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.

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.