Asnakech Worku
Asnakech

Jorge Ben's first full-length record, this 1963 release contains the hit singles "Mas Que Nada" and "Chove Chuva" and exemplifies the light yet propulsive rhythms that kept Ben in a decades-long career in Brazilian pop. Full of big-band sway with sweeping Bossa Nova touch and lively choruses, it's fantastic to track Ben here as he evolved into more rock and Afro-percussive ballads. An incredibly enjoyable listen from the young superstar.

Written after a trip home to Swaziland, now known as eSwatini, the Brownswood Future Bubblers artist Sydney recorded the sounds of life there after completing studies of sonic signatures and comparison of traditional instruments around the world. Oozing with an authentic and rich atmosphere, Sydney has crafted seven deep and spiritual cuts with indigenous percussion, tumbling drums and rich spoken word samples. Broken beats with drifting sax lines, horizontal deep house and jazzy hip-hop all contribute to making this an ode to a special place, and people. BIG recommend!

Ghanaian highlife guitar legend Ebo Taylor teams up again with Strut for a long overdue definitive compilation of his seminal 1970s recordings. During Ghana's highlife explosion during the 1950s and '60s, Ebo Taylor made his name as a prolific composer, arranger and frontman in bands before studying music in London alongside Fela Kuti. He returned and in the 70s started exploring unique jazz fusions and borrowed elements from regional Ghanaian folk music, Afrobeat, jazz, soul and funk. This comp revisits his classics and some of his lesser-known side projects. Includes rare photos, original album artwork and sleeve notes by Soundway Records' Miles Cleret.

As its title suggests, Analog Africa has compiled the band's work across the lion's share of the 70s. Tracks like 'Hot Coffee' and '2nd Avenue' are irresistibly, instantly groovy, but overall there is also a fascinating sonic crossroads where African jit music meets the funk and soul of the US. All are executed in the most natural, free-flowing style, which makes this package even harder to resist. Gorgeous comp from one the best African music reissue labels.