Analog Africa

Two decades after their initial foray into Zimbabwean music, Analog Africa revisits the fertile grounds where their crate-digging journey commenced with “Roots Rocking Zimbabwe – The Modern Sound of Harare’ Townships 1975-1980”.

With Congo Funk!, Analog Africa have captured the essence and spirit of Congolese music, which saw the rumba elevated to new heights. The 14 tracks showcase the indelibly funky grooves that electrified audiences at the time and have obviously stood the test of time.

Once again, Analog Africa are to be congratulated on having unearthed another gem. Leon Keïta (Analog Africa Limited Dance Edition No.16) is an irresistible riot of rhythm, its dazzling virtuosity a feast for the ears.

At the forefront of both tropical and early psychedelic, electronic/synthesised music, with Ecuatoriana, Analog Africa transports the listener to a parallel universe where Polibio Mayorga is confirmed as a legendary icon of Ecuadorian music.

No Food Without Taste If By Hunger, with its hypnotic, bouncy basslines, sixties-style trippy, psychedelic guitars, seductive and oft electrifying keyboards, compelling highlife horns and raw, primal trance-like grooves makes for an irresistibly infectious album. Intoxicating funk music at its very best.

For their latest release, Perú Selvático – Sonic Expedition into the Peruvian Amazon 1972-1986, the Analog Africa label once again confounds any preconceived ideas as they head to the Peruvian Amazon rainforest for some of the most exciting electric music of the 1970s and 80s.

Analog Africa’s latest compilation, The Movers – ‘Vol. 1 – 1970-1976’, is a true testament to one of South Africa’s most legendary soul scene bands with a legacy of over a dozen albums and numerous hit singles. It also adds to the label’s ongoing outstanding reputation.

Analog Africa’s latest compilation explores the rebajada scene of Mexico, unearthing and making available musical treasures deserving of a worldwide audience. The album includes a riveting history of Mexican pitch control, (Radson tube amps, heavy-duty Garrard decks), alongside superb archive photographs.

Analog Africa really is a gift that keeps on giving. Essiebons Special 1973- 1984, celebrating the legendary Ghanaian producer Dick Essilfie-Bondzie, is yet another powerhouse release. Whether you are new to Afrobeat/Afrofunk/ Highlife or already an aficionado, this album is well-worth seeking out.

As a project, this Sonafric safari is a triumph in unearthing and presenting the music and musicians of Yaoundé’s underground music scene of some 50 years ago.  The legacy offered here on Cameroon Garage Funk illustrates the timelessness of the music and is highly recommended.

A fitting tribute to the work of Manzanita, one of Peru’s acknowledged masters of the electric guitar. The truly electrifying sounds of cumbia and guaracha music on offer burst from the speakers with exuberance and vitality guaranteed to put you in a good mood.

From the opening track to the last, this is an intoxicating album. Edo Funk Explosion Vol. 1 is an essential compilation, illuminating the work of these three groundbreaking artists and their incendiary sound, the likes of which had never been heard before.