Various Artists - Ghana Soundz - Soundway SNDWCD001

This is a compilation of Afro-beat, funk and fusion recordings made (mostly) in the 1970s in Ghana.

I haven’t paid a great deal of attention to Ghana in the past; after I got this, I am beginning to regret that oversight. Of 14 tracks (in 72 minutes), only one is kinda duff. All the rest are highly pyracoustic – and inventive with it. They really are what the sleeve says – a fusion of Afro-beat, heavily influenced by Fela Kuti, jazz and funk, clearly aimed at the dance floor, but equally, as ever in Africa, with something political to say.

One of these tracks Bukom Mashie, by Oscar Sulley & the Uhuru Dance Band, has been included in the soundtrack of the film The King of Scotland – an adventure film about Idi Amin – yet another glorious example of the movie business’ geographical “who gives a fuck?” – well, they both have a G and two As and an N. But if you see the film you can get a good sample. The rest of the album is well up to this standard.

There’s a volume 2, as well, but I haven’t got round to getting it yet - AM