Pascal Bony et les Cantadors de la Capital (1977)

I found this gem in a charity shop in Bath at the end of December, and its been getting some heavy use since I got it home. Can't really tell you much about it as there's little info about Pascal Bony (or Bony Pascal) to be found on the internet. What I can say is that its very lo-fi and sounds like it was recorded in the midst of a really great party. The music is a frenetic blend of a variety of styles from the Cote d'Ivoire and Western Africa. There are some gloriously chaotic moments on 'Abobgna' where the whole thing sounds like its about to fall apart, but this just seems to increase the excitement.

Tracklist:

01 Abobogna
02 Alakamin
03 Assouo Kpla Mousouo
04 Annee de la Femme
05 Ahouan Foue

Get the goodies HERE.

Daouda - Le Sentimental (1985)

Beautiful Afro-pop from Cameroon/Ivory Coast. Gorgeous, heartfelt songs that shimmy around, blending rumba, soukous and makossa sounds.

Track list:

01 Mon Coeur Balance
02 Bouquet De Fleurs
03 Maimouna
04 Je Suis Fatigue
05 Yafa Nema
06 Le Sentimental

Get it HERE.

Ernesto Dje Dje - Le Roi du Ziglibithy (Cote d'Ivoire 1977)

Ernesto Dje Dje was, until his death in 1983, the most famous singer from the Ivory Coast. On this great album, Dje Dje attempted to modernise the Ziglibithy dance rhythm and encourage other Ivorians to capitalise on their shared musical heritage. This is a hugely enjoyable album, fast paced and funky with great guitar and brass throughout.

Tracklisting:

01 Zibote
02 Zadie Bobo
03 Behdo
04 Lola
05 Gnizako
06 Assouna

Get it HERE!

And here's a little taster: