Name: African Funk Experimentals (1968-1982 / 2017)
Brand: Jo Tongo

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

asvn048cd

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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

2017-09-29

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier GB

Kudos

Tax rate GB

Standard:20

UPC / Barcode

Total Cap

1 / CD / Extended format: No / Rough Trade Exclusive: No / Signed copies: No

Artist

Jo Tongo

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.

Our hero, Jo Tongo (born Joseph Ekambi Tongo Mpondo) was born and raised in Douala Cameroon. In 1964 he headed off to Paris to begin Pharmaceutical studies. Somewhere along the way the music in his soul eventually won out and he embarked on a life of music. In the latest of our series of "Funk Experimentals" LPs we dig for the funk. Not necessarily the artists greatest hits but most definitely the funkiest ear benders. We proudly compile together tracks from 1968 to 3 new brand new exclusive tracks from present day 2017. And yes, they all have the funk. In spades. The album opens up with stunningly catchy Jangolo. Jo's awesomely funky bass and percussive "jangly" guitar. The track is underpinned by African drums, funky stabs and 70s nascent synthesiser string machines. Next up we take a trip to 1979 and "Funky Feeling" from Jo's "Those Flowers" album. Here the beats are big, the strings are sweet and the clavi is into overdrive. We then jump back to 1976 for the evergreen, horn-puncher, funk stomper "Piani". Before the sweet smooth funk of "Those Flowers". Next up is "American Lady" with the bright strings, jangly guitars and driving keys. All locked on to maximize the groove. We then take a trip back to 1968 for Jo's second single the ever so funky and ever so ahead of its time, "Dig It Babe". Soul, horns, groove and punch all in two perfect packages. Part 1 and Part 2. Next up it is the funk boogie afro swingers "Ewande". Bringing things up date we jump forward to 2017, present day. Jo has been making music more or less non-stop and here we are lucky to premier three brand new tracks. The drums are punchy, the guitars ooze the funk and the locked on keys tie the tracks together in one tight-as package. Jo is on the production and at the controls for the mix. "Lion Roar" is first with its driving clavinet and all-out-assault funky drums. The brass is big and this song is Bold with a capital "B". "It's The D Day" is next with swinging soul style groove before "Mystic Power" features a ballsy brass-laden beat and jazz funk overtones.

Many thanks Jo for choosing the music. Nearly 50 years at the top of the game.

African Funk Experimentals (1968-1982 / 2017)

Music GB