| ARTIST | TITLE | NUMBER | FMT | PRICE | BUY |
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| ABEL YEPLE ET LE YEPLE JAZZ | ADJI AKA | NH0013 | TC | £ 0.00 |  |
| A new release (1990) from a band who after their successes in the early 80's are once again recording after a lengthy silence. All the members of the group are Gouro's who come from the Western part of the country. Their special dance is known as Gahou and if the music is anything to go by, it's pretty fast. Percussion is strongly featured but there is some very good keyboard and guitar work to back up Abel's gruff vocals. Super album of music that is normally only heard locally. | |
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| ADI MAYUMBU ET RUMBA MUSICA | NUITS CHAUDES A KIN | JBZ94-09 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
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| AFRICATEMPO | ASSAFO | K7001 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
| Drums, drums and more drums as the group Africatempo pound out the traditional rhythms of the Ivory Coast. Actually it isn't just drums, there is a whole range of percussive instruments being belted, tapped, shaken or walloped. To add to the fun, the five guys who make up the group are pretty neat singers as well, as they join in on a couple of tracks with their deep and resonant 'call and response' style vocals. Well recorded album from Studio Adrenalin which has been produced over here, just a shame it wasn't a bit longer. (F.T.Index: Assafo, Famedji-Oria, Soundjata, Zaouli.) [6T/26M] | |
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| AICHA KONE | TCHAGA | 790046-4 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
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| AICHA KONE AND THE ALLOCO BAND | LIVE FROM THE IVORY COAST | SM1514-2 | CD | £ 0.00 | |
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| AKA IGNACE | MIREILLE | MT001P96 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
| Bright and breezy keyboard led local style dance album from singer and composer Aka. The lovely guitaring of Marino is a bit let down by the too simple and repetative programmed drumming, otherwise its not bad at all. | |
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| AKA THOM-PACE | INTEGRATION | AKA001 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
| Rather nice, softly sung offering from Boncana Maiga with very dance orientated sound produced in Paris by a well known set of session musicians.. | |
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| ALICE SOFA | ET DEMAIN | E241193-4 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
| Electronic 'Du Slow' songs nice but not very African. | |
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| ALICE SOFA | L'BEOUCAMI | AMYS001 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
| The music is mainly Congolese hi-tec dance style and not Ivorien in any way. Super vocals from Alice, real name Kouao Sofa which comes from the Abengourou region, she has been a singer and dancer since she was eight. Starting out with the group 'Javice' she went on to sing with 'Mewlessel' and 'Alpha Blondy's Solar System' as a backing singer. Lastly before going solo she sang with 'Keke Kassiri's System Panafrique'. This album, her first, was recorded at Studio Sequence in Abidjan and arranged by Yace Marcelin, who from the sound of this album looks set to become another Boncana Maiga. | |
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| ALPHA BLONDY | APARTHEID IS NAZISM | STCD1017 | CD | £ 0.00 | |
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| ALPHA BLONDY | APARTHEID IS NAZISM | 2404494 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
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| ALPHA BLONDY | COCODY ROCK | SHANCD64011 | CD | £ 0.00 | |
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| ALPHA BLONDY | COCODY ROCK | 7929654 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
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| ALPHA BLONDY | MASADA | 798620-2 | CD | £ 0.00 | |
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| ALPHA BLONDY | REVOLUTION | 7486554 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
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| ALPHA BLONDY | SOS TRIBAL WAR | AB001 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
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| ALPHA BLONDY | THE PROPHETS | 7917934 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
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| ALPHA BLONDY AND THE NATTY REBELS | JAH GLORY | IVALP019 | LP | £ 0.00 | |
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| ALPHA BLONDY AND THE SOLAR SYSTEM | DIEU | 8298474 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
| This release from reggae superstar Alpha follows the tried and tested paths of his previous albums. Plenty to think about here as he expounds on his favourite crusades, abortion, war, slavery with a bit of loving thrown in for good measure. A good solid album of very danceable music and Alpha's unique vocals. ( F.T. Index: Wild Time, Goree, Amour Papier Longueur) | |
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| ALPHA BLONDY AND THE WAILERS | JERUSALEM | 7464642 | CD | £ 0.00 | |
| Recorded in 1988 with the Wailers band at the Tuff Gong Studios in Jamaica, Jerusalem is without doubt one of the very best reggae albums recorded by an African artist. Alpha Blondy's roots message is perfectly suited to the Wailers sound. An essential must have album. | |
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| ALPHA BLONDY AND THE WAILERS | JERUSALEM | SHAN43054 | LP | £ 15.00 | |
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| ALPHA BLONDY AND THE WAILERS | JERUSALEM | STERNS1019 | LP | £ 10.00 | |
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| ANOMAN BROUGH FELIX | LE PASSE AND LE PRESENT No. I | E024391-4 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
Ivorien Star who only gets a one line mention in 'Sterns Guide' and 'African All Stars'. Why? He's been going since the early 60's but probably hasn't released any albums abroad. The crazy thing is that both these albums are brilliant from start to finish. The early Congolese/Cuban and even Jazz/Blues infuence flows out from the beautifully played guitars and the laid back vocals of Anoman and the Ivoiris Band. CLASSIC SOUNDS.
 ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION | 1. MEKIE FEUSSON
2. LOGBOTSA
3. ME N'DAYA BIEN
4. FANTA JE T'AIME
5. BOUCHE YE YE
6. CHOVETIN |
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| ANOMAN BROUGH FELIX | LE PASSE AND LE PRESENT No. II | E0221191-4 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION | 1. PAPA KOUASSI
2. BINDETO
3. BOPON HIBIEN
4. CHI ALAYAI
5. J'AI ENVIE DE L'EMBRASSER
6. HINCHO
7. FICHE NOUS LA PAIX |
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| ANTOINETTE ALLANY | NAFAYA | 10791 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
| One of the best singers in the Ivory Coast who's songs comes from the roots of Baoule music. Beautifully sung to a very modern backing. Not a hot dance album but great just to listen to and well worth getting. I think it's sweet, so I've got just a few copies available. I love it as it just rolls along at a leisurely pace with plenty of guitar. | |
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| ANTOINETTE KONAN | COMBINAISON VOL I | ARO1008 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
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| ANTOINETTE KONAN | COMBINAISON VOL II | ARO1022 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
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| ANTOINETTE KONAN | COMBINAISON VOL III | ARO1031 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
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| AUGUST SYMBOL | L'INFIDELITE | L'INFIDELITE | TC | £ 0.00 | |
| Incredible album that takes the jungle drums and accapella style similar to System Gazeur one step further by mixing in some very nice guitar and keyboards to produce an electrifying sound not unlike the Congolese 'Swede Swede'. | |
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| AUGUSTIN KOUASSI AND MESSAGERS | MAMBO ATTOH THEOPHANE | CAR01 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
| Nine piece band led by trumpeter Augustin Kouassi. Crammed with loads of lovely guitars from Gatien Kouao on lead, he sounds almost as fast, if not faster, than Diblo, and accompanied by Sanko Assi and Maxime Oumar. The music is not unlike Highlife with Bembaya Jazz overtones in style although it's played to the faster pace of the local Polihet rhythm. Wait till you hear them pick up speed, Congolese seben style on 'Boto Sopie' which is my favorite track. With singers Honore Beda, Rosa Seka, Louis Atse and Frederick Kouakou all taking a turn in the lead the album comes across almost like a compilation. A very interesting and highly enjoyable guitar based dance floor set. Recommended. | |
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| B De PEACE | MEMORIAL ERNESTO DJEDJE | MEMORIAL | TC | £ 0.00 | |
| Keyboard and Polihet but its long and quite nice. | |
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| BABA NICO | 200 KPAKLO | SHOW2 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
| Softly and very sweetly sung this album is quite different to the usual harsh sounds of modern Ivorien music. The guitars and keyboard based music is in fact very easy on the ears. Rather nice. | |
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| BACK MEDIO | PROBLEMS SOCIAUX CONJUGAUX Vol. 2 | SYOO2 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
| A medley of modern reggae influenced Ivoirien songs from singer Back Medio which arrived by mistake hence the price. Pleasant music which is basically keyboard generated with soft voiced singer Back and his chorus girls. (8T) | |
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| BAKUS | ASSETOU | ALPHA019 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
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| BERNADETTE YIWOYE | JALOUSIE | MC36 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
| Bernadette's sweet singing coupled with Zed Apson's lovely solo guitaring cover over Beranger Ouedraogo's slightly over enthusiastic keyboards. None the less its a very happy and very bubbly album. | |
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| BRAHIMA GUITAR | TCHILLA | DMC09431-001 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
| Beautiful album of 'Le Goumbe' music which comes from the Dioula speaking northern part of the country. It is widely played on happy ceremonial occasions such as weddings and baptisms and I'm sure you will agree that its popularity is well deserved. Brahima sings and plays (would you believe it) guitar while Abou Ouat plays accordion and tambours, there is also some nice backing vocals from the girls. Abou by the way produced Le Zagazougou's 'Accordions go to Abidjan' and although both albums come from the same stable they are as different as chalk and cheese. (The F.T.Index: Rognan Gaminin, Djougouya) | |
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| BRINCH | WORO WORO | MC11 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
| An interesting little album from Brinch and his crew which sees him combining some of the bouncy local rhythms with a bit of soukous styling. Charly Dickess de L'amour is running the show with the help of Jah N'dri Martial on guitar and Buldozer on the drum machine. Where do they get these names? I must say that the best track is 'Simpa' where Brinch really seems to get it all together. Roll on the next album if he can do it like this all the way through he'll be on to a winner. (F.T.Index: Simpa, Woro Woro (Inst.), Mo Go, Mo Go(Inst.) Mife.) [6T/23M] | |
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| BRUCE MOO DJY | INSTINCT SAUVAGE Vol. II | RAS | TC | £ 0.00 | |
| I was taken totally by surprise when I put on this rather addictive Raggamuffin based album. It was definitely produced with the dance floor in mind as its pounding modern sound wouldn't sound out of place in the night clubs of New York, London or even Paris. Keyboards and electronic drums may not be your idea of African music but if this is a typical sample of what the youth of urban West Africa is dancing to, then as the song says - 'Come into my life' - I definitely want some more. (F.T.Index: Hainey (remix), Come Into My Life, Sexy girl, Dealer, Haminie, Dealer (remix). ) [6T/27M] | |
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| CHANTAL TAIBA | L'INGRATITUDE | E0311934 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
| Chantal started singing during the 80's as a member of 'Orchestre de la R.T.I.' under Manu Dibango and now lives and records in Paris. Chantal backed Nayanka Bell on her album Visa and she now returns the compliment on this one. Recorded in Paris with Afri Loue on guitar and Jacques Bolognesi and Philippe Slominski on trombone and trumpet respectively. Chantal makes full use of the fast percussive influences of her own country and of her own softer and more seductive style when singing the slower numbers. Lovely voice, lovely album. (F.T. Index: Pot Pourri, L'Ingratitude, Ca, Mamy.) | |
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| CHINO REM'S | LOBODJO | E011591-4 | TC | £ 12.00 | |
A super little album of 'Du Slow' music which you probably have never come across before, it's basically Ivorian Polihet beat mixed and merged with western ballad ideas! This is one of those rare albums where you can float away with Chino's soft vocals and the group's harmonious vocal backing. Instrumentally, it's drums and keyboard with some lovely guitar to provide the buffer to the normally overpowering Polihet beat. Recommended listening if you want something just that bit different. Released by EMI Pathe Marconi C.I. back in 1991.
CONDITION AS NEW BUT NOT SEALED.
ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
| 1. LOBODJO
2. SOUGOUKALABA
3. DJEDJEKELE
4. KAKAKA
5. ANLE BOLIE
6. DIGBEUTETI |
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| CHRIS BARHEL | CA BOUGE | BAR002 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
| Not a brill singer but Ziben and Doris on guitar more than make up for it on the soukous based tracks which are magic. | |
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| DAFFRAN | FIGAYO | E0183292-4 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
| Guitars and more guitars, that's the message from Daffran who with the rest of the band tries to steal the show from the guitarists. Give him his due, he tried but Matilene and Ziben, the guitarists, win hands down. The music on side 'A' is Congolese while the drums come into their own on the 'Polihet' based tracks on side 'B', especially with the magic 'Zibo Tchean'. GUITAR MAGIC. | |
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| DAVE DEPEU | GALOP | E027192-4 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
| Ivorien artist now based in Paris and doesn't it just show what the Paris hi-tec expertise can do to a style such as 'Polihet' which has only a small following outside of the Ivory Coast. Inclusion of Congolese style guitar and the toning down of the super fast 'Ziglibithy' style beat really come to a head with my favorite track 'Nawele',which more than makes up for the rather sombre sounding track of 'du slow' music which comes before the perfectly mixed last track - 'Africa' which combines the Paris and Abidjan sounds to great effect | |
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| DELTA GROUPE | GBO YE BLI | E0149192-4 | TC | £ 12.00 | |
Zeekee McZogba (real name Marc Zogba) the lead singer and the rest of the group are all obviously Beatles fans and their music is unmistakable in its origin! Brilliant lead guitarist, John Tay makes his strings sing just like angels. More Liverpool than Africa but having listened to it time and time again, I just can't resist it. Most tracks are recognisable as Beatles music but so differently arranged and 'Africanised' that you couldn't call them 'covers'. My favorite, the guitar based track 'Sapiou' is gorgeously addictive and became a big hit. I know as I'm just putting it on again for another fix. So as they say on 'Ato Yem', Ye, Ye, Ye. Released by EMI Pathe Marconi C.I. back in 1992.
CONDITION AS NEW BUT NOT SEALED.
ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
| 1. GBO YE BLI (Le malheur et tombe)
2. DJOUMAN
3. ATO YEM
4. SAPIOU
5. DIZIGNON
6. LE TRAPPEUR |
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| DEZA XXL | DEZA (ADEBA DANGER) | MC75959 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
| Absolutely brilliant album that had me glued to the speakers all the way through.While Deza isn't a known name over here his sidekick Meiway has produced some quite good albums but nothing even approaching the quality and variety of this album. | |
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| DIDIER BILE | LA CONFIRMATION | PS007 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
| A mixture of modern polihet dance music with a couple of smoochy tracks thrown in. | |
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| DJAF TIDE | IDJOHOGOU | MC26 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
| Most peculiar is the best way to describe this album. Djaf's vocals are gravelly but sung softly they take on a unique sound which is very listenable indeed. The music is superb with some gorgeous lead guitaring from Vata Mobassa while Ziben and Cisky provide the accompaniment. Ire Aye, Odamilebe, Idjohogou, Oya Oya, Tuky, Oman Yre. | |
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| DODO LATERRE | HOMMAGE A GNAPI AKA ZAHUL | DODO | TC | £ 0.00 | |
| There's a bit of guitar in there somewhere but the thing that hits you is the way those magic drums sneak in from all directions with a little bit of what sounds like an old fashioned car horn playing peek a boo while the lads belt out their guttsy vocals. A real drummers dream this one. (8T) | |
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| DOM LOUYA | BA CHANCHE EYA | EMS01 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
| Congolese right through with some super guitar from Doris and Zena. Dom has put together a really beautiful album with tinkling guitars that weave their musical web around the silky vocals and velvet soft horn sections to produce an album of gorgeous music. Soft vocals and very smoochy music, recommended for guitar lovers everywhere. BEAUTIFUL. | |
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| DOUDOUX KONAN AND LE DJOMLO SYSTEM | L'EVEIL CULTUREL | MC33 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
| Plenty of guitar and nice backing vocals make this a rather nice and bouncy polihet rhythm album from loud and brassy singer Doudoux. | |
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| EBA AKA JEROME | TRAHISON | 52201 | LP | £ 0.00 |  |
Rarely heard singer, composer and guitarist. Title track is the same as on DISCO001
ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION | 1. TRAHISON
2. LA VERITE |
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| EBA AKA JEROME | TRAHISON | DISCO001 | LP | £ 0.00 | |
ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION | 1. TRAHISON
2. VILIEMON
3. DJIBLITO |
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| FADY | DOUNIA | MC6 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
| Strange album from singer-composer Fady recorded at Studio Sequence in Abidjan as he is white. Sung in French with a decidedly Paris meets Africa flavour. | |
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| FILINGUE | AMBIANCE FACILE | SADEM03 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
| WHAT! 'Frere Jacque' as an intro, yes but then the explosion happens and watch out for flying feet as that throbbing Congolese-Ivorien crossover sound starts up some great dance music. Great lead guitar from Wurie Moctar and super vocals from leader Zobla-Zo. The title track is a real gem and I've played it so much that my machine can now play it without me putting in the tape!!!!!!!! | |
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| FLANI DOUMBIA | TELE LE BI | 94002 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
And now for something totally different.... the traditional sound of the Ivory Coast which bears more than a passing resemblance to the Wassoulou sound of Mali. The drums pound out the beat to some really power packed vocals from Flani and her chorus girls, Djenabou and Saran Doumbia. However its the wonderful sound of the tam tams of Sekouba Traore and Adama Sanogo Moneba 'talking' their way through the songs that steals the show. Backed by the doun-doun and doun-dounba drums of Chaka Dembele and Petit Moussa, for me, the drummers and the smashing rhythmic mixture they are knocking out are definitely the high points in this lovely album. (F.T.Index: Tele La Bi, Sabari, Fatou, Tomoro ) [6T/30M] 1994.
ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION | 1. TELE LE BI
2. NA MO SIYA
3. SABARI
4. GNANGBOYA
5. FATOU
6. TOMORO |
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| FRANCOIS LOUGAH | MAMAZO - AMBIANCE NON STOP | FG01 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
| The Ivoriens call him 'Le Papa National' as he is undoubtedly the undisputed ambassador of Ivorien music. Having issued numerous albums and toured all over the world he has picked this album to experiment with the Congolese style made famous by Zaiko Langa Langa. Some smashing music and singing on the Congolese tracks but a bit of a let down with the couple of 'du slow' tracks which are mixed in with the four great ones. Having said that, the rest of the music is out of this world if your'e into fast guitars Congolese style. | |
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| FRANCOIS LOUGAH | THE BEST 20 TITLES | 010LSG94 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
Super compilation of tracks which span the twenty years of Francois's career. Not as you would expect, a collection of crackling old recordings but a brand new recording of the old hits that have been spiced up. Side 'A' with some stunning Congolese style guitar and synth from Kouadio Briskar, Doudou and Bamba M Yang. Superb vocals from Francois and backing girls Awa Gombo and Zita - guaranteed to set the dance floor ablaze from end to end. While side 'B' is totally different, starting off with some gorgeously sung 'Du Slow' tracks and then into the thumping rhythms of 'Polihet' dance music.
ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION | 1. KOUDOU - LOULOUE - AWAHOUN - KANKAN - DOUBEHY - ELISA - PEKOUSSA - MOTO - MAYNOU
2. DEHYMINIKE
3. EKAMIE - LETTRE - MARIE
4. BEHY - COUGLIZIA - CONTRASTE
5. CLIBO-CLIBO - THOUAGNY - AWOLOPKACRE - ZIZIENOMON |
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| GADJI CELI | ELEPHANTS STORY | 38125-4 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
| At last! Another album from Gadji Celi. Included are three of the four tracks from his smash hit 'Senegal 92' plus two versions of his latest hit single 'Rassemblement' and six other tracks. For those of you not in the know, Gadji is one of the selectors for the Ivorien Football Team and an accomplished singer/songwriter who writes a new song to celebrate the team's partisipation in every cup competition. So you'll find Egypt 86, Morocco 88 and Algeria 90 amongst the titles. O.K. so you're not into football. I bet his friends who helped him on this album will be disappointed, Shimita, Lokassa Ya M'bongo, N'gouma Lokito, Dally Kimoko, Balou Canta, Manu Lima and Boncana Maiga to name but a few. I don't know how the team fared but the music scores in every direction. | |
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| GADJI CELI | ESPOIR | 2407934 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
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| GADJI CELI | SENEGAL 92 | E181291 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
| Blimey! Talk about having your head blown off, explosive isn't the word for this album. Never heard of Gadji Celi? No but with Shimita and Balou Canta on backing vocals, Manu Lima on keyboards, Lokassa Ya Mbongo, Dally Kimoko and Lokito on guitars and Jacques Bolognesi on trombone, I'm sure you'll be getting the idea. No I'm not finished yet, how about, recorded at Studio Harry-Son, Paris and by Boncana Maiga at that! Call a fire engine before you play it as it'll be to late once the music starts. Shame it's only EP length but musically it packs a punch like Mike Tyson. | |
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| GNAORE DJIMI | NOUVEAU-DEUX | E012002-4 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
| Very popular artist known as 'The Grand Master of Polihet' and once you hear this album I'm sure you'll agree that his title is well deserved. Polihet, for those of you who have never heard it before, is best described by Wolfgang Bender in his book 'SWEET MOTHER' as 'A web of drums and African percussion with guitars and organ, interspersed brass sets, and continuous bass drum beats'. Gnaore has plenty of help from solo guitarists Afri Loue and Sery Romuald who really bring the music to life with their beautiful playing. A smashing album all round. | |
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| GOB LADY | BEHIO | MC35 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
| She's a superb singer despite the bloody awful sounding name! Middle of the road style music more Paris than Abidjan but with lovely guitar from N'tsika Basile, sax from Blanc Jean-Marc and the rest coming from the electric wizardry of Brian J Quaye. Recorded at studio Nefertiti in Abidjan | |
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| GUEATAN SYSTEM | ZE | E0183492-4 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
| Local rhythms with a simple percussive backing and some very extraordinary guitar playing which is well worth looking into. The vocals are decidedly local band style and beautiful with it as well. However it's that guitar that gets me every time, simple but extremely stunning. If you like guitar then this album is definitely made for you and I'd go so far as to say that if you don't like it I'll eat my hat. (as I don't possess one, you will have to send me yours) but as there's no chance of you saying 'no' to this fantastic album I feel quite safe in saying that this is my number one pick of the newsletter! | |
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| GUY LADYS | BEDIE | BEDIE | TC | £ 0.00 | |
| Far from being some sort of drag act as the name might imply at first read, Guy Ladys (pronounce it ladis) is actually a very good rap artist and this album was produced with the help of both Studio Nefertiti and Sequence in Abidjan. 26'00 | |
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| H.P.LAIMS AND THE ZION LIGHT | PEACE IN THE WORLD | 80094 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
| WOW! Reggae with a difference. Superb music, especially the guitar and smashing girl backing singers, but its H P's strange squeaky but plaintive vocals that's really different from any other reggae I've ever heard. I don't usually like reggae but this album is something else! I couldn't stop playing it, grows on you at an alarming rate. You'll either love it or hate it but this guy is going places. BRILLIANT and DEFINITELY RECOMMENDED.(all sung in English) | |
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| HAMED FARRAS | LE 13 | E3108934 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
| This has to be the nicest reggae album that I've ever heard from Africa. Recorded at Studio Sequence in Abidjan the music is both gentle and tuneful with the keyboards of Oliver Ble providing the cream on the cake. He and the brothers Cisse plus Evariste Yace play guitar with a relaxed style that's infectious. As for Hamed, well he is the actual cake, with a gorgeous voice that's going to topple Alpha Blondy of his pedestal without a doubt. I could listen to this album all day and every day. Wonderful and with not a bad track in sight. (F.T.Index: Le 13, Nanlou, Why Death, Coroya, Afrique Boulversee) [8T/41M | |
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| ISMAEL ISAAC | BLACK SYSTEM | STCD1091 | CD | £ 0.00 | |
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| ISMAEL ISAAC | RAHMAN | SYL83122 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
| Ismael is one of the most popular reggae artists in the Ivory Coast and after Alpha Blondy is considered to be the best reggae vocalist. This, his latest album, which was recorded in Paris has been at number one in the Abidjan charts for over six weeks! Personally I prefer him to Alpha and the fact that I've had to re-order stock before even doing this write-up speaks volumes for his music. RECOMMENDED. | |
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| JAH LEAK ROY AND WADADA | MENTAL CRISIS | SADEM04 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
| Jah and the group's second album which has been arranged by Wurie Moctarr who also did Ismael Isaac's last album. Wurie also plays rhythm guitar and organ. Smooth Reggae all the way with 'Avortement' taking first place followed closely by 'Baby Coca Zinzin'. The wonderfully misspelt 'War in the Golf' and 'Rasta Style' are also very likeable as well. NICE ONE JAH!. | |
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| JEROME BAGUY | BALOSSIA | BAC09001 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
| A rather nice and bouncy polihet rhythm album from sweet voiced singer Jerome. | |
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| JESS SAH BI | JESUS CHRIST NE DECOIT PAS | JSB001 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
Gospel music with a difference. It's beautiful in every way you can think of. Recorded in the U.S.A. with Roger Fortner on guitars and Gary Davis on keyboards and percussion. Softly played guitars pick out the tunes with perfect timing and Jess and Brenda's vocals are just stunning. Starts out with 'Ile de Goree', about a Princess caught by slavers and sent to America, acoustic guitar and soulful vocals abound. The other tracks are lovely ballads with Jess playing some great harmonica. Side two kicks off with the catchy 'Sehe Voule' with overtones of Bob Dylan, harmonica and guitars to the fore. A perfect marriage of African and Country music? A REAL GEM, DON'T MISS IT.
ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION | 1. ILE DE GOREE
2. IL VEUT MARCHER AVEC TOI
3. Y VOU BALE VA
4. LOUE
5. SEHE VOULE
6. FORTIFIE - TOI
7. IL VEUT MARCHER AVEC TOI
8. LOUE |
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| JESS SAH BI AND PETER ONE | OUR GARDEN NEEDS ITS FLOWERS | DBS001 | LP | £ 0.00 | |
| | 1. CLIPO CLIPO
2. KATIN
3. KANGO
4. MINMANLE ?
5. OUR GARDEN NEEDS OTS FLOWERS
6. APARTHEID
7. AFRICAN CHANT
8. SOLUTION
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| JIM'S YAGA | ZIN-OSE | ZIN | TC | £ 0.00 | |
| Six tracker from gutsy rapid fire rapper Jim's who could put a tobacco auctioneer to shame with the speed of his quick fire lyrics. | |
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| JOE ANOBLE | DOUZOU | MC24 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
| Nice sound as singer, drummer and bass player Joe gets together with guitarist Stephanas Tcharby and keyboard player Momo Gustave plus backing vocalists Narcis and Brigitte. Quite simpley played, softly sung and is quite adictive as the guitars get into the groove. | |
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| JOHN BORIS | YABA SOLANGE | MC12 | TC | £ 15.00 | |
| A lovely album from the unknown John Boris and group. The real tribute though has to go to solo guitarist Basile Ntsika and chorus girls Joelle Seka and Brou Julie. Their seriously catchy and smooth as silk choral harmonies perfectly set off John's sharp edged and trembly vocals. In fact their singing is some of the nicest I've heard in a long time. The modern sounding music is inspired by the local Ivorien rhythms but it's the addition of a soukous style seben to each one courtesy of Basile's greatl guitar which makes every track a winner! (F.T.Index: Miss Cote D'Ivoire, Yaba Solange, Chilaye, Epain, Yemane, Ton Drap. ) [6T/31M] One of the first releases on the Showbiz label and SUPER RARE. | 1. YABA SOLANGE
2. MISS COTE D'IVOIRE
3. TON DRAP
4. EPAIN
5. YEMANE
6. CHILAYE |
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| JOHN JAY | L'HEURE EST GRAVE | E120893-4 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
| My first thought on hearing this album were 'What the hell's going on? This is Caribbean Ragga music. My second thought was 'No wonder they're playing it in Africa, I like it'. Recorded at Studio Nefertiti in Abidjan the album consists of three quite different versions of John's hit 'DJEKPA RAGGA' including a real tongue twisting remix version plus 'MASTER D.J. ON THE TOP and 'BROTHER JAY' and it's remix. One for the young at heart or those after something rather different! (F.T.Index: The write-up says it all) | |
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| JOYCE DELLY | LES GOS D'ABIDJAN | E0412914 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
| HE, yes he, has a really sweet voice but on this 'Communion Ivorio-Zairoise' it's the fantastic guitars of DORIS (and yes he's a he as well) and SESKY that are outstanding. Together they compete with anything that Paris or Kinshasa can produce. Magic Congolese guitars all the way through. RECOMMENDED. | |
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| JULIE MABEA | YEMA LA VIE | 06745-4 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
| Released on CD back in 96 but it probably never caught your attention being from the Ivory Coast. However this is a very much a soukous based album with great guitaring from Miguel Yamba, Caien Madoka and Bamba Yang. A great horn line up in Slominski, Hoist and Le Loup and to finish of the stars present there is backing vocals from Awa Maiga and not just Balou Canta but somehow Samba Mapangala as well. Great stuff. | |
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| JULY MABEA | LEKINE FACILE | RKT9009 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
| Her first album but probably not the first time you will have heard her as she sang on Zitany Neil's 'L'Embarras du Choix' album and has also sung with Kanda Bongo Man, Meiway and Joe Bilongo. Fast and furious, drum, horn and guitar music together with the super voice of July and her backing singers make this a brilliant Paris recorded dance album. It's only EP length but it certainly packs it all in, Polihet/Congolese sound mix, hot and hard. | |
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| JUSTIN STANISLAS | PHENIX | SYLAF96022 | CD | £ 0.00 | |
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| KO YAMA | AFRICAN MUSIC | KOYAMA | TC | £ 0.00 | |
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| LADO SAGE | L'ESPERANCE | MC25 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
| Basic reggae album. | |
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| LE ZAGAZOUGOU | ACCORDIONS GO TO ABIDJAN | PIR49-2 | CD | £ 0.00 | |
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| LES ASSOCIES DU BTS | BTS GALERE | E0118192-4 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
The members of the group are all students and this is their first album. Which is a lovely cocktail of the Ivory Coast's own fast paced 'Zouglou' dance music. Which if you've not come across it before is modern music with loads of beat but still retaining the ethnic roots from which it sprang. There are some great songs and in style it sounds a lot more Paris than Abidjan. A bit short with only four tracks but boy do they go!
ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION | 1. BTS GALERE
2. CELESTINE NA DOUWO
3. DJONFADJOH
4. PROMOTION |
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| LES DABALIENS | DERAPAGE | MC39 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
| Six tracker of locally produced polyhet style music. | |
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| LES GALLIETS | JO'BURG 96 | MC21 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
| Celebrating the Pan African football competition in Johannesburg in 96 the five lads who make up the singing team of 'Les Galliets' have put together a very enthusiastic and funky little album that draws more than a bit of inspiration from Gadji Celi's top hit football album from a few years back 'Elephants Story'. If you haven't got Gadji's album then grab a copy of this one as it's a right little belter, if you do have one then you'll love this one. The lads singing is great and so is the stylish playing of local guitar star Coulby Praice.[4T] | |
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| LES JUVENILS | ADALE | ABA001 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
| Very nice album of bright and breezy music from this modern electric group that seems to be mainly influenced by the sounds of Paris and the Antilles. Just a touch too zouky for me. | |
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| LES VOISINES | TASSOUMA DANCE | TMC/003 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
| The trio of girls who make up the sweet voiced Les Voisines are Lary, Ady and Mady and they are backed by Julie, Chuck and Pat. The typically Ivorien drum driven polihet style music is not bad at all. | |
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| LES WOANTHIOS | POPOKO | E0173292-4 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
| Absolutely outstanding in every way. This virtually all girl group, who's popularity in the Ivory Coast is second only to 'Woya', are magic through and through. Which isn't surprising as their rich and varied modern dance music has retained its ethnic roots with a great beat, some really lovely guitar and absolutely smashing vocals. Ble Clotilde shines out both on lead guitar and vocals with a style of music that is very different from what you would normally expect from this part of Africa. My favourite tracks are 'Kopka' and 'Damozode' and that was a very difficult choice to make as dance wise 'Popoko' will leave your socks smouldering! SUPERB ALBUM. | |
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| LES YOUTOU | TASSABA | TASSABA | TC | £ 0.00 | |
| A bang up to date Ivorien album which is very popular with the inhabitants of Abidjan's teeming nightclubs. Its basically a mix of techno with a bit of Afro-rap thrown in for good measure. Not my cup of tea but my youngest daughter says its not bad - so who am I to argue! 6 tracks of which 2 are remixes. | |
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| LOU SUSANN NASU | ANGLOUI BIA | E141294 | TC | £ 10.00 | |
Lou comes from a family of musicians and is considered to be 'The Voice' of Ivorien music. She uses traditional songs and rhythms as a source for her music. She has released quite a few albums and with her sweet, clear voice and the modern guitar, keyboard and percussion backing, will I'm sure have many more. The music won't set the dance floor alight but certainly shows off the modern Ivorien sound to great effect. Released by EMI Pathe Marconi C.I. back in 1990. [4T/22M]
CONDITION AS NEW BUT NOT SEALED
ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
| 1. ANGLOUI BIA
2. TIGONA
3. ZEBLE
4. ENWE |
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| LUCKSON PADAUD AND FRERES SEHIA | LABA LABA | E012591-4 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
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| M.A.M. | LUMIERE | LUMIERE | TC | £ 0.00 | |
| Mad, As and Mouss are the three young rappers who feature on this album of up to date Ivorien music. Not my sort of stuff so hence its here in the sale but if you like rap its rather interesting. | |
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| M.C.CLAVER | SENSIBILITE | E0246192-4 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
| Well with a name like that and a cover picture that shows he regards vinyl with the same respect as floor covering I was quite surprised to find that I actually fell in love wIth it! Totally unexpected content from an album whose first track implies an African version of 'Rap'. More wrong you just can't get. Scratch, lead vocals and production by M.C. recorded at 'Studio Sequence' and M.C.'s own home studio. A very well recorded and put together album with a slow and sensual appeal that's just gorgeous to listen to. Sound wise the sampler is perfect in it's reproduction of the myriad of instruments that 'take part'. Side 'A' features the vocals while side 'B' has the instrumental versions. The final track is a definite entry for my classics list. the laid back African base comes through on all tracks. Yes, I know you can't stand 'Rap music', neither can I but this one is not to be missed. For younger listeners track 3, side 'A' contains some explicit language, no that's not a recommendation its a warning. | |
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| MA HA AND THE MAND CO | BABA LEA | EMAILPS01 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
| Reggae star MA HA comes crashing in with the title track that has overtones of top Senegalese group Toure Kunda but the rest of the album is much more gentler and reggae orientated except for 'Aye Bere' which is also remenicent of Toure Kunda. The reggae tracks are mostly sung in English. Even if you're not into reggae this album is well worth getting just for 'Baba Lea' and 'Aye Bere' which are great tracks. | |
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| MAGIC SYSTEM | POISSON D'AVRIL - APRIL FOOL | DO519002 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
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| MAGIC SYSTEM | PREMIER GAOU | DO350017 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
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| MAMA FAYE | MADI DI | DMC002 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
| Just as traditional sounding as the album before but this time N'gossere has swopped places with Mama Faye. The same line-up of jazz and tambours played a little less frantically by Dembele Seydou and Youssouf Sylla with tam tam from Daouda Keita and shaker from Mamadou Guindo. Mama's slightly softer vocals and a little bit more bass in the percussion makes it a second wonderful album from this very tallented pair of young singers. (F.T.Index: Bingoman, Yereman Yeremansso, Kele N'goloni ) [6T/26M] | |
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| MARABOUTS | FETICHE | FETICHE | TC | £ 0.00 | |
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| MATHEY | ANZI | MAYA002 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
| A newcomer on the music scene and if this album is anything to go by then I can't wait for more. Mathey's talented vocal style is perfectly complimented not only by the girls in the chorus but also by a great band. Their music is modern and while its mainly drum driven and electric in origin it is extremely well played with a super sax line-up making the running on both 'Mami Ba Koun' and the title track. (F.T.Index: Amah, Tendresse, Anzi, Ca Va Pas, Mami Ba Koun, Papa.) [6T/28M] | |
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| MATHEY | CLEPO | 08788-2 | CD | £ 0.00 | |
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| MATTHA FATOU | YAFAMA | LX93033 | LP | £ 0.00 | |
One of the first African records I bought back in the 80's which I was told came from Cameroon although I now know that she actually comes from the Ivory Coast. Mattha sings ever so sweetly like some little girl lost while Kitsuku and Meiway play some haunting guitar alongside Dje Kimo's intruiging keyboards. This record is superb and so different from anything else that it has remained a favourite of mine since the day I bought it. Pure Magic. ( F.T.Index: Yafama, Nafigui, Malienlou, Saya, Nanan Houphoet. ) [5T/30M]
ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION | 1. YAFAMA
2. NANAN HOUPHOUET
3. SAYA
4. NAFIGUI
5. MALIENLOU |
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| MODJOU CANE | KLAMAN | E0812934 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
| This lively album is based on the traditional drum music of the country accompanied 'call and response' style by Modjou and her chorus. The three tam-tam players set a prodigious pace and are helped out here and there by a bit of rather nice 'harmonica' playing from the keyboards of Kakou Honore. Loved the hyeana imitations on Ntalo Assie!!!! (F.T.Index: Klaman, Ntalo Assie, Dibla Lakon'do ) [6T/34M] | |
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| MORO BEYA MADUMA | AFRICAN SAX No. 1 | MC8 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
| Maurice or Moro as he is also known, was during the 60's a saxophonist with Zairean group Negro Succes before returning home to the Ivory Coast where he made this album. | 1. INDEPENDANCE CHA CHA
2. DEGNIGBAN
3. JAMAIS KOLONGA
4. SKAKE YOUR BODY
5. MALAIKA
6. MBONGO PASI
7. VICKI
8. O' MARTHA |
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| N.S.T. COPHIE'S | ZOPIO DANCE | NSTK71196 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
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| NAYANKA BELL | A TOULA (VISA) | CDS6820 | CD | £ 0.00 | |
Nayanka is one of the most perfect singers I've heard in years, her voice is smooth, sharp, clear and powerful all at the same time. In other words wonderful but that's not all, the music is gorgeous too! Not surprising as Boncana Maiga is in charge of a line-up that includes Yves N'jock and N'doumbe Djengue on guitars, Moriba Koita on n'goni, Papa Kouyate on percussion and djembe and a magic trio of horn players in Hatot, Slominski and Bolognesi. Nayanka started singing during the 80's as a member of the 'Orchestre de la R.T.I.' under Manu Dibango and now lives and records in Paris. Superb Album. ( F.T.Index: Mvodzam, A Toula, N'damah, Targui. ) [10T/44M]) Recommended.
ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION | 1. A TOULA
2. AHOU
3. IWASSADO
4. MON PARI
5. TARGUI
6. MVODZAM
7. N'DAMAH
8. SAAYOTE
9. OUKALADADO
10. SYMPHONE/CORRIDA |
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| NAYANKA BELL | BRIN DE FOLIE | 600522 | CD | £ 0.00 | |
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| N'GOSSERE BALLO | WIKA O MA | ALPHA003 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
| I was hooked as soon as I heard her, she reminded me of the singer of the final song in the film 'Cobra Verde'. The young and very beautiful N'gossere has one of the most stunning voices I've ever heard. Top that off with a marvellous all percussive backing that has tambours thundering in all directions and Mama Faye belting out the chorus and you end up with one heck of an album! (F.T.Index: Wika O Ma, So Naye Na, Koro Djarra, ) [6T/24M] | |
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| N'GUES BON SENS | IL ETAIT UNE FOIS | E0241091-4 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
| Another superb Congolese-Polihet offering from the 'Yace Marcelin and Studio Sequence' stable. N'guessan Julian's power packed vocals really drive along the fast paced guitar led music. Plenty of keyboards and super backing from the girls make this a magic side 'A'. The tracks on side 'B' are totally different and go back to Ivorien roots for their fast paced Ethnic sound, simple call and response vocals with acoustic guitar and ethnic percussion. A super show case album for the talented N'gues Bon Sens. | |
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| OLIVES GUEDE | DANS LE POLIHET CALLE | OY003 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
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| OLIVES GUEDE | SOLIDARITE | E0154914 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
| The second of three albums released by 'Zadje Olives' or as he preferes to be known now just 'Olives' and his group 'Le Polihet Plus'. Played flat-out, as you might expect to that energetic polihet rhythm. Olives and the group's soft vocal harmonies and the breakneck guitar picking combine perfectly with the hard driving sound of the drummers. I'd love to actually see the dancing that goes with this music in action as I reckon you'd need three pairs of legs just to keep one foot on the ground! (F.T.Index: Solidarite, Ble Charles, Guede Guina ) [6T/35M] | |
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| P. I. RAY | COMMISSAIRE | E0243192-4 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
| Move over Alpha Blondie and make way for P.I.Ray. Stunning Reggae music and P.I.'s fantastic vocals are destined for the top. Very like Alpha but with something else really going for it, like Power and Clarity. You may recognise bits of old Alpha recordings in it as there are a couple of tracks that could almost be covers but none the less superb. Favorite tracks, 'Politic Warrior' and 'Operation Djangale'. ABSOLUTELY RECOMMENDED. | |
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| PABLO | BLO DANCE | SHOW3 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
| Interesting mix of modern styles and local rhythms. | |
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| PACIFIC GROUP | PODIUM 91 | E0179192-4 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
| A cracker of a dance album from the Ivory Coast's 'Podium 91' award winners. Based on the folk music of the San Pedro region of the country, their music is vibrant with fast guitars and 'synth' horns leading the way. 'Sida', the song about 'Aids', is my favorite for its lovely vocals but both 'Bada Gnossoa' and 'Badi Boloye' are not far behind. Asbestos boots 'de rigueur', fire extinguishers optional. | |
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| PETER ONE | ZUZU I | E02521191-4 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
Stupendous, Magic, call it what you want but this Paris and Ivory Coast recorded album of South African style music is one of the best I've ever heard. The tunes are all so catchy that you'll be hearing them in your sleep. Beautifully played and sung throughout the whole album. It left me so stunned that the only thing I could think of was 'Why can't the South Africans produce an album as good as this?' I could listen to it for ever. FANTASTIC.
ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION | 1. BANTUSTANS
2. NAWANDI
3. SIDA DJE
4. WO WO WO |
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| PETIT SORY | DENIKELE | S001P93 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
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| PREMI'S TIZOU | UNISSONS NOUS | MC30 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
| A beautiful album from singer/composer Premi's and her band. As a vocalist she is superb, crystal clear and with power in abundance and she really knows how to use it to hold your attention. Musically the album is a potpourri combining essences from the softer side of reggae and Paris style ballads with enhancing local rhythms. Its smashing stuff for either listening to or dancing as Sam Wuo and Athanase strut their stuff on lead guitars backed up by Ziben on bass. The synth is quite low-key but also essential to the overall beauty and feel of the music which is pure African - helped no doubt by the intensity of Souley and Papou's driving drums. However its still the stunning voice of Premi's and her girls that make this album rather addictive. | |
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| ROSE BA | SOLEIL | E02812192-4 | TC | £ 15.00 | |
Rose's album is a bit like a magicians hat, you never know what she is going to pull out of it next. All the tracks start off with a hooky almost Zouk style intro but then the rabbits start to appear in the shape of guitarists Pascal and Briscard and the tempo changes as they let loose Congolese seben style. The best track without a doubt is the cover version of Rochereau and Mbilia Bel's 'Nerobie' which is absolutely gorgeous. Mind you having played it again 31 years later I have just fallen in love with Ouyi. [6T/40M] Released by EMI Pathe Marconi C.I. back in 1992.
CONDITION AS NEW BUT NOT SEALED
ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION
| 1. BIE
2. SOLEIL
3. OUEYI
4. MONY
5. TANTI HENRIETTE
6. NEROBIE |
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| SELIKO | PISSANI PAUL - PESA MPOSA | MAYS003 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
| Born in Zaire but now lives in Cocody, Ivory Coast. Seliko Malongui Dikizi Dioko to give him his full mame, is an accomplished artist who has played with Zitany Neil and Koffi Olomide, which should give you a good idea of the sort of music on this album. Pure Congolese sound with marvellously sweet vocals from Seliko, Kilola and Miparo, backed by Doris and Sesky who play some stunningly beautiful guitar. Recorded at Studio Sequence in Abidjan by Yace Marcelin. A bit short on length but not to be missed at any price. | |
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| SERY SIMPLICE | YAOSSEHI AYIAKAYI | OD271293 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
| Sery has been playing for nearly thirty years and issued loads of albums in his own country but is virtualy unheard of abroad. He pioneered the style know as 'Gbegbe' which is a less percussive and more musical form of 'Ziglibithy'. With plenty of guitar, horns and keyboard played at a cracking pace. The surprise track was Pahika which sounded somewhat like a drunken funeral dirge, I think it picked up when the corpse left! The rest of the album is quite intriguing. (F.T. Index: Yaossehi, Padre, Hommage.) | |
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| SINCLEMEN | ENVOL DES SINCLEMEN | SINCLEMEN | TC | £ 0.00 | |
| Superb Reggae album from four young Rastafarians who live in the Treichville district of the Capital - Abidjan which is known locally as Treichtown. They base their music on 'Bob Marley', 'Uroy', 'Yellow Man' and 'Burning Spear' which they have all listened to since they were very young. The four members of the group are Fred Look from Ivory Coast, Cheickh Blackson from Mali, Orlando from Burkina Faso and Tim Black from Senegal. With a mix like that it's not surprising that the music is not only good but also different. 1990. | 1. HALTE A LA VIOLENCE
2. TOUDY GAMAIN
3. N'DAYA INTERNATIONAL
4. M'BAWE
5. TREICH TOWN
6. TOUNDA
7. DONY LE BEBGUN
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| St. KOFF | CONSOLATION MIMOSAS | CONSOLATION | TC | £ 0.00 | |
| Hard luck on the Mimosa's who are an Ivorian football team. Obviously they lost a match or something. Still, with this album dedicated to them they have got something to dance about now. Although there are only two tracks (hence the low price) with two semi-instrumental versions, it can certainly get you bouncing about. Fast paced and with some really bright guitars up front backed by a solid horn section, its a little cracker. | |
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| SYSTEM GAZEUR | AMBIANCE FACILE | E06991-4 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
| Blimey, what a voice! Or rather voices from this ten piece accappella and percussion group. Their singing puts Zap Mama and Swede Swede in the shade but when those drums start belting out their rhythms it just goes wild. You could loose pounds just trying to keep up with the drums! Recommended, especially for those who want to slim fast. | |
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| SYSTEME GAZEUR | MAMIE TON ALLOCO | E0108292-4 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
| Their second album and totally new sound as well, gone are the drums and the lung bursting vocals and in comes a four piece group with a modern line up of Congolese style guitars, drums and keyboards! Super vocals from all the remaining members of the group as they really motor through their fast dance numbers on side one ending with some lovely guitar on the last track. Side two finds them back to the ethnic sound of their first album but nowhere near as frantic. Beautiful. | |
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| TERE MOHAMED | LABAMBA | ALPHA005 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
| Here's another version of 'La Bamba' for John Peel and this time it's played to a reggae beat which is quite interesting enough except that Tere is also a dead ringer vocally for Alpha Blondy! It may be a bit short on time but with Abou Ouatt on percussion and guitaring from Charly Dickess and N'dry Big Austy (Honestly I don't make these names up) it is a really gorgeous little album. (F.T.Index: Je Vous En Prie, Gnanafin, Il Etat Une Fois, Labamba ) [4T/18M] | |
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| TONTON DAVID | ALLEZ LEUR DIRE | 8394064 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
| The opening track grabs your attention by simply being reggae played latin style and very nice it is too. The third track mixes reggae and du slow and by now I'm thinking that this is getting more interesting each time. Thirteen tracks in all and no two even slightly alike! All sweetly sung and softly played by Tonton and his group. There are some really good dance numbers on the album and I can definitely say 'I'm hooked'. Clear the floor I'm ready to strut by stuff! (F.T. Index: Rub a Dub, Ma Number One, SOS Hommes Battus, Sur et Certain, Position High.) | |
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| TONTON SESS | VOLUME 1 MIVADO | MC17 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
| An interesting and inovative album that uses a big modern sound and an even bigger chorus line-up. A bit like the curate's egg. | |
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| TRADIMO | BLA ETRAN | ALPHA004 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
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| USTIN AHIPEAUD AND J.W. POSSE | AKPON RAGGA FEELINGS | UST10855 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
It isn't RAGGA. The music is pure African and literally throbs from start to finish with an incredible performance from keyboard wizard Ibis Adou and guitarist Briscard 'Pacheco' T-Kat. Sax player Seydina excels throughout as do the wonderful backing singers. Ustin who sings, plays drums and also doubles on bass guitar is marvellous and gets the music going at a cracking pace! He draws inspiration from all over Africa as 'Justin' to give him his proper name, has played with Egyptian reggae band 'Pennies From Heaven', Afro Jazz band 'Deka Koma', 'Sammy Massamba' and even Rai artist Cheb Moumen. The sound of Congo D. R. shines out on 'Kapa Kapa' with some great guitar but otherwise it's a bit hard to pin down. Mind you, after you've heard the intro track 'Last Time' you won't care where it comes from. YOU'LL BE TOO BUSY DANCING YOUR SOCKS OFF TO WORRY ! (The F.T.Index: Take your pick. I loved 'em all)
ON CD-R IN MY COLLECTION | 1. LAST TIME
2. DAGBAZE
3. AWAWALE
4. PANA MONE
5. LAST TIME
6. KAPA KAPA
7. TAM TAM
8. HEAVY SONG
9. ANAZE
10. KAPA KAPA |
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| VARIOUS ARTISTS | HITS FROM COTE D'IVOIRE | CASLP2024 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
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| VARIOUS ARTISTS | IVOIR' COMPIL VOLUME 2 | 02054-2 | CD | £ 0.00 | |
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| VARIOUS ARTISTS | OPERATION RAZ DE MAREE | MC5 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
| A single tape with the track 'H.K.B.' and an instrumental version of it. Made somewhat like the 'Liveaid' song except that this is to get you to vote in the elections. A variety of singers have joined together to do their bit for the cause, namely; Dapley Stone, Antoinette Konan, Dominique Gozene, John Jongos, G G Leopoldine, Debohi, Mariz Gue, Adamo/Kouchiz and Noel Dourey. Wompy provides the guitars and keyboard for the backing music. Very nice and a shame its only a single. | |
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| WABY SPIDER | MAAGIZO | AMN0001 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
| This album from the ever popular Ivorien reggae artist Waby is done in aid of Amnesty International. Whilst it is still basically a Reggae album, musically it is quite varied, experimenting with a variety of different influences. Latin to the fore on No Nombre while traditional Ivorian themes form the basis on others. No Alpha Blondy sound alike, more an H.P.Laims, which might explain why I've taken quite a shine to this album. (F.T. Index: Remake it, Atto Allah Ye, Afrika Ti Gbominira. ) | |
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| WOODY | AWELESSE | WOODY | TC | £ 0.00 | |
| Jumping Jehosephat! Where did this lot spring from I asked myself as the group launched themselves into Ozigneze. A cross between Pink Floyd and Stimela hits the eardrums with stupendous effect. Recorded in London at Sultan Sound this album is nothing short of brilliant. Great singing and guitar playing from both Jack Delly and Phil Azoume is backed up by some mean keyboards from Obo and Gnali Firmin with Ray Carless on sax. Absolutely fascinating album. (F.T. Index: Same, Awalesse, Ozigneze, Dreaming Woman) | |
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| ZAGAZOUGOU | LA CONFIRMATION VOL II | ACSB0050 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
| A stunning album of accordion and drum music that took the charts of West Africa by storm a couple of years ago, even sweeping Soukous aside!. It also features a couple of my favourite Ivory Coast singers in the form of N'gosserre Ballo and Mama Faye. The compilation 'Zagazougou Coup' released on CD only last year included some the rather un-interesting first album but missed three other lovely tracks from this one. (F.T.Index: Varietoscope, Djan Fa, Bissimilaye, Zagadon, ) [9T/48M] | |
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| ZEZE LAVET | GOUZA | OK008 | TC | £ 0.00 | |
| Zeze comes from the Ouragahio Region and sings in the Bete language. The music is based on the 'Alloukou' which is danced at weddings and in the moonlight, just for fun!! Mainly fast paced dance music with a good beat and smooth vocals. Features some lovely keyboard from James Scott who dosn't sound like your average Ivorien! Super album from all angles and one that I would recommend. | 1. GOUZA
2. GNEAN
3. ZIKPENO
4. ZIZIMAZI
5. DODOGUEHI
6. UKELE
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