12 of the Best - Capital Music Store, Nairobi

The music on this unloved piece of vinyl from Kenya is simply gorgeous. Twelve fantastic songs featuring delightful guitar picking and very simple percussion, this should go down well with those of you who enjoyed the George Mukabi album I posted earlier in the year. You can read more about the CMS record label here.

Any info about these artists or songs would be much appreciated.



Tracklist:

01 Watoto Hatujubui Kiingereza
02 Niko Taabuni
03 Wanajiita Sisi Wahuni
04 Baba Kumbuka
05 Wimbo Wa Uruma
06 Mpenzi Josifina
07 Vijana Mnayesoma
08 Africa Tusikilizane
09 Mpenzi Katerina
10 Ofafa Jericho
11 Samwell Ndeje
12 Namulia Rehema

Get it HERE.

An Evening with Snap Crackle & Pop Volume 1

It's strange how elastic time has become, or maybe has always been. I've been posting here at Snap, Crackle and Pop for just over three years now so I thought it was HIGH TIME for a little mix - around my musical world in 75 minutes or so.





Here is the tracklist, and you'll find that clicking on the artist's name will take you to the original post. Handy eh?

Tracklist:

01 Nico Pourvu & His Romanian Orchestra - Doina de la Titu (Romania)
02 Manitas de Plata - Maure Eglise (Spain)
03 Unknown Artist - Mahjoula (Morocco)
04 Sabah - Dakhlak Tell ou Hakina (Lebanon)
05 Archie Shepp - Blase (USA)
06 Stock, Hausen & Walkman - Gruel (UK)
07 Erkin Koray - Cemalim (Turkey)
08 Simon Jurad - Ambiance Nous (Martinique)
09 R.D. Burman - Dum Maro Dum (India)
10 M'Pongo Love - Ede (Democratic Republic of the Congo)
11 Tabu Ley - Dialogue (Democratic Republic of the Congo)
12 Ann Peebles - Do I Need You? (USA)
13 The Peddlers - On a Clear Day (UK)
14 King Sunny Ade - Akura Nile (Nigeria)
15 Tony Tuff - Jah Almighty (Jamaica)
16 Marehemu George Mukabi - Bibi Mama Ngani Mzuri (Kenya)
17 Los Guaraguao - Juventud Adelante (Mexico)
18 Conjunto Sol Del Peru - Paras Shayan (Peru)
19 Bongwater - One So Black (USA)
20 Maalem El Mansoum - Uled Bambara (Morocco)

Get it HERE.

Marehemu George Mukabi - Sengula Nakupenda

George Mukabi (Musical Career 1956 to 1963)
Marehemu George Mukabi was born in Kisa near Kakamega. In his short musical career he recorded less than 30 songs. Each and every one of them without exception was a HIT. His first recording Sengula Nakupenda recorded in 1956 by AGS sold over 100,000 copies within a period of two years.

This record has been rereleased many times ver the years. It has never lost its popularity and even today after 25 years it is just as popular. George's name became so popular that I believe there isn't one musical fan who does not recognise his unique style of music.

George was a truly gifted artist and his Lyrics were that of a genius. he mixed emotions of joy love and tragedy which are truly part of everybody's life. His gift was that of a Unique Style of plucking a Guitar and combined with his Lyrics reached almost everybody's heart.

George Mukabi was tragically killed in 1963. Although in body he died his music shall live forever in hearts of all music lovers.

In this album the Producers AGS give just some of his masterpieces. We hope his music moves you as it has done thousands of others over the years.

TRIBUTE BY FELLOW MUSICIAN WHO KNEW GEORGE MUKABI VERY WELL, Mr. John Nzenze (Producer AGS Records)

This chap's music is a total joy. Gorgeous, playful vocals and a swinging, fingerpicked guitar make this one a real winner. And the crackles on this dirty old chunk of vinyl are a little reminiscent of a campfire if you wish hard enough.

Tracklist:

01 Kweli Ndugu
02 Sengula Nakupendu
03 Ruben Achieng
04 Asante Kwa Wazazi
05 Kusema Wongo
06 Kuowa Tuna Owa
07 Omulanga Wamuka
08 Kunya Kidogo
09 Tuli Saliwa Vijano Tano
10 Furaha Wenye Gita
11 Bibi Mama Ngani Mzuri
12 A.G.S. Recodi Africa
13 Bibi Mzuri Nyumbani
14 Sis Na Malenya (by Peter Akwabi)

Get it HERE.

Daudi Kabaka & His T.B. Eagles - Kenyafrica! (Playasound 1977)

I think this may be a compilation of Benga sounds from '60s Kenya. It's beautiful, lilting stuff with great guitar playing and a latin feel, sweet like the rumba of Congo. Strangely, the first song here 'Helule Helule' was covered by Essex beat group The Tremeloes. Their version hit number 14 on the hit parade in 1968 and must have been popular on Dagenham dancefloors with its freaky blend of afro breaks, harmonies and Byrds-ish rickenbacker:


Don't let that stop you checking out Daudi Kabaka...

Tracklist:

01 Helule Helule
02 Njoo Mpenzy Mary
03 African Twist
04 Msichana Wa Elim
05 Nyama Kilo Moja
06 Bachelor Boy

07 Second Hand Material
08 Kujisifu Ulevini
09 Mirija Ya Mapenzi
10 Safari Ya Nigeria
11 Kazi Ngumu
12 Spare Tyre

Get it HERE.