REJOICE!
An Enigma in Chief!
You say! When power collaborations are contemplated. You think of the way both can fill Madison Square garden or for me and my fellow countrymen, Ngong Racecourse.
It happened, the wait is finally over, the beauty and rhyme of this album will much of all speak for itself, as an album reviewer selling an album short might as well be a fatal flaw or a bad idea but you listen and decide, I want to get this gospel according to jazz out there.
The late Tony Oladipo Allen and The Late Bra Hugh Masekela came together and in their recording sessions in 2010. ‘Rejoice’ in the long overdue album that has its composition, then but its, impact must be timeless.
These two minds have been at it since their 20s in the sixties to 2020 and they still rattle the world with the African tune and the beauty of the drums and the flugel Horn in equal measure. From the scuff and huff of Tony in Africa 70 & Africa 80 with The late Fela Kuti to Hugh’s Grazing in the grass it’s been a journey to Canaan for Nigeria and South Africa to revitalise the Afrobeat genre of Jazz. Their history is a gem to be found in their books in the herein kinks below ‘
‘Agbada Bougou ‘a fiery piece of tune and artistry with perfect ensemble of the flugelhorn, mastered drum set and the base guitar. The feel of the song makes you feel like the song is set in an old town road and the outlaw walks into the bar, kind of like in an old Chuck Norris film. The head bobbling will definitely be a side effect of the beauty and the growth it sparks.
Onto a personal favourite on the album ‘Slow bone’ has ttt and ppp vibe going on as Hugh is great at luring you into his den, the fiasco is handled by the genius of Allen with a bachelor finality. The groove, and dance is set to catch up with the home party and club scene with a great zeal. The mellow of the sax that is a sort of a fela tribute similar to those in zombie drown your knees. It goes to show that Tony being the music director of the Africa 80 bad was due to his undeniable genius alongside Felas lyrics bringing the pioneers of the truly everlasting genre of Afrobeat from these great style. Long live Afrobeat!
The smooth Jazz is a must have for an album of such respects .The single ‘Obama Shuffle Strut blues ‘ reminds every one of the Former president of the free world and it’s just a vibe .The singularity being the only favourites for smooth jazz lovers ,at the very least to get to listen to their cake .’Coconut Jam’ ,a delicacy that unfortunately that does not exist in this part of the world ,is a close ally to the smooth jazz renditions sending the Sunday afternoon flying with wine and cheese for those who like that sort of thing.
‘Robbers, Thugs and Muggers’ is another Soweto original that will have you going back to listening to ‘Grazing in the grass’ A befitting remembrance of the late legends. For those who love Zulu Based English it has a great social political message against the corruption and greed that smelts all over the African soil. A tribute to their late brother was befitting with the Single ‘Never (Lagos never gonna be the same without Fela)’ a song that speaks for itself a multitude of stories of the famous Kalakuta Republik king.
‘We’ve landed ‘a classic intro to the album with Tony Allen and Hugh introducing themselves in beautiful fashion and style, all must be hopeful they say. ’Jabulani’ the final single ends the album with the percussion officer taking in all the bells and jingles for a rhythm spin, for those who love it, it’s a masterpiece.
The album can be found on the following links:
Compiled by; Karumbi Mwaura
