The Jukebox Rebel

Recorded in 1980 at Rogers All Stars Recording Studio, Umuokpu, Akwa in Nigeria. At the heart of the record is group founder, leader, singer and composer, Kofi Sammy. His group, Okukuseku International Band Of Ghana, was founded in Accra in 1969, named after a gin-like alcoholic drink popular in West Africa, a constant encouragement to live up to their promising party name. Limited recording facilities and economic pressures in their home country saw them relocate to Lagos, Nigeria in the early 1970s. Before recording this LP with producer Roger Okonkwo they had moved to the area, settling in Onitsha on the eastern bank of the Niger River, in Nigeria's Anambra State. The city is known for its river port and as an economic hub for commerce, industry, and education. Key to the move is the affinity for highlife in the area and, on the evidence of this LP, theirs is a deep and rootsy representation of the style, with the heavily accentuated bass being particularly appealing. I'm led to believe they're singing in Asante Twi, the dominant language of the form. Occasionally, and charmingly, they break into English. Cool players all 'round.

The Jukebox Rebel
26–Jul–2014

A1	[07:15] Okukuseku International Band Of Ghana - Yebre Ama Owou (Kofi Samy) Africana
A2	[06:21] Okukuseku International Band Of Ghana - Awurade Kasa (Kofi Samy) Africana
A3	[06:04] Okukuseku International Band Of Ghana - Empa Aba (Kofi Samy) Africana
B1	[07:15] Okukuseku International Band Of Ghana - Maria (Kofi Samy) Africana
B2	[06:13] Okukuseku International Band Of Ghana - Wiase Ne Obra (Kofi Samy) Africana
B3	[06:07] Okukuseku International Band Of Ghana - Ode Ama Ne Mma (Kofi Samy) Africana

ratings by TJR