Labels

PMG

  • 01. Sensation
    02. Tropical Moonlight
    03. Ijere
    04. Cupid
    05. Litany Of Freedom
    06. Happy Nigeria
    cover

    ADOLF AHANOTU

    Sensation

    [engl] At a time when bandleaders in Nigeria used titles as an affectation, Dr. Adolf Ahanotu was the real deal. He had a PhD in music compilation and Master’s degrees in education and communication. He also played a mean tenor sax, an instrument he mastered touring Owerri with the Mirabels. Ahanotu’s scholarly background is apparent in the impeccable arrangements and the way each track is labelled with its musical type. The banging opening track, ‘Sensation’ is disco, notes the helpful doctor. The legendary ‘Ijere’ is to be considered Remire or Afro Jazz. ‘Litany of Freedom’ is reggae, ‘Cupid’ is rock and ‘Tropical Moonlight’ classified as the blues. The mandatory ode to the nation, ‘Happy Nigeria’, is labelled as calypso. But these are not dry, scholarly pieces. ‘Sensation’ reeks of dance floor freakiness not the hallowed halls of academia. And listen to the pitch bend craziness on ‘Injere’. Sure, Dr. Ahanotu had studied the rules. But he wasn’t afraid to break them. From the freaked-out opening seconds of the title track you are left in no doubt: The doctor is in the house. Mastered and produced by Goddy Oku. - Peter Moore
    Format
    LP
    Release-Datum
    11.05.2017
    EAN
    EAN 0710473190909
    Format
    CD
    Release-Datum
    11.05.2017
    EAN
    EAN 0710473190916
     
  • 01. Awedny
    02. Njoom Al Leyel
    03. Nisyan
    04. La Ya-Hob
    05. Yumma
    06. Shams
    07. Ya Blady
    08. Sinini
    09. Summar Al Layali
    10. Falah
    11. Al Hob
    12. Ya Hussad
    cover

    AHMED FAKROUN

    Ahmed Fakroun

    [engl] Insanely popular across the Maghreb, name-checked in international spy novels and beloved of music adventurers like David Byrne, Libyan superstar Ahmed Fakroun is the most astounding raï-disco-electronica pioneer you never heard of. His 1983 album, Mots D'Amour, recently reissued by PMG, is regarded as a global fusion classic. This self-titled anthology of songs from the late 70’s is an altogether mellower affair. The grooves are slower and sweeter, and Fakroun’s multi-instrumentalist chops on the saz, mandol and darbouka drum really come to the fore. The album includes tracks from two of Ahmed’s rarest and most sought-after 7”s. ‘Nysan’ has an almost West Coast vibe: think Ned Doheny via Benghazi. Balearic-minded collectors will love the haunting flute runs in ‘Awedny’, produced by Tommy Vance, and ‘Njoom Al Leyel’. There’s even a touch of lilting reggae on ‘Falah’ and ‘Yu Hussad.’ Ahmend Fakroun is the perfect late night, come-down album. Especially after a hot and sweaty evening in a raï club, somewhere in North Africa.
    Format
    LP
    Release-Datum
    05.08.2016
    EAN
    EAN 0710473190565
    Format
    CD
    Release-Datum
    05.08.2016
    EAN
    EAN 0710473190572
     
  • 01. Jama Al' F'Na
    02. Kalimat Hob
    03. Gelty
    04. Fil Moden Al Kabira
    05. Love Words
    06. Soleil Soleil
    07. Ya Leyel Leyel
    08. Oyunic
    cover

    AHMED FAKROUN

    Mots D'Amour

    Die arabische Welt bescherte uns in den siebziger und achtziger Jahren einige äußerst interessante Rock – und Pop-Acts. Ahmed Fakroun aus Libyen ist einer der bekanntesten. Sein Album von 1983, dessen Titel auf Englisch ‘’Love Words’’ bedeutet erzielt unter Sammlern Preise bis zu 500 Euro für ein Exemplar in gutem Zustand. Cooler Ethno-Pop mit orientalischen Einflüssen, der Dank der nun vorliegenden Re-Issue von Fans zu einem erschwinglichen Preis erstanden werden kann. “Mots d'Amour” kann es problemlos mit vielen europäischen Releases aus der gleichen Zeit aufnehmen.
    Format
    LP
    Release-Datum
    08.04.2016
    EAN
    EAN 0710473190046
     
  • 01. Unity
    02. His Highness Erediauwa 1 Oba Of Benin (Part 1)
    03. His Highness Erediauwa 1 Oba Of Benin (Part 2)
    04. Gratitude
    cover

    AIGBE LEBARTY

    Unity

    [engl] In 1979, long-time Highlife veteran Aigbe Lebarty decided to try his hand at high-energy disco funk. Checking the Lebartone Aces at the door, he borrowed the Sex Bombers from Prince Omo Lawal-Osula and created Unity, a sure-fire dance floor stomper that channels ‘Ring My Bell’ into a clarion cry for, well, unity ... and a good time. The title track is the undisputed highlight of the album. It rattles along in a wonky, skittish fashion, with the high-pitched toms dueling with the Sex Bombers in a musical game of Space Invaders. ‘His Highness Erediauwa 1 Oba Of Benin (Part 1 &2)’, sees Aigbe slips back into Highlife like a comfortable pair of slippers. The tracks were a gift to Erediauwa, who had just been crowned the 38th ruler of the Edo people in Benin City. Like eastern Nigeria, Benin City had remained a haven for highlife, so no surprises there. Spookily, the re-issue of this album by PMG coincides with the passing of his Highness Erediauwa 1 and the coronation of his successor. There is no word whether a follow-up is in the works.
    Format
    LP
    Release-Datum
    01.11.2016
    EAN
    EAN 0710473190503
    Format
    CD
    Release-Datum
    01.11.2016
    EAN
    EAN 0710473190510
     
  • 01. Celebration
    02. Let's Be Free
    03. Miss Selfishness
    04. Groove The Funk
    05. Centepede
    06. Love
    07. We're Laughing
    cover

    AKTION

    Celebration

    [engl] Mix righteous fuzz guitar, bad-ass keyboards and ecstatic African rhythms and what have you got? Celebration by Aktion - a slab of of heavy Afro-funk-pysch-rock from the hardest working band in 70s Nigeria. Aktion had a residency at the Lido Night Club and Restaurant in Warri but toured constantly. Drummer Ben Alaka and Bass player Renny Pearl Nwosa created a bedrock of hardcore rhythm that allowed the rest of the band to cut loose and follow their own groove. Celebration, their second album, sees Aktion at the height of their powers. Ben Alaka had claimed his crown as the best drummer in the country (Proof: the intro to ?Centepede?), keyboardist Zeaky George has got his freak on (have a listen to ?We?re Laughing?) and Jimi Lee?s searing guitar breaks were leaving scorch marks across every track (?Celebration?, ?Groove The Funk?, take your pick.) Sadly, Celebration was also their last album. Renny and Lemmy left to form The Stormmers. Jimmi Lee hooked up with Mona Finnih and discovered disco. But Celebration remains a psych rock monster - and a funky, fuzz-filled tribute to Nigeria?s rocking east. - Peter Moore, www.africanrevolutions.com
    Format
    CD
    Release-Datum
    22.01.2018
    EAN
    EAN 0710473191159
    Format
    LP
    Release-Datum
    22.01.2018
    EAN
    EAN 0710473191142
     
  • 01. Groove The Funk
    02. Sugar Daddy
    03. I Don't Have To Cry
    04. My Baby
    05. I've Got To Hope For Tomorrow
    06. Masqurade
    07. I'm In Love
    08. Tell Me Baby
    09. Play With Me
    cover

    AKTION

    Groove The Funk

    [engl] Groove the Funk is a essential and influencal early Afro-Funk LPs from 1975. The album was released in Nigeria and the whole LP is really something excitingly special, carrying a unique style of fuzz guitar and keyboard with ecstasy rhythms that can be experienced only from the heart of Africa. Nigeria had a rich musical history with a variety of bands that were playing their unique Afro-Funk with incredible rhythms. In Aktion's case thanks to one of the best drummers of that time, Ben Alaka. Sadly most of the scene vanished like in Zambia and their Zam Rock scene, but thanks to collectors worldwide a part of Nigerian music heritage remained with us to be enjoyed. One of the most explosive bands were Aktion (also known as The Action 13 or The Actions). They were from Warri, which is a city in south Nigeria and their debut album was released by Clover Recording Organization from city of Aba. Clover Records founder Ben Okonkwo was a very influential man for the Nigerian music scene. His label released a lot of music including (Super)Wings, Akwassa, The Visitors, Mary Afi Usuah, Folk 77, The Doves, The Apostles, Mansion as well as some fine compilations of Clover artists. Aktion were among the most exciting bands coming from the scene. Renny Pearl Nwosa was the group's leader together with Lemmy Faith Nwani, who was a well respected drummer playing even for the best known Nigerian Funk band The Funkees (soon out on PMG). Renny and Lemmy together also formed the band The Stormmers, who recorded 2 incredible albums (also out soon on PMG). Aktion were playing all across their part of the country. Nigeria had a very well known club called Lido Night Club and Restaurant and AKTION were staying there for awhile. They played many college campuses all around Nigeria and also many villages to entertain Eastside students. Aktion later on recorded and successfully released another album Celebration in 1977 (out soon on PMG as well) and then some members moved on to join The Stormmers and One World. Groove the Funk is a very exciting intervention in one of the most exploding scenes coming from Africa. It's afrobeat in its best form mixed with amazing funky-psych grooves. Lot's of fuzz guitar and bad-ass keyboard playing. Certainly a great look into Nigerian scene.
    Format
    CD
    Release-Datum
    25.07.2016
    EAN
    EAN 0710473190220
    Format
    LP
    Release-Datum
    25.07.2016
    EAN
    EAN 0710473190176
     
  • 01. Funky Girl
    02. Be Yourself (And Don't Let Nobody Be You)
    03. Feel Alone
    04. Orule
    05. La'Ila (Poor Man's Cry)
    06. Tell Me
    07. I Don't Want No-Body (To Tell Me What To Do)
    cover

    AKWASSA

    La'ila

    [engl] Akwassa were among the best Afro-Beat bands coming from Nigeria. They released La'ila in 1975 and were one of the early Nigerian Funk bands to get an album out. They were related to the Heads Funk Band and most members were part of both bands. They managed to release two albums as Akwassa. Their debut La'ila came out on a well known Afro-Beat label Afrodisia Records. Akwassa were originally a duo made of Felix Day (guitar and vocals) and Kevin Coburn (organ, synthesizer and vocals). Felix Day is actually Feladey, the guitarist in Aktion (another top notch Nigerian band reissued by PMG). On La'ila the band used a lot of synthesizers and the overall sound is very pleasing. Overall the album has a raw and unpolished sound, but that's what brings that certain spark for being among the very best in the Afro-Beat genre.
    Format
    CD
    Release-Datum
    25.07.2016
    EAN
    EAN 0710473190275
    Format
    LP
    Release-Datum
    25.07.2016
    EAN
    EAN 0710473190251
     
  • 01. N'Gwode
    02. Keep New York Clean
    03. Mothers Day
    04. Home Sweet Home
    cover

    ALEKE KANONU

    Aleke

    [engl] After spending much of the ‘70s humping his congos around New York as a session musician, Nigerian Aleke Kanonu pulled in some favours to record an album of his own. The result was Aleke, a criminally obscure Afrobeat/Funk/Jazz masterpiece featuring Buddy Williams on drums, George Davis on guitar and a cameo from Wynton Marsalis on flugelhorn. There are only four tracks on the album but they are all killers. N’Gwode sounds like Fela Kuti and Manu Dibangu hanging out with Bobby Womack, probably somewhere across 110th Street. ‘Keep New York Clean’ struts like Shaft after a successful bust. And ‘Mothers Day’ keeps things sweet and soulful, before Wynton Marsalis brings back the groove with his flugelhorn on ‘Home Sweet Home’. Until recently you would have had to take out a second mortgage to get hold of Akele. And sold a kidney for the Happiness/Nwanne, Nwanne, Nwanne 12’’ Kanonu released a year later. Thankfully PMG has re-issued the LP and the EP, with the CD version containing both.
    Format
    CD
    Release-Datum
    25.07.2016
    EAN
    EAN 0710473190381
    Format
    LP
    Release-Datum
    25.07.2016
    EAN
    EAN 0710473190398
     
  • 01. Happiness
    02. Nwanne, Nwanne, Nwanne
    cover

    ALEKE KANONU meets TOLBERT, THE MIRACLE MAN

    Happiness / Nwanne, Nwanne, Nwanne

    [engl] Bringing together the undisputed talents of Nigerian percussionist Aleke Kanonu and soul legend from Alabama, O.C. Tolbert, this 12” created quite the buzz when it was released in New York in 1982. Shops and leading DJs were clamouring for it, but short supply saw it disappear into obscurity. The A-side, ‘Happiness’ is an uptown style Gospel ballad where Tolbert’s gravelly, soulful voice channels years of hurt an pain. The B-side, ‘Nwanne, Nwanne, Nwanne’, is an Afrobeat disco monster that rattles along on the back of Kananu’s awesome percussion skills. Both tracks were written and produced by Jack Taylor, a producer, songwriter and purported gangster from Harlem and released on his own label. This reissue comes courtesy of the good folk of PMG, purportedly cool guys, based in Austria.
    Format
    12''
    Release-Datum
    01.11.2016
    EAN
    EAN 0710473190541
     
  • 01. Children
    02. Fire And Rain
    03. Ereyon
    04. Slow Down
    05. For You
    06. Politican
    07. Listen
    08. Spending My Life
    cover

    AMAS

    Grill

    [engl] Grill by Gbubemi Amas is as smooth as the red cardigan artfully slung around his shoulders on the cover. Whether he is running through the scales on a cover version of ‘Fire and Rain’, or trying on his calypso highlife moves on ‘Ereyon’, you know Amas is a man with a smooth line for every occasion. He is also a man with impeccable enunciation. Listen to ‘Slow Down’. It features one of the most cultured sound checks you will ever hear in your life – “Willy, keep the bass a little bit tighter”. That Amas is now a theatre producer and writer in Cardiff in Wales will come as no surprise. ‘Slow Down’ is a stone cold class, and an undoubted highlight, just as it was on the excellent Comb & Razor compilation, Brand New Wayo. ‘Children’ is a bright dancefloor filler. So is ‘For You’. And ‘Listen’ showcases Amas’s disco ball cassanova moves. Articulate, cultured and classy, Grill is proof that in 80s Nigeria was producing a class of boogie funk that was as sophisticated as anywhere in the world.
    Format
    LP
    Release-Datum
    15.12.2016
    EAN
    EAN 0710473190602
    Format
    CD
    Release-Datum
    15.12.2016
    EAN
    EAN 0710473190619
     
  • 01. Never Too Late
    02. Play Girl
    03. Inflation
    04. Trust In God
    05. Highway To Success
    06. Mr Guest Of Honour
    07. Don't Worry
    08. Good Encouragement
    cover

    APOSTLES

    Apostles

    [engl] The Apostles were disciples of a heavy kind of psychedelic soul/rock fusion. After The Funkees left for London, they stepped into the breach to become the champions of East Nigeria’s flourishing post-war music scene. Based in Aba, and led by guitarist and charismatic chancer Walton Arungwa, they laid down a couple of singles with the city’s newly-formed BEN label. EMI liked what they heard and in 1976 whisked the band to Lagos to record The Apostles with the legendary Emmanual Odenusi at the controls. A heavy mix of wailing guitar, swirling organ and James Brown-style vocals, it became a fixture in every east Nigerian home. ‘Never Too Late’ sets the stage with a scorching lead break that most believe was played by guitar-slinger-for-hire, Felix ‘Feladay’ Odey. Drummer Joel Madubuike and bass player Henry Tandu lay down the rock solid groove for Benji Davidson’s righteous organ lines in ‘Inflation’ and ‘Highway to Success.’ And each is invested with an urgency from battle-hardened vocals of Chyke Fussion, a vetran of the Biafra war. Don’t be fooled by the angelic white outfits worn on the cover of The Apostles. These guys were BAD. And ‘Never Too Late’ could well be the best Afro Rock song ever recorded.
    Format
    LP
    Release-Datum
    01.11.2016
    EAN
    EAN 0710473191333
    Format
    CD
    Release-Datum
    01.11.2016
    EAN
    EAN 0710473191340
     
  • 01. Banko Woman
    02. Friend Today Enemy Tomorrow
    03. Mr Too Know
    04. Faith, Luck & Music
    05. Yours Sincerely
    06. Disciple Funk
    cover

    APOSTLES

    Banko Woman

    [engl] Heaven sent from Nigeria?s tumultuous east, The Apostles have been preaching a particular blend of funky psychedelic soulock fusion for over forty years. On Banko Woman they threw a little Afrobeat into the mix, creating an Afro-Funk disco bomb that has been energising dance floors ever since. The title track finds the band at the height of their powers. Stung by the acclaim Felix ?Feladay? Odey got for the searing guitar lead on ?Never Too Late?, Walton Arungwa is a man possessed, trading licks with keyboardist Benjamin Nnamdi Davidson and sounding all the world like a Nigerian Carlos Santana. The players in the rhythm section, Henry Asu Tandu, Chicago Nwoha and Harrison Mba, are tight and relentless, keeping their heads so everyone else can lose theirs. Of course, you don?t stay successful as long as The Apostles without giving the audience what they want. On Banko Woman, that?s a country song for mum and dad (?Mr Too Know?) and a couple of earnest, plaintive tracks for emotional challenged chaps to dedicate to their girlfriends (?Yours Sincerely? and ?Friend Today, Enemy Tomorrow?). You also finish on a high. ?Disciple Funk?, is almost a religious experience, an 8-minute long instrumental wig that will have you flipping the record back to side one and starting all over again. - Peter Moore, www.africanrevolutions.com
    Format
    CD
    Release-Datum
    06.11.2017
    EAN
    EAN 0710473191753
    Format
    LP
    Release-Datum
    20.10.2017
    EAN
    EAN 0710473191715
     
  • 01. Gimme Some Lovin'
    02. Get Up And Dance Salsa
    03. Jeannie My Love
    04. This World Is For No One
    05. Rock And Roll Birthday
    06. We Need Freedom
    cover

    BAAD JOHN CROSS

    New Revolution - Chapter One

    [engl] Baad John Cross?s New Revolution is a Afro-electro-funk-boogie-disco banger that could only come from 1980s Nigeria. Bright, optimistic, with an unrelenting eye on the dance floor, it is regarded by many as a prototype of the electro rhythms that would become the signature sound of Nigerian boogie. A Cameroonian by birth, Cross arrived in Lagos a cheeky smile, a pair of white dungarees and a bag full of songs. After proving his chops with uncredited session work, he signed with the legendary Coconut label, hooked up with producer Modjo Isidore and created a stone cold boogie classic in New Revolution. ?Gimme Some Lovin? and ?Get Up And Dance Salsa? (briefly a dance craze in Lagos, apparently) are dance floor classics, ?Jeanie My Love? the obligatory love ballad and ?We Need Freedom? a Marleyesque call for peace across the continent. The real surprise is ?Rock n Roll Birthday?, a rockabilly number straight out of 80?s London. (The cover photo has a similar vibe.) Sadly, New Revolution was to be Baad John Cross?s only album. He was soon back in Cameroon, eking out a career as a session musician, but not before creating one of the freshest Nigerian boogie albums ever made. - Peter Moore, www.africanrevolutions.com
    Format
    CD
    Release-Datum
    22.01.2018
    EAN
    EAN 0710473191104
    Format
    LP
    Release-Datum
    22.01.2018
    EAN
    EAN 0710473191111
     
  • 01. Ikon Allah
    02. Yo Gboko
    03. Igwhe
    04. All Work No Play
    05. Opportunity Knocks
    06. Stretch Your Nose
    cover

    BALA MILLER AND THE GREAT MUSIC PIRAMEEDS OF AFRICA

    Pyramids

    [engl] Bala Miller was famous for pushing boundaries. His first job was selling beer in the Muslim north. And as a musician he'd always try to sneak in 'local' flourishes while playing trumpet with Bobby Benson and Victor Olaiya. It was with his band, the Pirameeds, however, that he was able to realise his dream of incorporating northern tunes into mainstream highlife. Honed razor sharp from a residency at the Costain Club in Kuduna, the band recorded Pyramids, a breathtaking fusion of Hausa rhythms, jazz and funk. With its haunting trumpet line, tribal drums and imploring Hausa chants, 'Ikon Allah', the power of God, is Bala Miller vision writ large. 'Yo Gboko' is a New York-style street drama, played out on the dusty streets of Northern Nigeria. 'Opportunity Knocks' is a playful burst of ska and 'Stretch Your Nose' is a raucous James Brown fable about the dangers of lying. Bala Miller went on to become one of Nigeria's best-loved personalities. The Costain Club became a renowned meeting place for northern musicians. But his greatest legacy remain Pyramids, an opus that introduced Hausa rhythms and stories to the rest of Nigeria.
    Format
    LP
    Release-Datum
    15.12.2016
    EAN
    EAN 0710473191456
    Format
    CD
    Release-Datum
    15.12.2016
    EAN
    EAN 0710473191463
     
  • 01. Alpha And Omega
    02. Soul Fever
    03. Unqualified
    04. Guns For Freedom
    05. Love And Peace
    06. Get Up And Dance
    cover

    BENIS CLETIN

    Alpha & Omega

    [engl] In the mid eighties FM radio stations took over the airwaves in Nigeria. They wanted fresh new styles to play andin creasingly radio personalities like Bisi Olatilo, Ruime Effetie and Shea Martins were turning to reggae. Nigeria’s Freak Father Number One, Benis Cletin, saw the writing on the wall and created his deeply philosophical roots reggae opus, ‘Alpha & Omega’. Benis delivered a set of songs that tapped unashamedly into reggae’s message of peace and love. The title track is a philosophical opus on the state of the world and how to live in it. ‘Unqualified’ warns against letting others tell you how to live. ‘Guns for Freedom’ is more militant call to arms, undercut by a lilting flute line from the legendary Eji Oyewole. Benis didn’t completely abandon his freaky, funky roots. ‘Soul Fever’ is a slab of synth-driven boogie and ‘Get Up And Dance’ is pure funk with that typical Benis freak edge. But overall, ‘Alhpa and Omega’ is designed to soothe the minds of the oppressed in this unjust world - an African roots reggae classic that sounded great on FM radio.
    Format
    LP
    Release-Datum
    06.09.2018
    EAN
    EAN 0710473191234
    Format
    CD
    Release-Datum
    06.09.2018
    EAN
    EAN 0710473191227
     
  • 01. Ganja (Ganja)
    02. 5th Bethoven Africana
    03. Boogie Fever
    04. Dance For Love
    05. African Hustle
    06. Shake Shake Shake
    cover

    BENIS CLETIN

    Jungle Magic

    [engl] Considered an acid boogie classic, Jungle Magic is a cosmic transmission from the early days of Nigerian disco. The bass lines are lethal. The synths are fat and squelchy. And the groove is non-stop and primal. Channeling the jungle gods of funk and introducing them to Donna Summers, the title track, ‘Jungle Magic’, takes you to a freaky place you didn’t know existed but never want to leave. ‘Love Forever’ brings a Calypso party vibe while ‘Fireman’ suggests Prince may have been listening to Benis when he wrote ‘Alphabet Street’. The album was composed and produced by Benis Cletin. He also played guitar and synthesizer and sang lead vocals. George Achini from the Mighty Flames stars on bass and Mambo Sticks, Nigeria’s leading disco drummer, lays down the rock solid grooves. Benis went on to release three more albums, which will be re-issued by PMG soon. Jungle Magic remains the album where he introduced his irresistible brand of psychedelic disco funk to world.
    Format
    CD
    Release-Datum
    25.07.2016
    EAN
    EAN 0710473190329
    Format
    LP
    Release-Datum
    25.07.2016
    EAN
    EAN 0710473190336
     
  • 01. It's Time For Nation Building
    02. National Pledge
    03. 1979
    04. Calling Health Men/ Police
    05. Tears In The Ghetto
    06. Dedicated To You
    cover

    BERKELY IKE JONES

    Nation Building

    [engl] Nation Building is a real forgotten gem from the late '70s and is among the very best Afro-Beat Disco Lps ever. Berkely Ike Jones is one of the icons of the Nigerian scene being the guitarist and founder of BLO (forthcoming on PMG). BLO were one of the very best progressive bands from Nigeria and managed to release several albums for EMI (Nigeria) and Afrodisia Records. BLO are definitely a ground-breaking band, that managed to further establish the entire Afro-Funk genre. At the time Ginger Baker of Cream went to travel to Nigeria and invited Berkely Ike Jones to be part of session-band Salt. They went back to UK and toured in Europe. Berkely Ike Jones played with many bands like with Ofege on their Try and Love album and he also appeared on many other great albums by artists like Steve Black, Lijadu Sisters, Tee Mac, Kris Okotie, Sonny Okosuns Ozziddi, 'Blackman' Akeeb Kareem, Mixed Grill, Don Bruce And The Angels and Felix Lebarty. Nation Building is his solo project recorded in the late 1970s on Skylark Records. The original LP is extremely rare and very expensive, so this is your chance to grab your copy and listen to some really great Afro-Beat music.
    Format
    CD
    Release-Datum
    25.07.2016
    EAN
    EAN 0710473190244
    Format
    LP
    Release-Datum
    25.07.2016
    EAN
    EAN 0710473190206
     
  • 01. Living With Friends
    02. Te Revior
    03. Rain
    04. She's Got All I Want
    05. Free Love
    06. Revolution
    cover

    BETA YAMA GROUP, THE

    Free Love

    [engl] It’s hard to get a handle on Nigerian musicians Nash Dodoo, Charlie Cuul and Jonas Caulley. In 1980 they released an album of face-melting gospel boogie as the BML chapels. And in the same year, calling themselves the Beta Yama Group, they put out Free Love, a belated love letter to San Francisco’s Summer of Love and an album altogether focused on more worldly concerns. Free Love is a small slice of Haight-Ashbury transported to the Polygram Studios in Lagos. ‘Te Revoir’ is Mamas and Papas jamming with Sergeant Pepper’s Beatles. ‘Free Love’ offers a respectful nod towards Je T’aime-era Serge Gainsbourg. Sure, ‘Revolution’ gets hard and funky and ‘Rain’ flirts briefly with a calypso reggae sound, but the majority of the album is cheesecloth and flowers in your hair. Insanely rare – and worth buying for the freaky cover art alone – Free Love is a funky, reverb heavy call for love, peace and sweet, sweet loving. What more could you want from an album?
    Format
    LP
    Release-Datum
    02.03.2017
    EAN
    EAN 0710473190664
    Format
    CD
    Release-Datum
    02.03.2017
    EAN
    EAN 0710473190671
     
  • 01. Boogie Saturday
    02. In Search Of Yesterday
    03. The Eye That Can't See
    04. Working Together
    05. Instrumental
    cover

    BLACK CHILDREN SLEDGE FUNK GROUP

    Vol. 3: Aviation Grand Father

    [engl] In the mid-seventies Nigeria, everybody loved the Black Children Sledge Funk Co. Band. Blasting out of the bustling river port of Onitsha, their infectious, feel-good grooves were the perfect antidote to the dark economic clouds gathering over the country. Nigerians, young and old, lapped it up. Every member of the band had played with The Strangers. Michael Hammedatha Moore, sang and wrote the songs. Daniel Carlos Yakubu played guitar. Jerry Freeman Nwokolo was on keyboards. And Benson Teteh played the drums. As a gimmick, everyone in the band changed their last name to Black. They didn’t need to. Their music ­– a sunny African blend of jazz, R’n’B, rock and funk – was extraordinary enough. ‘Boogie Saturday’ is a Kool & The Gang-style celebration, guaranteed to get even the most reluctant dancer up on the floor. ‘In Search Of Yesterday’, ‘The Eye That Can’t See’ and ‘Working Together’ bring the meaning to the groove, before an instrumental provides a suitably sweaty finale. Ask any Nigerian and they’ll tell you: Vol. 3 Aviation Grand Father is a party on a platter. Put it on and get yours started.
    Format
    LP
    Release-Datum
    15.12.2016
    EAN
    EAN 0710473191395
    Format
    CD
    Release-Datum
    15.12.2016
    EAN
    EAN 0710473191401
     
  • 01. Back In Time
    02. Dance In A Circle
    cover

    BLO

    Back in Time

    [engl] The cover tells you everything you need to know about this stomping double-sider. It’s as white as Travolta’s Saturday Night Fever suit with the band’s name emblazoned in gold across the front. We’re talking early 80’s sophistication here, with a killer groove designed to let you show off all your moves and still look as classy as hell. By the late 70s and early 80s, disco was king in Nigeria and BLO were under pressure to follow the trend. Typically, they did it their own way, with slinky bass lines, Nile Rodgers guitar licks and a beat guaranteed to make you move. The Afrobeat and psyche rock stylings were gone, but the tightness and funkiness that comes from laying down rock hard grooves for over a decade remains. Long out of circulation, with copies going for silly money on Discogs, this killer 12” is back through PMG. You know what to do. Whack it on your turntable, ‘Go Back In Time’ and ‘Dance In A Circle’.
    Format
    12''
    Release-Datum
    01.11.2016
    EAN
    EAN 0710473190558
     
  • 01. Trace Of Suicide
    02. Scandi Boogie
    03. You're So Kind
    04. Music Makes You Happy
    05. Number One
    06. Save Me
    07. Move Up
    08. I Miss Your Lovin'
    cover

    BLO

    Phase IV

    [engl] Phase IV is BLO at the height of their not inconsiderable powers. Buzzing after a hugely successful tour of Denmark and Norway, the Afro Funk trio returned to London in 1975 and headed straight into the Orange Studios to get the magic down on tape. BLO had been fixtures on the Nigerian scene since they started out as Clusters International in 1970. The original ‘O’ in the band, bassist Mike Odumosu, had left to join Osibisa by Phase IV, (although he appears on the cover and gets a vocal credit) and was replaced by velvet-voiced keyboardist, Otu Udofa. Berkley Jones’s guitar work is still immense – have a listen to ‘Scandi Boogie’ and ‘Music Make You Happy’. And the sweet breakdowns by drummer Laolu Akins on ‘Number One’ made it an instant B-Boy Breakdance classic. Rightly regarded as the holy grail of Afro Boogie, Phase IV is an extraordinary blend of highlife, rock, blues and soul that sounds just as good through headphones as it does on the dancefloor. Turn it up loud. - Peter Moore, www.africanrevolutions.com / "These guys were known as CLUSTERS INTERNATIONAL when I was their lead singer in Lagos in 1970. We then moved with TEE MAC and started THE AFRO COLLECTION under a new management. They later changed the music scene in Nigeria when they started a very funky three piece band known as B L O. They were very tight and played Nigerian funk which is a blend of highlife, rock with a trace of blues. It wasn't a surprise when they quickly conquered Lagos and other parts of Nigeria with their unique style of music and performance and moved to London where Phase 4 was recorded. Before this they had several hits in Nigeria. After a very successful tour of six cities in Denmark and four cities in Norway, they returned to London and straight into Orange Studios where Phase 4 was recorded. This vinyl in your hand is that very Phase 4 album. It is the accumulation of many years of experience with their unique style of music. It is dancable, you can also sit down and listen to it, you can party with it too. Which ever way, B L O Phase 4 is sure to blow your mind.
    Format
    CD
    Release-Datum
    25.07.2016
    EAN
    EAN 0710473190343
    Format
    LP
    Release-Datum
    25.07.2016
    EAN
    EAN 0710473190350
     
  • 01. Boju Boju
    02. Scott Angel
    03. Where Is The Answer
    04. Light My Fire
    05. Make It True Love
    06. No Place To Hide
    cover

    BURNIS

    Light My Fire

    [engl] Search the name ?Burnis Moleme' and the returns are sparse. You?ll discover that his track ?Where Is The Answer? appeared on Soundway?s excellent Nigerian disco compilation, Doin? It In Lagos. And there are a few entries about this PMG re-issue of Light My Fire. But other than that, he seems to have disappeared off the face of the earth. He?s not even a minister of religion, the career path most Nigerian stars from the 80s chose to follow. Thankfully, we still have Light My Fire. Produced by former Funkee Jake Sollo and backed by a hot team of session musos including Friday Pozo, Nkono Teles and Joseph ?Jojo? Kuo, Burnis delivered a slab of slick Afro Disco Boogie for the ages. ?Boju Boju? and ?Where Is The Answer? would start a party on any dance floor, while the title track would keep you on it until dawn. Burnis had a sensitive side too, showcased on tracks like ?Scott Angel? and ?No Place To Hide?. I suspect Burnis Moleme was simply a casualty of the Nigerian label wars between EMI, Phondisk and Tabansi in the early 80?s. Tabansi hoped that Burnis might be the next Kris Okotie, but Felix Liberty took that mantle instead. But that does take away from what ?Light My Fire? is ? a beautifully produced slice of Nigerian disco boogie by a guy who could write catchy songs, sing like a sex god and look good in a shiny purple suit. - Peter Moore, www.africanrevolutions.com
    Format
    CD
    Release-Datum
    06.11.2017
    EAN
    EAN 0710473191081
    Format
    LP
    Release-Datum
    20.10.2017
    EAN
    EAN 0710473191098
     
  • 01. Funk With Me
    02. Weak For You
    03. Sat,Nite (Is A Party Nite)
    04. Tribute To Bob Marley
    05. 10 Years In Love
    06. Don't Make Me Cry
    cover

    DANNY OFFIA

    Funk With Me

    [engl] Danny Offia?s Funk With Me is a prime slab of Nigerian Boogie. Sinewy and urbane, it?s the soundtrack of Lagos in the early eighties. The city was awash with oil money, clubs were booming and every night was a party night ? the perfect place for a man with a great voice, a white suit and seductively-clutched packet of B&H Golds. Funk With Me was recorded in London with a crack team of session musicians. Drummer Blair Cunningham was from Memphis and had played with Robert Johnson. Sax player Ray Carless was regarded as the London jazz scene?s best-kept secret. Engineer Duncan Bridgeman would go on to work with Duran Duran. Danny Offia brought the songs and the Lagos attitude. ?Funk With Me? is a certified party starter. ?10 Years In Love? and ?Weak For You? are sophisticated groovers. ?Sat Nite (Is A Party Nite)? is guaranteed to get any girl on the dancefloor, while ?Don?t Make Me Cry? is smooth enough take her home. Funk With Me is Lagos in an album ? cosmopolitan, sexy and witty with an energy and spirit, all of its own. - Peter Moore, www.africanrevolutions.com
    Format
    CD
    Release-Datum
    06.11.2017
    EAN
    EAN 0710473191043
    Format
    LP
    Release-Datum
    15.07.2017
    EAN
    EAN 0710473191050
     
  • 01. Mr. Love
    02. God Of Mercy
    03. Time Is Come
    04. You Turn Me On
    05. Get Ready
    06. Know Thyself
    cover

    EFFI DUKE & THE LOVE FAMILY

    Mr. Love

    [engl] Nigeria had a unique music scene which began spreading rapidly in the 1970s. The era was based on unspoiled use of fuzz pedal, keyboards and indisputable influences of the Psychedelic Blues bands of the West. In 1980 Effi Duke & The Love Family came out with their debut Mr. Love. It was released by Homzy Records which was a home of many Afro-Funk records, going strong from mid '70s toward '80s. Effi Duke & The Love Family being one of their most energetic albums. The '80s were definitely more into a jazzy sound with disco slowly infiltrating the African music scene. What's so unique about Mr. Love is Effi Duke's love for guitar based Jazz and together with African rhythms and funky bass, his album is a Funk/Jazz/Disco hybrid. He's an incredible guitarist and also at the time of this LP an ex-Wings member. They were one of the most popular bands from Nigeria. Effi Duke was a key part of the scene with being member of The Wings, The Visitors, The Apostles, he played also the guitars on Mary Afi Usuah's fantastic second LP African Woman (which will be also rereleased on PMG) and on many other great albums including the incredible Folk 77 album.
    Format
    CD
    Release-Datum
    25.07.2016
    EAN
    EAN 0710473190237
    Format
    LP
    Release-Datum
    25.07.2016
    EAN
    EAN 0710473190190