King Ayisoba - Modern Ghanaians

  by Maarten Schiethart

published: 29 / 1 / 2014

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Compiled from three CDs released post 2006 on Pidgen Records in Accra comes this LP on Zea's Makkum label from Amsterdam. They have picked the immediately appealing tracks, and the LP very much is a compilation of the 'Best of' King Ayisoba, who plays a handheld single snare instrument. Yet from this he still manages to produce a wealth of sounds of unimaginably great diversity. Progressing from the stern and sturdy æsthetics of his rudimental music to a hypnotizing trance-like state, the LP showcases the merging of old school Ghanian funk with rattling new takes on tribal West-African music. King Ayisoba braces a unique vocal style, which is hardly seen in today's music. The LP's emphasis remains on funk, on Ghanaian funk, no matter how obvious this selection of danceable belters may appear. Though since CDs became obsolete, this LP is the next best offering to acquaint yourself with Accra's guiding light in strumming and striking juju. The first few tracks, however, on this compilation hardly show as evidence though. 'Modern Ghanaians' initially shuffles through some great Afro-dance tracks, all searching for that funky beat. As a result of the way King Ayisoba stretches his vocal chords when chanting, you may be reminded of the barking of seals. Going off the rails on 'Don't Do the Bad Thing', the party gets going. King Ayisoba's sheer reach and volume are equally impressive. With the influence of Ashanti jazz looming in the background, this compilation focuses on King Ayisoba's footwork, but he still uses his mighty voice and this peculiar one string instrument to great effect. Let this be an introduction to, instead of a 'best of'. Mighty fun though, very live and very direct. The kind of LP that John Peel would find a great treat.

Track Listing:-

1 The Source
2 Obiara Eni Begye
3 I Want to See My Father
4 Fa Mi Sika Mami
5 Oko Agae Mi
6 Modern Ghanaians
7 My Friend, My Friend
8 Champion No Easy
9 Poka N'de Bum Seela
10 Yalma
11 Baaba Poore
12 My Friend, My Friend (Evil Twi

Band Links:-

https://www.facebook.com/kingayisobaofficial
http://www.kingayisobamusic.com/
https://kingayisoba.bandcamp.com/

Label Links:-

http://www.makkumrecords.nl/

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