Manuel, Ayo: 1983-90 (Vinyl LP)

Soundway Records presents Ayo Manuel - 1983-1990, a collection of selected works by one of Nigeria’s DIY pioneers.

Prince Ayo’s musical roots were planted deep from a young age. A prolonged stint in the choir at his church in the small town of Atijere, gave him a first taste of harmony and hard-wired music to his heart. Later, a move to the bright lights of Lagos opened his eyes and ears to everything the metropolis had to offer. Local nightclubs, radio stations and record stores exposed him to a plethora of local and foreign stars who would later become his influences.

Soundway have compiled the stand out cuts from each of his two albums, re-issued for the first time and showcasing the evolution of Ayo’s music between the two releases. Love Candidate fills side-A, led by Song Of Love (Instrumental) - mid-tempo, synth-heavy music toeing the line between lo-fi crunch and sophisticated charm. Followed closely by afro-disco melters Don’t Stop and the aptly titled Fun Time. Both with strong American, disco-funk leanings but full of Nigerian flavour, they come signed, sealed and delivered for any discerning dancefloor.