The Blog is Moving to a new adress : www.africangrooves.fr !

Hello everyone ! 

Just a little word to inform you that this blog "African Grooves" is moving to a new adress !! This post is my last post on blogspot !

I have my own official Website now, the adress is : http://africangrooves.fr/category/blog/ !!

It's easier than with blogspot, you will know find a search tool bar to find articles easily (for instance, you'll just have to write "Cameroon" in the Search Tool Bar to find all the articles related with !).

More, you'll find appart from the blog section a special mix section, a label version (for my new "Nanga Boko Record" record label), a interview / video section and a shop section, to buy new releases or original records taken from my own collection !

See you there, and many thanks for all your support !

Armand de Preseau

www.africangrooves.fr

https://nangabokorecords.bandcamp.com/

www.facebook.com/nangabokorecords

Nkotti François - De Bonaberi A Douala !!

The repress is approved by Nkotti François himself, so proud !!!

You too, grab your copy on the links below :

Official Bandcamp : nangabokorecords.bandcamp.com

Official Website : www.africangrooves.fr

Official Youtube Channel : https://www.youtube.com/user/armand0de0preseau

#NkottiFrançois #BlackStyls #DeBonaBeriADouala #CamerounPartout #SoProud #Official #Limited #NangabokoRecords #Africangrooves #ThankYou

Nkotti Francois and The Black Styl 77 - De Bonaberi A Douala (Cameroun, 2017, Nanga Boko Records)

Nkotti François And The Black Styls 77 - De Bonaberi A Douala

OUT NOW ON MY NEW LABEL : Nanga Boko Records !!!!

40 years after the original release, Nangaboko Records is very proud to present you the official reissue of the first album from the Cameroonian musician Nkotti Francois and his band, « The Black Styl », one of the best albums from there.

High quality remastered sound.

Reissued by Armand de Preseau.

A very detailled biography in both English and French langages with exclusive pictures come with the record, for a better comprehension of the work of the musician.

Each vinyl includes a voucher to download the album in a HD digital format for free.

Available in LP vinyl record and HQ digital format.

Approuved by the artist himself, 100 % legit, all 8 tracks are under exclusive license of Nanga Boko Records.

Limited edition.

You can grab your copy on the links below :

Official Website : www.africangrooves.fr
Official Bandcamp : nangabokorecords.bandcamp.com
Official Facebook Page : www.facebook.com/nangabokorecords
Official Discogs Page : https://www.discogs.com/…/Nkotti-Fran%C3%A…/release/10812365

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A l’occasion des 40 ans de la date de sortie de l’album original, Nangaboko Records est fier de vous présenter la réédition officielle du premier album de l’artiste Camerounais Nkotti François et de son groupe, « Les Black Styl », un des meilleurs albums enregistrés à l'époque dans le pays.

L’ensemble des morceaux de l’album a été soigneusement re-masterisé, dans le souci d’apporter aux auditeurs un son de très haute qualité.

Une biographie détaillée de l’artiste en anglais et en français ainsi que des photos inédites du groupe accompagnent le disque, pour une plus grande compréhension et appréciation de l’œuvre du musicien.

Chaque disque vinyle est accompagné d’une carte de téléchargement permettant de télécharger l’album en haute qualité audio.

Disponible au format vinyle 33 tours et en téléchargement en haute qualité audio !

Réédition approuvée par l’artiste lui-même !

Edition limitée.

L’ensemble des 8 titres de l’album est sous la licence exclusive de Nanga boko Records.

Vous pouvez acheter votre exemplaire en cliquant sur l'un des liens ci-dessous :

Site officiel : www.africangrooves.fr
Bandcamp officiel : nangabokorecords.bandcamp.com
Page Facebook Officielle : www.facebook.com/nangabokorecords
Page Discogs de la réédition : https://www.discogs.com/…/Nkotti-Fran%C3%A…/release/10812365

Coulibaly Tidiani - Sie Koumgolo (Burkina Faso, 1979, Sacodis)

 

Coulibaly Tidiani, born on the 31th of December 1941 in Kankala town, was one of the most famous  singer from Burkina Faso (former Upper Volta) in the 70's, as well as Amadou Balake.

He began his carrer in the 60's playing with the Volta Jazz Orchestra, and founded his own band in the 70's, the "Orchestre Dafra Star de Bobo-Dioulasso", one of the most popular band at the time in the country.

He recorded three albums, and a few 7 inches records.

The song I wanted to present you today, "Sie Koumgolo", an uplifting melancholic ballad with psychedelic guitars and wild piano parts, is taken from his last LP, recorded in 1979 in Ivory Coast.

Coulibaly Tidiani - Sie Koumgolo

You can also listen to it on my Youtube channel : https://youtu.be/LQXeB6PsIUs

Have a nice week,

Armand

Ali Farka Toure - Radio Mali (Mali, 1976, Sonafric)

Following to this former post, I decided to make you (re)discover one of my favourite Malian artists, Ali Farka Touré, with "Radio Mali", a short but very nice deep desert blues song - Enjoy !

Ali Farka Touré - Radio Mali

You can also listen to it on my Youtube channel : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYsSq2LNOdQ&t=28s

 

Have a nice week,

Armand

Kojo N'dah and Soundz Connection - Ewule Ma Mbawu La (Ghana, 1981, Kojo N'dah)

This week, I decided to share with you one of my favourite Highlife record from Ghana, very obscure (the record is a private pressing), from Kojo N'dah, an artist who used to live in Ivory Coast and who recorded a few LP.

The track presented here, "Ewule Ma Mbawu La", is an awesome percussive and bouncing dancefloor highlife track, with rhodes keys and synths in Vis-a-Vis Orchestra vein - Enjoy !

Kojo N'dah and Soundz Connection - Ewule Ma Mbawu La

You can also listen to it on my youtube channel here : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7NkWNNYIGw&t=144s

Have a nice weekend,

Armand

Mongo Ndouan - Okala Le Cri de La Rigueur (Cameroon, 1980, Tam Tam d'Afrique)

This week, I wanted to share with you one of my favourite Cameroonian tracks for a long time (and one of my secret weapons !) taken on this record from Mongo Ndouan from Cameroon, the one and only LP he recorded on a private local record label before totally disappearing.

The track I wanted to share with you, "Okala Le Cri de La Rigueur", is a full of energy 8 min afrobeat track, with crazy synth parts and nervous syncoped drums - Enjoy !

Mongo Ndouan - Okala Le Cri de La Rigueur

You can also listen to this track on my Youtube channel here : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DffhkGagJ2E&t=199s

Have a nice weekend,

Armand

New Selection - Au Pays des Merveilles

Hello everyone !

 

Here is a Soundcloud link to a PanAfrican vinyl only selection I did with my mate Adrien Michel for our Macabo Crew !

 

A 1h30 musical travel through the African dust - Enjoy !

Armand de Preseau & Adrius - Au Pays des Merveilles

Tracklist :

1 : Union de Douala - Champion 1976 (Cameroun)

2 : Joey Etondey - Africa (Vocal Version) (Cameroun)

3 : Mike Kounou - Klos Bivindi (Cameroun)

4 : Sweet Mary - Congossa (Cameroun)

5 : Mongo Ndouan - Okala Le Cri de La Rigueur (Cameroun)

6 : Eskill et Vicky - Ecoute Ma Melodie (Benin)

7 : Manuel Guysso - Bot Bua (Cameroun)

8 : Clement Djimogne - Africa (Cameroun/Nigeria)

9 : Los Camaroes - Boo A Nun Muna (Cameroun)

10 : Tjaps - O a (Cameroun)

11 : Esa - A Muto (Cameroun)

12 : Sweet Breeze - Igbaraka Bilum (Nigeria)

13 : Bongos Ikwue - Woman Made The Devil (Nigeria)

14 : Stora Stora - Stora Stora (Cap Vert)

15 : La Maison des Merengues - Abandon (Martinique)

16 : Africa Tentaçao - Fantaisia Do Tchingange (Angola)

17 : Anne Marie Nzie - Yeh Ye (Cameroun)

18 : Ziskakan - Zordi La Pli (La Réunion)

19 : Patrick Victor - Emmanuelle (Les Seychelles)

20 : Mary Afi Usuah - Ima Mma Uyem (Nigeria)

21 : Ahmed Malek - Omar Gatlato (Algerie)

22 : Alain Peters - Rest La Maloya (La Réunion)

All the best,

Armand

Jerry Ella and The Sparklings - Why Can't You Party Down (Nigeria, 1985, Acn Ltd)

Jerry Ella was an obscure musician from Nigeria, who released only one album in 1985 with his band "The Sparklings", composed of Nigerian and Cameroonian musicians - No more infos on this one, sorry !

I decided to present you the track "Why Can't You Party Down", a perfect afro soul boogie stepper track to enjoy the beginning of this summer !

Jerry Ella and The Sparklings - Why Can't You Party Down

You can also listen to this track on my youtube channel here : https://youtu.be/8I8RO47ddXE

Take care,

Armand

Super Ensemble Nemours Jean Baptiste - Haiti Cumbia (Haiti, 1970, Marc Records)

Born on the 2 of February 1918 in Port-Au-Prince (Haiti), Jean-Baptiste Nemours was one of the most important figures of the Haitian musical scene.

He was member of many Haitian orchestra's (Jazz Guignard, Trio Atomique..) before founding his own in 1953, the "Ensemble aux Calebasses" (he will change the name of the orchestra later in 1958 for "Ensemble Nemours Jean-Baptiste" and in 1963 for "Super Ensemble Nemours Jean-Baptiste").

With his Ensemble, they are supposed to have invented the "Kompa Dirèk", later shortened to "Kompa" (compas) musical style.

Jean-Baptiste Nemours died the 18 of May 1985 in Port-Au-Prince.

I decided to present you "Haiti Cumbia", a latin song played with a lovely Haitian touch and Biguine reminiscences - Enjoy !

Super Ensemble Nemours Jean Baptiste - Haiti Cumbia

You can also listen to this song on my new Youtube channel here : https://youtu.be/R41IkgUQeDQ

Have a nice week,

Armand.

Liza Ngwa - Alima (Cameroun, 1980, Editions Drums)

Liza Ngwa was a folk singer and guitar player from Yaoundé (Cameroon), who released 2 albums in the 70's.

She was also involved into different forms of art (sculpture, dress-making, sport..) and cultural performances (theater performances, concerts..).

I decided to make you (re)discover "Alima", a very unique UFO-esque folk song with psychedelic bikutsi and cadence reminiscences, taken from her second album recorded in 1980.

Liza Ngwa - Alima

 

You can also listen to this track on my Youtube channel : https://youtu.be/stPKdmR2kyQ

Have a nice week,

Armand

Erick Cosaque et Les Voltages 8 - L'Heureux Noir (Guadeloupe, 1980, Franck R Records)

Following to this article, I wanted for this week to make you (re)discover another track from Erick Cosaque, one of my favourite musician from French Guadeloupe Island who is still active today.

"L'Heureux Noir", the track presented here, is a perfect example of early Cosaque's work, mixing perfectly Jazz and traditional Guadeloupean Gwo Ka percussions - Enjoy !

Erick Cosaque et Les Voltages 8 - L'Heureux Noir

 

Best regards,

Armand

Martin Brothers - The World Of Music (Nigeria, 1978, Hobby Records)

The Martins Brothers were a musical band from Port Harcourt (Nigeria), who released 4 albums in 70's and a few singles.

The track presented here, "The World Of Music", is taken from my favourite album from them - What an amazing sleeve design, isn't it ?

Martin Brothers - The World Of Music

 

Best regards,

Armand

Bonga - Ngila (Angola, 1982, Philips)

 

José - Bonga - Adelino Barceló de Carvalho, one the most famous musician from Angola, was born the 5th of September 1942 in Kpiri (Angola).

He has lived in Angola, Portugal and France, forced to regularly move in the 70's because of his commitment in struggle for the independence of Angola (former Portuguese colony).

He has released more than 30 albums (his last album was recorded in 2016), and he's still active today.

I decided to make you discover "Ngila", a raw and melancholic song taken from my favourite album (his 6th album), "Kualuka Kuetu".

Bonga - Ngila

 

Have a nice sunday,

Armand

Alain Peters - Rest' La Maloya (La Reunion, unreleased)

Following to this article about Alain Peters, the poet and musician from La Réunion island, I decided to share with you an alternate studio take of "Rest' La Maloya", one of my favourite song from him, slighty different and deeper than the one you should know !

Alain Peters - Rest' La Maloya (unreleased alternate vocal take)

Have a really nice week,

Armand

Admiral Dele Abiodun and his top Hitters Band - 1000 Miles (Nigeria, 1982, Adawa Super Records)

Dele Abiodun is one of the most important figures of the Juju scene, a musical genre from Nigeria between Jazz, Highlife and Traditionnal music.

He was born in 1948 in Sobe (Nigeria), a town on the boundary between West and Mid-West Nigeria.

He made his first steps in music as a drummer in his school band, and studied music has a teenager in Accra (Ghana) at the Young Pioneer School of Music.

In 1970, he founded his band, Prince Admiral Dele Abiodun and His Top Hitters Band (influenced by musicians such as Cardinal Rex Lawson or I.K. Dairo), and recorded more than 20 albums from the 70's to the 90's.

He stills lives and performs in Nigeria today and he's the president of Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria.

For today, I decided to presend you "1000 Miles", an incredible track showing that Juju music can sometimes be as bouncing as Afrobeat does - Enjoy !

Admiral Dele Abiodun and his top Hitters Band - 1000 Miles

See you soon,

Armand

Dany Play - Le Noir (Guyana, 1970s, Disques Dan's)

 

To close this sunday, a track from Dany "Play" Sinai, a famous musician from Guyana who recorded several albums and singles from the 60's.

"Le Noir" - the track presented here - is taken from a very obscure and very hard to find compilation out on the 70's on a private label and recorded in one session in the Eldorado cinema (Cayenne, Guyana).

Dany Sinai is still active today in the musical fields, owns the "Polina" nightclub (Matoury, Guyana) and also a haulage firm.

Dany Play - Le Noir

Have a nice sunday,

Armand

Ziskakan - Ral Si Ton Koukoune (1981, La Reunion, Editions Reunion Ocean Indien)

Let's travel to the Reunion Island, with a song from Ziskakan, a band founded in 1979 by Gilbert Pounia.

This very prolific band has released several album through the years, and is still touring today.

I decided to make you discover "Ral Si Ton Koukoune", a track taken from the first album of the band.

Ziskakan - Ral Si Ton Koukoune

See you,

Armand

Gnonnas Pedro and his Dadjes Band - Les Comediens (Benin, 1980, World Wide Music)

 

Following to this former article, I decided to make you (re)discover a cover of the classic French song "Les Comediens" (sung by the great singer Charles Aznavour) by my favourite Beninese singer Gnonnas Pedro, who was also a huge fan of Charles Aznavour !

Two of my heroes linked with the same song, hope you'll like it !

Gnonnas Pedro and his Dadjes Band - Les Comediens

Best regards,

Armand

Atangana Pascal et Les Supers Volcans - Amayang Wom (Cameroun, 197?, Disques Cousin)

Debut album from the Cameroonian musician Atangana Pascal, released at the end of the 70's, personal favourite Bikutsi album, no weak tracks !

Atangana Pascal et Les Supers Volcans - Amayang Wom

Happy Easter,

Armand