Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

ASVN068

Colour

Colour details

Discogs ID

Format multiplier

Download code

Download code: No

Rough Trade Exclusive

Rough Trade Exclusive: No

Extended format

Extended format: No

Format detail

Format Music GB

Limited edition

Release date

2018-10-26

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier GB

Kudos

Tax rate GB

Standard:20

UPC / Barcode

5055373542713

Total Cap

Artist

Afro National

Genre GB

African

Label GB

Africa Seven

Africa Seven is a world music re-issue label based in London and Paris. Founded by crate diggers John Bryan and Richard Elson, the label focuses on re-releasing rare and forgotten African tracks from the 70s and 80s. With an extensive catalog of vinyl releases, Africa Seven brings these hidden gems back to life for a new generation of music lovers.

With a passion for African music, Africa Seven strives to preserve the rich cultural heritage of the continent. The label's team of dedicated crate diggers scours record stores, flea markets, and private collections to unearth rare recordings that deserve recognition. Each release is carefully remastered to ensure the highest quality sound while staying true to the original recordings.

Whether you're a seasoned collector or new to African music, Africa Seven offers something for everyone. From Afrobeat and highlife to funk and disco, their diverse range of releases showcases the incredible talent that emerged from Africa during this vibrant era. Discover *Africa Seven* today and embark on a musical journey through the captivating sounds of Africa.

Newest Listed Items

The Afro National band was formed in Freetown, Sierra Leone in 1972.  Their inspirational leader, Sulay Abu Bakarr accompanied by his wife Patricia and Ayo Roy Macauley split from the Sabanoh Jazz Band to form their new group.  They skillfully merged highlife and jazz sounds with a deep knowledge of  West African sounds. Growing to become one of the premiere bands to emerge from Sierra Leone they not only defined the sound of the country for a generation but also crafted some of the country's most popular and memorable songs (for example Sonjo which is included on this collection).

The band toured extensively throughout Africa and Europe in the 70s (working with the giant of Sierra Leone music Akie Deen in the process). Towards the end of the 70s the band departed Sierra Leone;  Sulay and his wife moving to Maryland in the US and other members moving to London.

Our collection focuses on possibly not the best known songs of the band but the tracks which have the rhythms to move the dance floor.  We open with the foot tapping "Jokenge" and its driving shuffle beat, swirling organ and percussive guitar lines.  "Push Am Forward" takes a afro-psychadelic turn with its hypnotic rhythms and driving distorted guitar.   "Mr Who You Be" is a cover of the Fela Kuti track, doing it fine justice. "Gowa" highlights the vocal prowess of the band, as dose the ever popular "Sonjo" (the version featured here is a rare alternate recording).

"Money Palava" opens up side two with its infectious highlife beat and hooky vocals. "Money Nor Bataya" highlights the bands first use of synthesizers.  "Mother In Law" sweeps up back to Free Town 1973 with its clever vocal.  "Set My Soul On Fire" is a bonus track which brings in the International flavour of the band. 

The Afro National band continues in various guises to this day,  with Sulay and Patricia acting as the proud and talismanic figures for a whole generation of Sierra Leonean music.

African Experimentals (1972-1979)

Music GB

Discover African Experimentals (1972-1979) by Afro National. Vinyl records from Africa Seven. Experience the fusion of highlife and jazz with West African sounds.