Various Artists: Kenya Special - Selected East African Recordings From The 1970s & ‘80s (Vinyl 3xLP + 7")

Soundway Records present Kenya Special - Selected East African Recordings from the 1970s & ‘80s - a treasure-trove of rare and unusual recordings from East Africa. Spread out over two CDs and one triple LP, Kenya Special is accompanied by detailed liner notes, original artwork and photographs.It follows on from Soundway’s much acclaimed African ‘Special’ series that to date has focused on the highlife and afrobeat output from 1970s Nigeria and Ghana.

Kenya Special is a collection of 32 recordings (most of which were only ever released on small-run 45rpm 7" singles) that stand out as being different or unique as well as some classic genre standards. From Kikuyu language ‘liquid soul’, Luo benga and Swahili afrobeat to genre-bending Congolese and Tanzanian tracks recorded in Nairobi, Kenya Special sees Soundway yet again taking the less trodden path. Many of the tracks featured here are peppered with innovation and experimentation highlighting how diverse the music scene in Kenya was at the time.

In 1970s Kenya the two threads of rumba and benga loosely dominated the music scene. Benga quickly became Kenya’s unique contribution to afro-pop; spreading like wildfire through the interior countryside with it’s fast, 4/4 machine-gun beat and intricate electric guitar layers. The Congolese take on Afro-Cuban rumba was introduced by touring bands many of whom settled in East Africa - influencing bands from Kenya and Tanzania to come up with their own take on this popular style. Alongside these styles were small ensembles and hotel-sponsored bands, playing a blend of music that often included rock ‘n’ roll riffs, elements of ‘afro’ music (influenced by West African musicians like Fela Kuti), and multiple other combinations from South African and Zambian guitar styles to disco, funk and Swahili coastal rhythms like chakacha.

Painstakingly compiled, assembled and researched over two years by a team of five people from five countries (Kenya included), Kenya Special is a collection that looks beyond the mainstream and brings new life and recognition to some little known gems and forgotten classics of Kenya’s past.

1. The Loi-Toki-Tok Band – Ware Wa
2. Slim Ali & The Famous Hodi Boys – Watoto Nyara
3. Orchestre Baba National – Sweet Sweet Mbombo
4. Gatanga Boys Band – Wendo Ti Mbia
5. Hafusa Abasi & Slim Ali with The Yahoos Band – Sina Raha
6. Nashil Pichen & The Eagles Lupopo – Ng'ong'a Wa Mwanjalo
7. Nairobi Matata Jazz – Tamba Tamba
8. The Lulus Band – Ngwendeire Guita
9. Mbiri Young Stars – Ndiri Ndanogio Niwe
10. The Lulus Band – Nana
11. Afro 70 – Week End
12. The Rift Valley Brothers – Mu Africa
13. DO 7 Band – H.O. Ochiri
14. Afro 70 – Cha-Umheja
15. Peter Tsotsi Juma & The Eagles Lupopo – Kajo Golo Weka
16. New Gatanga Sound – Thoni Ni Caki
17. Sophia Ben & The Eagles Lupopo – See Serere
18. Kalambya Boys – Kivelenge
19. The Loi-Toki-Tok Band – Leta Ngoma
20. Huruma Boys Band – Teresia
21. Orchestre Veve Star – Nitarudia
22. The Mombasa Vikings – Mama Matotoya
23. The Lulus Band – Mutumia Muriu (bonus 7")
24. Ndalani 77 Brothers – Nzaumi (bonus 7")