The British label returns to the rich archives of Black Fire Records to celebrate an album by the Ghanaian master percussionist.
Recorded in Washington D.C.’s Arrest Studios in 1977, Asante’s Drum Message is a deeply spiritual album. “This album really came from my heart,” he explained. “I wanted to project the African spirit in the music and come out with some unique African jazz.” Having started his career with the likes of Ebo Taylor, he later joined Hedzoleh Soundz, which performed with legendary musicians like Fela Kuti and Hugh Masekela. It is by playing with the South African jazzman that he met with the band Oneness Of Juju, who accompanied him on the recording of Drum Message with Black Fire Records.
Four tracks from the album are already available: Oneness’ classic “Follow Me,” Asante’s dancefloor favourite “Sabi,” the mellow grooves of “Asante Sana” and the esoteric “Mother Africa.” The album has been fully remastered by The Carvery studios, and follows a compilation partnership between Strut Records and Black Fire Records.
Drum Message by Okyerema Asante, out on October 1st on Strut Records.
