Various Artists – Lone Stars Vol.1- Hipco and Gbema

One of the reasons why Akwaaba decided to relocate to Ghana was actually to be closer to Liberia. A country we seldom hear about for its music. But last year we were introduced to Liberian music at the Buduburam Refugee Camp just west of Accra, where Shadow and a large crew of artists have been keeping their LIB music fresh and lively.
Fast forward to this year: over the summer our longtime friend and African dance music expert Chief Boima spent some time in Monrovia, where he identified key artists. After meeting briefly in Accra, he invited our own Benjamin Lebrave to fly to Monrovia, for the two to put together a sample of the exciting sounds of Liberia today.

Hipco is hip hop sung in colloquial English, the form of English you hear on the streets of Liberia. Although colloquial English retains a lot of English syntax, it can be a bit daunting at first because it is spoken very fast, many consonants are not pronounced, and a lot of words are borrowed from other local languages. But it has become the language of choice for young rappers. And much like hip hop, hipco has grown into its own culture, with its own lifestyle, dance moves and music. Today hipco often refers to more than just a type of rap, it’s a way of life.

Gbema is the generic term given to electronically-produced traditional music. So it covers a wide range of rhythms, most of them very high paced, reminiscent of Sierra Leonian Bubu or South African Shangaan. It’s also quite common for the rhythms to jump into half or double time..

This music, hipco and gbema, is having a profound impact on Liberia. Much like early day hip hop, hipco is a significant vector of social change, while gbema’s intricate rhythms are relentlessly challenging listeners and dancers. We called the compilation Lone Stars not only because it is the nickname of Liberia, but also because these artists are often left without much of an industry to survive. They are truly alone, with their music, striving to survive in a country still recovering from decades of destructive conflict.

Album is out in iTunes and Bandcamp, and at other major retailers such as Amazon.

Various Artists – Lone Stars Vol.1- Hipco and Gbema

AKW033 - Various Artists - Lone Stars Vol.1- Hipco _ Gbema

One of the reasons why Akwaaba decided to relocate to Ghana was actually to be closer to Liberia. A country we seldom hear about for its music. But last year we were introduced to Liberian music at the Buduburam Refugee Camp just west of Accra, where Shadow and a large crew of artists have been keeping their LIB music fresh and lively.
Fast forward to this year: over the summer our longtime friend and African dance music expert Chief Boima spent some time in Monrovia, where he identified key artists. After meeting briefly in Accra, he invited our own Benjamin Lebrave to fly to Monrovia, for the two to put together a sample of the exciting sounds of Liberia today.

Hipco is hip hop sung in colloquial English, the form of English you hear on the streets of Liberia. Although colloquial English retains a lot of English syntax, it can be a bit daunting at first because it is spoken very fast, many consonants are not pronounced, and a lot of words are borrowed from other local languages. But it has become the language of choice for young rappers. And much like hip hop, hipco has grown into its own culture, with its own lifestyle, dance moves and music. Today hipco often refers to more than just a type of rap, it’s a way of life.

Gbema is the generic term given to electronically-produced traditional music. So it covers a wide range of rhythms, most of them very high paced, reminiscent of Sierra Leonian Bubu or South African Shangaan. It’s also quite common for the rhythms to jump into half or double time..

This music, hipco and gbema, is having a profound impact on Liberia. Much like early day hip hop, hipco is a significant vector of social change, while gbema’s intricate rhythms are relentlessly challenging listeners and dancers. We called the compilation Lone Stars not only because it is the nickname of Liberia, but also because these artists are often left without much of an industry to survive. They are truly alone, with their music, striving to survive in a country still recovering from decades of destructive conflict.

Album is out in iTunes and Bandcamp, and at other major retailers such as Amazon.

Various Artists – SVMH RMXD003

Various Artists – Akwaaba Remixed

It all started one year ago, Akwaaba head dood Benjamin Lebrave met up with the Perfect Loosers in their studio right outside of Paris. He came with a mountain of songs by Ahmed Fofana, Baba Salah and Onyenze. Treasures he’d accumulated on his travels to West Africa. And he met an enthusiastic trio: Waly had been fed Tunisian music since birth, Mast grew up listening to his Congolese step dad’s addictive soukous jams. He also ripped walls with Sigisbert Tartanpion, his head filled with the Caribbean sounds of his parents.

At the time, the Perfect Loosers had already made a remix for Angolan kuduro artist Ze Bula, but clearly they were hungry for much more. And it really didn’t take much for this impromptu meeting to give birth to yet another project in the Akwaaba constellation. With such a diverse musical background, connections in the international DJ and club circuit, and the skills to create dancefloor killers and the artwork to go with it, the trio agreed to go a few steps beyond remixing, and piece together a full length compilation where Africa would meet the club.

The concept is to let artists and producers from around the world rethink handpicked, eclectic West African songs. With one rule: staying away from bland, uninspired “world music remixed” releases. Instead tapping into a bubbling scene of up and coming artists, not only receptive but more importantly inspired by music from Africa.

The stems were a mess, the artists had jam-packed schedules of projects, yet month after month, the album took shape. The result is a diverse blend of club aesthetics and African tradition. Not some trendy, artificial music: it is the sum of creations by original artists with deep musical roots. Artists from Europe and North America – as usual, but also from Africa itself, Latin America and the Middle East. Pushing Akwaaba’s mission further in connecting the dots between artists and music lovers around the world.

Various Artists – Akwaaba Remixed

It all started one year ago, Akwaaba head dood Benjamin Lebrave met up with the Perfect Loosers in their studio right outside of Paris. He came with a mountain of songs by Ahmed Fofana, Baba Salah and Onyenze. Treasures he’d accumulated on his travels to West Africa. And he met an enthusiastic trio: Waly had been fed Tunisian music since birth, Mast grew up listening to his Congolese step dad’s addictive soukous jams. He also ripped walls with Sigisbert Tartanpion, his head filled with the Caribbean sounds of his parents.

At the time, the Perfect Loosers had already made a remix for Angolan kuduro artist Ze Bula, but clearly they were hungry for much more. And it really didn’t take much for this impromptu meeting to give birth to yet another project in the Akwaaba constellation. With such a diverse musical background, connections in the international DJ and club circuit, and the skills to create dancefloor killers and the artwork to go with it, the trio agreed to go a few steps beyond remixing, and piece together a full length compilation where Africa would meet the club.

The concept is to let artists and producers from around the world rethink handpicked, eclectic West African songs. With one rule: staying away from bland, uninspired “world music remixed” releases. Instead tapping into a bubbling scene of up and coming artists, not only receptive but more importantly inspired by music from Africa.

The stems were a mess, the artists had jam-packed schedules of projects, yet month after month, the album took shape. The result is a diverse blend of club aesthetics and African tradition. Not some trendy, artificial music: it is the sum of creations by original artists with deep musical roots. Artists from Europe and North America – as usual, but also from Africa itself, Latin America and the Middle East. Pushing Akwaaba’s mission further in connecting the dots between artists and music lovers around the world.

Various Artists – Chop Our Music

Hard to believe, but it was just over 2 years ago that our first release, Akwaaba wo Africa, came out worldwide. What a journey it’s been since then! 2 dozen releases spanning the gamut from Nigerian highlife to Gambian griot kora, Angolan kuduro to Benin salsa… We’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with artists from 12 countries, not counting the numerous remixes pouring in from Mexico, Israel, Argentina, all over Europe and North America.

For us this release is at heart a big thank you, Thank you for helping us carve out a niche on this overcrowded web. Thank you for helping us connect the dots between talented, hardly-known local artists and music lovers worldwide. Thank you for playing our music on your radio shows, for pushing it on your blogs, for playing it at work and letting the world know where the music is coming from. We have been overwhelmed with the response, the emails, big ups and shout outs, and we start the year with a huge smile, filled with all the energy required to keep tons of fresh music coming your way.

So here it is, a collection of 50 songs giving a thorough taste of what Akwaaba is about: an open ear tuned in to sound made in Africa. We priced this mega-compilation at a ridiculous minimum price of $10. I mean, in many ways the price tag seems ridiculous, but if you feel differently, hell, shoot us an email and let’s bargain some more 😉 You can buy this compilation from us directly only, secured credit card payment and all that good stuff. It will not be available on iTunes or anywhere else.

https://akwaabamusic.bandcamp.com/album/chop-our-music

Akwaaba Music · 4X4 - Waist & Power

Various Artists – Chop Our Music

Hard to believe, but it was just over 2 years ago that our first release, Akwaaba wo Africa, came out worldwide. What a journey it’s been since then! 2 dozen releases spanning the gamut from Nigerian highlife to Gambian griot kora, Angolan kuduro to Benin salsa… We’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with artists from 12 countries, not counting the numerous remixes pouring in from Mexico, Israel, Argentina, all over Europe and North America.

For us this release is at heart a big thank you, Thank you for helping us carve out a niche on this overcrowded web. Thank you for helping us connect the dots between talented, hardly-known local artists and music lovers worldwide. Thank you for playing our music on your radio shows, for pushing it on your blogs, for playing it at work and letting the world know where the music is coming from. We have been overwhelmed with the response, the emails, big ups and shout outs, and we start the year with a huge smile, filled with all the energy required to keep tons of fresh music coming your way.

So here it is, a collection of 50 songs giving a thorough taste of what Akwaaba is about: an open ear tuned in to sound made in Africa. We priced this mega-compilation at a ridiculous minimum price of $10. I mean, in many ways the price tag seems ridiculous, but if you feel differently, hell, shoot us an email and let’s bargain some more 😉 You can buy this compilation from us directly only, secured credit card payment and all that good stuff. It will not be available on iTunes or anywhere else.

https://akwaabamusic.bandcamp.com/album/chop-our-music

Akwaaba Music · 4X4 - Waist & Power

Various Artists – Akwaaba Sem Transporte

This compilation is a sample of what you would have heard in Luanda in 2009.

In Angola you can buy Batidas CDs on the street, compilations of current songs by big names as well as up and coming artists. The CDs often end up blasting out of candongueiros – blue and white Toyota Hiace minivans, the main form of transportation in Luanda.

Hits are often born out of this street airplay. This is how a distribution network was created: artists pay a distributor to have a song featured on a CD. The distributor collects the fees, designs a quick cover, presses copies, has hawkers peddle some on the street, and gives out promos of sorts to candongueiros. Artists pay to have their music played in candongueiros, because that is how hits are born.

This compilation is similar in content to these Batidas CDs. All the songs on this compilation were current in 2009, meaning they were either massive hits which lasted years (Tiramakossa, Cara Podre, Number One), or the latest singles from unknown soldiers (Dred Man-Gi, Gelú-Six, Figura Degala).

We made sure to showcase the different sounds we heard in the streets, for instance ndombolo flavored kuduro with Paracuca, or live kuduro backed by semba bands, as in Zoca Zoca’s great song Som do Zoca, backed by Yuri da Cunha’s band.

Past Posts about Akwaaba Sem Transporte:
- Sebem interviews Os Mais Potentes November 18, 2009
- Listen to Akwaaba Sem Transporte November 13, 2009
- Akwaaba Sem Transporte review in Clark (fr) September 26, 2009 Pretty fancy…. Clark is one of the sharpest culture mags in France at the moment, and it is a pleasure, scratch that, an honor to be featured in their pages! In their own words (somewhat adjusted by our Franco-American team!): “First compilation dedicated to kuduro from Angola, Akwaaba Sem Transporte is a striking demonstration of the creative …
- Generation Bass vs Akwaaba September 14, 2009 DJ UMB of Generation Bass takes the wheels and compresses our kuduro comp Akwaaba Sem Transporte into a 30 minute get yo azz up and get to work mix, perfect for this back to school season. So download it, or better yet, subscribe to our podcast (or subscribe directly in iTunes), listen to UMB’s mix …
- Fazuma vs Akwaaba August 25, 2009 Lisbon, Portugal’s own DJ Mpula, host of the Radio Fazuma show, connects with the Akwaaba team to revisit the Angolan gems collected on Akwaaba Sem Transporte. Adding a dash of his own potent production, this mix is sure to get your body in motion. And sure to give Angolan kuduro new means of transportation, directly …
- 08/04 WW: Akwaaba Sem Transporte August 7, 2009 At last… Akwaaba unleashes a wild collection of bangers from Luanda, Angola. Some of the big names are on there, Puto Prata, Noite e Día, Zoca Zoca, but some new comers (Os Mais Potentes, Figura) and total newbies too (F4, Gelú-Six). The album is available for purchase in the iTunes store, and you can listen …
- 08/04 WW: Ze Bula remix contest August 5, 2009 Akwaaba Music, Mad Decent & Fairtilizer are happy to bring you the Ze Bula Remix Contest by Figura and DJ MJ, off of our Angolan kuduro compilation “Akwaaba Sem Transporte”. THE RULES 1. Download the acapella HERE (140 bpm) 2. Remix the song the way you like! 3. Upload your remix on Fairtilizer and name it Ze Bula (your …
- Akwaaba Sem Transporte on Myspace August 1, 2009 Everyone has their favorite site to listen to music and check out new artists… Myspace still deserves respect, so we created a page for Akwaaba Sem Transporte, our Angolan kuduro compilation.
- New kid on the kuduro scene: Gelú-Six May 26, 2009 We met Gelú-Six via Telmo, who first introduced us to a few kudurists. Most people have never heard of him, including DJs and other kudurists. But we’re sure happy he came across our radar. He only has a 3 song demo out, and he made sure to pack all he could into those 3 songs. …
- Os Mais Potentes & Dred Man-Gi May 25, 2009 We met Beto AC (left) and Bebo Clone (right) a couple weeks ago through Telmo, we mentioned their song Vem Ca, which has been blasting through Luanda for the past few months, and Telmo made it happen, getting us a meeting with them the next day. These kids are super chill, very enthusiastic about their …

Various Artists – Akwaaba Sem Transporte

This compilation is a sample of what you would have heard in Luanda in 2009.

In Angola you can buy Batidas CDs on the street, compilations of current songs by big names as well as up and coming artists. The CDs often end up blasting out of candongueiros – blue and white Toyota Hiace minivans, the main form of transportation in Luanda.

Hits are often born out of this street airplay. This is how a distribution network was created: artists pay a distributor to have a song featured on a CD. The distributor collects the fees, designs a quick cover, presses copies, has hawkers peddle some on the street, and gives out promos of sorts to candongueiros. Artists pay to have their music played in candongueiros, because that is how hits are born.

This compilation is similar in content to these Batidas CDs. All the songs on this compilation were current in 2009, meaning they were either massive hits which lasted years (Tiramakossa, Cara Podre, Number One), or the latest singles from unknown soldiers (Dred Man-Gi, Gelú-Six, Figura Degala).

We made sure to showcase the different sounds we heard in the streets, for instance ndombolo flavored kuduro with Paracuca, or live kuduro backed by semba bands, as in Zoca Zoca’s great song Som do Zoca, backed by Yuri da Cunha’s band.

Various Artists – Move It Chaleh!

Move it Chaleh! Words you might hear at an outdoor chop bar in Accra, Ghana, a calling for you to get up and shake it. A hint to the pungent grooves blasting out of subwoofers and beat up sound systems throughout West Africa today.

Smaller, cheaper studios are sprouting all over big African cities, allowing a new generation of artists to create and push the envelope of urban and dance music. In particular, Move It Chaleh! focuses on two underrated African trends: Coupé décalé is the upbeat sound of Côte d’Ivoire today, a dance craze which can be heard throughout francophone Africa. It has roots in both Congolese soukous and Ivorian zouglou. It emerged at the height of the Ivorian crisis around 2002-2003, first in Paris, but it quickly spread to Ivory Coast, to Africa and now to the world.

Hiplife is a Ghanaian mish mash of hip hop, dancehall, calypso and other Caribbean styles, with highlife, itself a mix of soul and funk with more traditional Ghanaian rhythms. It has taken Ghana by storm, and it is well known to Ghanaian abroad, particularly in the US and UK, yet it is still off the radar for most.

Time to change that. Move it chaleh!

Various Artists – Move It Chaleh!

Move it Chaleh! Words you might hear at an outdoor chop bar in Accra, Ghana, a calling for you to get up and shake it. A hint to the pungent grooves blasting out of subwoofers and beat up sound systems throughout West Africa today.

Smaller, cheaper studios are sprouting all over big African cities, allowing a new generation of artists to create and push the envelope of urban and dance music. In particular, Move It Chaleh! focuses on two underrated African trends: Coupé décalé is the upbeat sound of Côte d’Ivoire today, a dance craze which can be heard throughout francophone Africa. It has roots in both Congolese soukous and Ivorian zouglou. It emerged at the height of the Ivorian crisis around 2002-2003, first in Paris, but it quickly spread to Ivory Coast, to Africa and now to the world.

Hiplife is a Ghanaian mish mash of hip hop, dancehall, calypso and other Caribbean styles, with highlife, itself a mix of soul and funk with more traditional Ghanaian rhythms. It has taken Ghana by storm, and it is well known to Ghanaian abroad, particularly in the US and UK, yet it is still off the radar for most.

Time to change that. Move it chaleh!