Sooo...yeah, Kenya kinda been all over my iTunes lately, which means it's the theme of our travels this week. Last night's mixtape was so much fun to make and research, I found so much unique, interesting and most impotantly, awesome music in my preparations that I'll just continue to share.
This fever for all things East African was really started by the announcement made last month that one of my favorite labels, Soundway Records, was getting set to release a new compilation called Kenya Special: Selected East African Recordings From The 1970s & '80s. These comps are my bread and butter, they often help propell my deepest explorations and this one helps fill the gaps in my sparse but dope lil collection of Kenyan musics.
Only problem, I couldn't find it. None of my devious means to promote dope music were turning up results...so I went digging. I didn't know much about who was who in Kenyan pop from the 60's 70's and 80's, but I aimed to find out. In the process, I found some fruits that shared in the Sunday mixtape; really different but undeniably dope music. Then right as I was set to make the mix, Soundway, as if reading my mind, sent me a lil sampler of the comp I was pining for. So it all worked out.
What's the big deal you ask? Here's what the folks over at Soundway have to say about their release:
Soundway Records present Kenya Special: Selected East African Recordings from the 1970s & ‘80s - a treasure-trove of rare and unusual recordings from East Africa. Spread out over two CDs and one triple LP, Kenya Special is accompanied by detailed liner notes, original artwork and photographs.It follows on from Soundway’s much acclaimed African ‘Special’ series that to date has focused on the highlife and afrobeat output from 1970s Nigeria and Ghana.
Kenya Special is a collection of 32 recordings (most of which were only ever released on small-run 45rpm 7" singles) that stand out as being different or unique as well as some classic genre standards. From Kikuyu language ‘liquid soul’, Luo benga and Swahili afrobeat to genre-bending Congolese and Tanzanian tracks recorded in Nairobi, Kenya Special sees Soundway yet again taking the less trodden path. Many of the tracks featured here are peppered with innovation and experimentation highlighting how diverse the music scene in Kenya was at the time.
In 1970s Kenya the two threads of rumba and benga loosely dominated the music scene. Benga quickly became Kenya’s unique contribution to afro-pop; spreading like wildfire through the interior countryside with it’s fast, 4/4 machine-gun beat and intricate electric guitar layers. The Congolese take on Afro-Cuban rumba was introduced by touring bands many of whom settled in East Africa - influencing bands from Kenya and Tanzania to come up with their own take on this popular style. Alongside these styles were small ensembles and hotel-sponsored bands, playing a blend of music that often included rock ‘n’ roll riffs, elements of ‘afro’ music (influenced by West African musicians like Fela Kuti), and multiple other combinations from South African and Zambian guitar styles to disco, funk and Swahili coastal rhythms like chakacha.
Painstakingly compiled, assembled and researched over two years by a team of five people from five countries (Kenya included), Kenya Special is a collection that looks beyond the mainstream and brings new life and recognition to some little known gems and forgotten classics of Kenya’s past.
All said however, the comp is really sounding great. They sent me some songs to share and share I did. At Noon I played the comp's opening cut, a funky instrumental from The Loi-Toki-Tok Band. At 1pm, I hit you with a gem, my new favorite song du jour Mbiri All Stars "Ndiri Ndangio Niwe." Enjoy 'em again. The album drops April 29th on Soundway Records, this is one to get!
The Loi-Toki-Tok Band "Ware Wa"
Mbiri All Stars "Ndiri Ndangio Niwe"
Tracklisting:
Kubara Kunesimba "Tinodzorera mbiri"
Daudi Kabaka "Kwaheri Bwana"
Steele Beautttah "Africa"
The Loi-Toki-Tok Band "Ware Wa" Kenya Special: Selected East African Recordings
Slim Ali & The Hodi Boys "Papas Land"
Sofrito Specials "Rift Valley Groove (Tropical Treats Edit)" Tropical Soundclash Vinyl
L'Orchestre Afro 70 "Bwanana Bibi Arusi"
Owiny Sigoma Band "Nabed Nade el Piny Ka" Sofrito - International Soundclash
Peter DeMathew "Nengereria Kane"
Kamaru "Mutondo Wa Wendo"
Rift Valley Brothers "Muhiki Waku Nitwendanire"
Kalambya Boys "Kivelenge (The Busy Twist Remix)"
Kakai Kilonzo "Mama Sofi Pt.2" THE ROUGH GUIDE TO THE MUSIC OF KENYA
Julius Kangethe Mumbi"
Peter Kigia "Reke Tumanwo"
Mbiri All Stars "Ndiri Ndangio Niwe" Kenya Special: Selected East African Recordings From The 1970s & '80s
Then there's this awesomeness...
