In this week’s selection : an eclectic album recorded in one week by Damon Albarn and his troup, afro-infused lo-fi sounds by Gafacci, a lost album finally published by Habibi Funk…
Africa Express
Egoli
Created in 2006, Africa Express is a collective led by Damon Albarn featuring South African and European artists such as BCUC, Otim Alpha (Nyege Nyege), Poté, Dominowe and DJ Spoko. Egoli, “the Golden City” in Xhosa language, was recorded in seven days in a South African studio. The 18 tracks channel several influences though the many collaborations it features.
Stream and order it on your favorite platform.
Gafacci
Tash BNM
Gafacci is known for infusing afro rhythms and sonorities into electronic-based instrumentals, a style called asokpor. These rhythms are part of Gafacci’s DNA, directly influenced by his father Sega Gafatchi, a former band member of juju music legend Chief Commander Ebenezer. His new EP, Tash BNM, is an exploration of “lo-fi” sounds, infused with minimalistic afrobeats and a pop touch.
Stream and order it on Bandcamp.
Attarazat Addahabia & Faradjallah
Al Hadaoui
Always seeking for new Middle-Eastern sounds, Habibi Funk unearthes an unreleased album from Attarazat Addahabia & Faradjallah. Faradjallah was originally a cinema poster painter. He started writing music to share his alternative interpretation of gnawa culture, a music genre that comes from the descendants of black Subsaharian slaves. He formed the band Attarazat Addahabia in 1968, with 13 of his family members. Although it was record in 1973, the album was never release until today for an unknown reason.
Stream and order it on Bandcamp.
Crayon
Cray Cray
Mavin Records’ latest new act, Crayon, just dropped his debut EP, Cray Cray. A unique blend of afropop, afrobeats with latin and Caribbean sounds. “He’s called Crayon because his work is so colourful: it channels Fela, Drake, Justin Bieber, Bryson Tiller, Wizkid and Davido in a way that feels completely current and fresh.” Said Baby Fresh, founder of Mavin sublabel Blowtime Entertainment.
Stream it on Spotify / Apple Music.
KG & Scratchclart
Touch
Producer and vocalist KG aka Karen Nyame joiens her creative forces with Scratchclart akaScratcha DVA) for a joint EP on Hyperdub. The four track channel elements from South African Gqom, UK Funky and grime. Grimey flutes, heavy drums, ethereal vocals and Detroit-style synths blend through the mysterious summer tracks.
Stream and order it here.
