By David Tindall
In 2016, Soundway records released Doing it in Lagos: Boogie, Pop & Disco in 1980's Nigeria which sent me to seventh heaven. Rightly, it is the best-selling release in Soundway's impressive catalogue. Now they have released a sister compilation Gumba Fire: Bubblegum Soul & Synth Boogie in 1980's South Africa which is every bit an equal and has driven me to spread the word far and wide.
Doing it in Lagos
Soundway have unearthed African, Caribbean, Latin, and Asian music from the 1950's to 1980's since 2002 and is the brainchild of DJ and music producer - Miles Cleret. Named by The Guardian as 'one of the 10 British labels defining the sound of 2014' and label of the year at the Worldwide Awards in 2017, success is in its blood. What makes these compilations so essential is how fresh they sound. Although the Carvery restored the vinyl brilliantly, credit must also be given to the acts whose independent drive to create songs every bit the equal of the West, despite the U.S. dominating commercial stations throughout the 80's, cannot go unrecognized.
Nigeria was in a boom with both democracy restored and oil spilling out of the ground. Military dictatorship was in the past, so afro-centric politics were out and U.S. inspired dance-floor fire was in. By contrast, South Africa spent the 1980's in the grip of apartheid and only Paul Simon's Graceland was crossing over to Western audiences. However, despite the violence, hardship and oppression, they too were immersed in U.S. music. The Michael Jackson phenomenon knew no bounds. Uchenna Ikonne who compiled Doing It In Lagos with Cleret has a theory that it takes '20 years for old stuff to come back around and become cool again.' So, after unearthing a bounty of rock infused afro-beats the time is now right for a 1980's dig.
The characteristics of the Nigerian sound according to Cleret were falsetto vocals, synths, slap-bass, handclaps and a sharp emphasis on the groove.' Listening to any of the 20 tracks bear this out.
My personal favourites include Steve Monite's Only You which had been compiled elsewhere but sounds much better here, and gets spun by big name DJ's still. Hotline's Fella's Doing it in Lagos proved so popular that Soundway have since released the whole LP. Sometimes, one song is not enough. Another, Oby Onyioha's Enjoy Your Life was a favourite that in original form sells for ever inflating prices. It is a massive part of the appeal of this label, the way it democratises the music by making it accessible to all. Ofege's track Burning Jungle is also featured and is only available elsewhere on an LP that sells for silly money on the rare occasion one is available. For vinyl addicts, this release is essential because it is housed in beautiful packaging, illustrated by Lewis Heriz, including an additional seven inch single and an eight page booklet. However, the Soundway site also sells cd's and downloads which satisfy buyers happy to 'reminisce over their youth' and who are not vinyl addicts.
Gumba Fire
Gumba Fire is characterised by 'synths, keyboards and drum machines...overlaid with soulful vocals and harmonies.' Along with French Caribbean Zouk, it is the sound that is hitting the most open minded dance-floors around the world today. Gumba Fire translates as hot party, and it sure is. The homegrown alternatives to U.S. hits still sound both retro and bang up to date. DJ Okapi (Afrosynth) compiled the comp with Cleret and once again the Carvery have done a fantastic job with the sound quality. My favourite is Mind Games by Stimela who happen to have been Hugh Masekela's backing band. The title track by Ashiko is another winner. The prices are going up by the week for original LP's. Another highlight is Starlight's Picnicing which just rides on rhythm. There are 18 heavy dance-floor hitters all in one place, which for DJ's is great, and this time, the cuts are all exclusives, released digitally for the first time. With two less tracks and no seven inch single, it is easy to forgive such a remarkable release. The packaging is great, again illustrated by Heriz and it can also be purchased as a cd or download.
Overall, these two releases can rock any party, anywhere in the world and cannot come with a higher recommendation. Great for collectors, casual music fans or complete party animals alike. I hope that if you are not familiar with these records already, you soon will be. See you on the dance-floor.