
Introduction
Ogede
Omoge Mushin
Fuji Ameme
Ijo Obesere
Side B
Iba Agba
Fun Wa Lo Owo
Oyinbo Danfo
Ikilo Mama
Idupe
Original African Fuji Michael Jackson indeed. Aggressive and pumping Fuji music from Nigeria via an excellent grocery store on Flatbush Ave.
Tuesday, May 03, 2011
Professor Jay Machozi Jasho Na Damu
Side A
Ndio Mzee
Jay Jr. Interlude
Jina Langu
Bongo Dar Interlude
Bongo Dar es Salaam
Yataka Moyo
Nawakilisha
Side B
Intro
Machozi Jasho na Damu
Piga Makofi
Niamini
Salamu Bibi na Babu
Tathimini Interlude
Tathimini
Na Bado
Outro
Man, I love Tanzanian bongo flava genius Professor Jay. This tape from 2001—his first album—is so good it makes the one I previously posted seem almost dull now. This must be the most awesome African hip-hop I've heard since Baloji tore the roof off Joe's Pub that one time. Thanks to Peter in Berlin for this.
Awesome Tapes from Africa DJ set this Friday at Zebulon in Williamsburg with DJ Brad Loving, 10-4, FREE.
Thursday, April 07, 2011
Ninie Tsara Olo Be
Face A
Tsara Olo Be
Maro Lehilahy
Samy Mizaha Ny Tiany
Akory Ataoko Anao
[Efa Janga not included in this tape??]
Face B
Mandiniha Hely
Allo Allo
Ataonao Adala Zaho
Zanahary
If you like fast-paced dance jams from Madagascar, have a look-see here. Track 4 is rough though, proceed with caution there.
Awesome Tapes from Africa DJ sets coming up:
22.04. NL Den Haag Paard van Troje (+ MI AMI)
23.04. NL Amsterdam OCCII (+ MI AMI)
24.04. DE Köln Genau (+ MI AMI)
25.04. DE Trier Exhaus (+ MI AMI)
26.04. DE Leipzig Conne Island (+ MI AMI)
27.04. DE Berlin King Size (+ 20JazzFunkGreats + MI AMI)
30.04. AT Krems Donaufestival
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Kiné Lam Sunu Thiossane 2
Face A
Mame Thierno
MBaarmi
Kor Leer
Lebu
Face B
Deuram
Sourang MBeri
Wakh Baakhoul
Souma Sagnone
Whoa, thanks to Christian for this idyllic journey into the complexity of mbalax. It can be a bit off-putting to some listeners. But spend a little time with recordings like this and you'll see why mbalax causes intensely thoughtful disturbances across Dakar and the rest of Senegal. The forceful rhythmic precision, the effusive vocal outbursts and the brilliant lilt of it all reveal layers of meaning amidst the seeming-chaos. I for one am looking forward to unearthing further swagged out moments on this tape. There appear to be many.
Come party with us this Sunday at Tandem in Bushwick, Lovers Rock style. Big Gold Belt LIVE, Awesome Tapes From Africa + Mi Ami DJS, 9pm-??, 236 Troutman Street. There's a smoke machine.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Hadja Soumano Nteri Diaba
Piste A
Nteri Diaba
Boureima Sylla
Ayebo
Piste B
Mandin Kono
Sosso
Djombo
Djelimady Tounkara plays guitar on this tape, he is one the best ever. 1989 Mali sounds good to me right now.
Awesome Tapes from Africa at SXSW:
Thursday, March 17
All Music Is World Music (presented by PRI's The World and KUT Austin)
Momo's
618 W 6th St
9pm-10pm
Friday, March 18
Fader Fort
1101 E. 5th St
1pm-3pm
American Apparel SXSW Flea Market
SXSW Convention Center, First Floor
500 E. Cesar Chavez St
7pm-8pm
Saturday, March 19
End of an Ear
2209 South First Street
5pm-6pm
True Panther Sounds and Friends
Shangri La
1016 East 6th Street
1am-??
Monday, February 28, 2011
Tianjama
Face 1
Soanada
Donia Regarega
Atero Amy Babana
Sanga Sirana
Sabina
Dady Ropilany
Face 2
Zegny Vaovao
Tsiakafara Tody
Vola Parata
Doudou Fini
Zaho Tanora + Iadan'i Toto
Eka Lemarijy (1ère partie)
Dance the night away like you're in Tananarive, Madagascar. This tape is from 1991. Thanks to Jon for the hook up.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Penny Penny Yogo Yogo
Side 1
Intro
Ibola Aids
Ingani
Amarumasi
Kulani Kulani!!
Dodomedzi
Side 2
Hai Kamina
Yogo Yogo (Fooling)
Ti Samboko
Ama Owners
Kulani Kulani!! (Remix)
Got my hands on another Penny Penny tape. This shit is pretty much game over as far as South African dance-pop from the '90s goes.
Awesome Tapes from Africa DJ set tomorrow (2/17) at the Akron/Family (and Delicate Steve) show at the Knitting Factory in Williamsburg.
Monday, February 07, 2011
Cheikh El Meskine
Side A
Fatma El Hob Saib
Datni Essakra
Bagat Tchaouar
Side B
Shab El Mehahel
Rahi Maouïla
Maktoub Rabi
More ill smokey flute incantations from Algeria. Why not?
Belated link to Awesome Tapes from Africa mention in this New York Times story about American indie labels confessing their collective crush on African music.
Big ups to the people of Baltimore, who seriously brought the ruckus at the STR8 CAVIN party over the weekend.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Chikaha Rahma
Side 1
Rirsakr Fi Simana
Nagda Emaak
Esaka Malietouiali
Side 2
Yamarani Emrida
Alaminiyali_Eskarti_Emaah
Ana Ehbibi Nabrih
Algerian music a kind person sent me recently. Great Saturday morning atmosphere. Thinking of politics in North Africa this week.
FYI Baltimore: I will be DJing Awesome Tapes from Africa on Saturday, February 5 at a party with a bunch of rad artwork and other DJs and stuff, at a place called STR8 CAVIN (B302 COPYCAT). Last time I went to Baltimore was for a hardcore show in like 2003. This is going to be awesome.
PS: In what feels like a major step, I joined Facebook this week. Just noticed someone made a Facebook page for this blog.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Ami Koïta Mory Djoa
Side A
Mory Djo
Djoliba Kono
Defa Wane
Side B
Matia
Hadja Bila
Hampate Ba
Synth-laden griot brilliance circa 1989 from one of Mali's crucial vocal goddesses. I used to write this tape off (Track 3 is a bit wooden) but lately I'm feeling the arrangements and undulating rhythms.
Awesome Tapes from Africa DJ set at the new Lovers Rock night at Tandem in Bushwick, with DJ MI AMI and Driphouse this Thursday, January 20.
Thursday, January 06, 2011
Side 1
Track 1
Track 2
Track 3
Track 4
Track 5
Side 2
Track 6
Track 7
Track 8
Track 9
Track 10
This tape from Ethiopia is full of left-field soulful insanity, the kind for which I live. Track 2 is straight disco magic, Track 4 is slippery and unreal. Can't figure out wtf is going on with Track 5. Every song is thoroughly worth it, jams all of them. Doing this blog might never get old if I keep coming across gems like this.
BTW: The Fader just posted a funny video of me jabbering on about tapes and such.
Monday, December 27, 2010
Fadimoutou Wallet Inamoud
Side 1
Side 2
Hypnotic, minimalist (and hard to find) Tuareg music from Kidal, Mali. This is the perfect stark accompaniment to NY's howling blizzard of the last couple days.
Thanks to Chris (Sahel Sounds) for this!
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Sirina Issah Cheer The Stars
Side A
Cheer The Stars
Previous Love
Jam It
Just To Watch
Side B
Daliri
N'Yuura
Jam It
Just To Watch
What begins as a tribute to Ghana's youth soccer World Cup success is ultimately a 90s outsider dance-pop masterpiece from the north of the country. The minimalist lo-fi amateur dance madness of it all brings this obscure footnote in Ghanaian pop history on par with a certain Ata Kak recording.
Cheer The Stars contains the first recorded examples of rap from Northern Ghana, albeit mostly in English. Big Adams is like 12 years old on this shit, now he's recognized as Tamale's rap forefather. The English lyrics give us the chance to experience the earnest, nationalistic and charmingly juvenile glory of it all. (For those keeping score, the rest of the songs are in Dagbani, I believe). Produced by unsung Tamale music genius Blessed Gregory. Despite all this fascinating context, some of you will despise this tape.
Ed. note—Anyone remember the tv show Kids Incorporated?
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Professor Jay J.O.S.E.P.H.
Face A
Nikusaidiaje
Nimeamini
Inatosha
Vuta Raha
Border Kwa Border
Heka Heka Za Star
Face B
Intro
J.O.S.E.P.H.
Nisamehe
Wapi Nimekosea
Una
Interlude
Hakuna Noma
I've really been feeling rap from Tanzania lately.
BTW: New mix and probably the best interview questions I've been asked at Red Bull Academy Radio
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Juma Nature Nini Chanzo?
Side A
Kighettoghetto
Sonia
Wimbi La Njaa (2001 Remix)
Jinsi Kijana
Tumepigika
Side B
Nini Chanzo
Juu Kwa Juu
Hili Game
Jinsi Kijana (Remix)
Haya we
Wimbi La Njaa (2000 Remix)
Harry from Manchester sent me a package of tapes from Dar-Es-Salaam recently with a note saying he hoped they reached me. Dear Harry: they reached me, and all three Tanzanian rap cassettes are pretty chill. THANKS.
So here's some Tanzanian bongo flava from the early aughties, the debut recording from Juma Nature. If you're into African rap, this is a pretty epic tape. Why do I love old school rap from Africa so much? Things have developed across the continent such that these tapes make me feel like I'm listening to Masta Ace or Rakim, kinda out-dated-sounding but so undeniably groundbreaking and jammin.
Awesome Tapes from Africa takes to the streets again soon:
25.11. NL Utrecht Le Guess Who Festival
26.11. NL Eindhoven STRP Festival
27.11. NL Amsterdam Rebel Up! Soundclash at Occii
30.11. DE Berlin Marie Antoinette (w/ MUNCH MUNCH)
02.12. DE Hamburg Golden Pudel Club (w/ BONGO DISCO)
03.12. UK Bristol Inbetween Time Festival (w/ MAHJONGG)
04.12. UK London Old Blue Last
05.12. UK Minehead All Tomorrow's Parties
07.12. FI Tampere Telakka
08.12. FI Helsinki Club YK
09.12. FI Turku Bar Kuka
10.12. DK Copenhagen Global
11.12. DK Copenhagen Global
Tuesday, November 02, 2010
Side A
Ateremamesew (He Created Turmoil)
Yefeker Amelu (The Behaviour of Love)
Zomeye
Tew Lebe Tesebseb (Concentrate My Heart)
Godanaw (Highway)
Side B
Belew Belew (Advance, Advance)
Geletsenete (My Frankness)
Endekentay yelem (Time Brought You Down)
Zemedye (My Relative)
Musheraye (My Groom)
My friend Jarboe brought this tape back from LA for me and it's seriously blowing my mind. I don't even know what to say, ummm.... the tape encapsulates all that's holy about good music and its bewitching ability to make you dance like a maniac.
Awesome Tapes from Africa DJ set for The Proconsul Editions' pre-NY Art Book Fair shindig this Thursday, Nov 4, 9pm at Veronica Peoples Club in Greenpoint. Amy von Harrington (aka the best person ever) will also be playing records.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
National Badema Du Mali Nama
Side A
Nama
Side B
Fongana Kuma
Namory
Here is a great tape complete with bonus mystery feedback-y noise that briefly descends on the mix halfway through the first song. It's not supposed to be there but it sounds scary and awesome.
Awesome Tapes from Africa late night dance party vibes this Wednesday, October 22 at Glasslands in Williamsburg as part of FreeWilliamsburg.com's CMJ happening (aka lots of new and interesting bands we haven't heard yet will be playing...click to rsvp).
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Aster Aweke
Side A
Track 1
Track 2
Track 3
Track 4
Side B
Track 5
Track 6
Track 7
Track 8
Oh man. Good luck not falling in love. Shame the cassette is distorted a bit but I could never stay mad at this tape.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Nama Jacky Avou Saaba
Side A
Side B
10/10/10 is a special day, therefore here's something a little left-field. This tape from Burkina Faso requires a leap of faith for me since it's the kind of pop music I'd rather be hearing blasting out a car radio or in a Ouagadougou bar. To me, many of these synth-based regional pop styles sound way bubblegum when heard for the first time in a placid Brooklyn bedroom.
I am still figuring out what I think about this distinct and cosmopolitan synth-guided pop manifesto. (The song "Throu" is as compelling as four versions of "Avou Saaba" is superfluous.) But I'm obsessed with all things Burkinabe so for 10/10/10's sake let's see if Nama Jacky's on some next shit and we're still catching up. Thanks Jonathan.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Joseph Mutero & Africa Sounds Tiri Vadoko
Side 1
Side 2
A kind acquaintance named Benni found this in Zimbabwe in 1993 so we're dusting it off in praise of another beautiful day in New York City.
Awesome Tapes from Africa DJ sets in France coming up:
October 1 Rennes/Pause Métissée L’Ubu with DJ Bone/Labelle/Night Knight
October 2 Paris/Palmwine Party with DJ Orl and Groovy J at Piston Pélican
Monday, September 13, 2010
Fanta Damba du Mali Vol 2 (accompagné à la Cora par Batourou Sekou Kouyate)
Side 1
Tagayoro Bana
Besson Sori
Alla Kana Moko Djougou Ki Serreye
Side 2
Sekou Semega
Tatou
Ba Douga Den
Tape quality is really hissy here but this is Fanta Damba. She's a legend and her voice will destroy you. And ho boy if there aren't some sublime instrumental performances contained herein.
Buy one of her digital albums here.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Ernesto Djédjé Le Roi du Ziglibithy
Side A
Pieli
Golozo
C'estlavie
Zigubithy
Side B
Zibote
Zadie Bobo
Behdo
Lola
Gnizako
Assouna
I'd managed to live life blissfully ignorant of Ernesto Djédjé up until very recently. A trailblazer who combined indigenous Ivorian music with mainstream sounds (Congolese rumba aka soukous, which had been sweeping the continent), Djédjé blew peoples' minds with this 1977 joint. Ziglibithy was his brainchild, a new musical style. I really like this. Thanks to Seth.
(There are other versions of this available around the web but this tape includes 4 extra songs not found on the original LP. Purchase a good quality digital version here)
Awesome Tapes from Africa DJ sets on Tuesday, September 7 at FADER Bowl aka free show at Brooklyn Bowl starring the band Happy Birthday, 8pm-12am.
I will be in the UK in December, let me know if there's somewhere I should definitely bring my tapes.
