Homowo cover

Homowo

Released

Although Basa Basa’s first record was produced by none other than Fela Kuti, it was their collaboration with South African producer Themba “T-fire” Matebese on Homowo that propelled them into the future. Driven by twin brothers Joe and John Nyaku’s powerful rhythm section, and with the addition of Matebese’s futuristic synths and keys, the 1979 record is a mix of disco-funk, psychedelia, Afrobeats, and traditional Ghanaian styles. On the opening title track Matebese’s Mini Korg snakes between the brothers’ tight percussions, while on standout “African Soul Power” Afrobeat percussion and modern-sounding synth riffs are laced through a solid disco beat. It’s a thrilling synthesis of tradition and modernity, one that sounds as futuristic today as it did forty years ago. 

Megan Iacobini de Fazio

Suggestions
Antoinette Konan cover

Antoinette Konan

Antoinette Konan
Sparkle cover

Sparkle

Sparkle
Discothèque 76 cover

Discothèque 76

Bembeya Jazz National
MSA- Mombasa cover

MSA- Mombasa

Mombasa Roots
Juju Music cover

Juju Music

King Sunny Adé
Din Ya Sugri cover

Din Ya Sugri

Uppers International, Christy Azuma
Ebo Taylor cover

Ebo Taylor

Ebo Taylor
Voices of Darkness cover

Voices of Darkness

Voices of Darkness
Horizon Unlimited cover

Horizon Unlimited

The Lijadu Sisters
Jo Tongo cover

Jo Tongo

Jo Tongo
Mother Africa cover

Mother Africa

The Lijadu Sisters