Double Black Vinyl
The newest release from the fantastic Analog Africa label. Yaoundé in the 1970´s, was a buzzing place with every neighbourhood of Cameroon´s capital, no matter how dodgy, filled with music spots but surprisingly there were no infrastructure to immortalise those musical riches. The country suffered from a serious lack of proper recording facilities, and the process of committing your song to tape could become a whole adventure unto itself. Of course, you could always book the national broadcasting company together with a sound engineer, but this was hardly an option for underground artists with no cash. But luckily an alternative option emerged in form of an adventist church with some good recording equipment and many of the artists on this compilation recorded their first few songs, secretly, in these premises thanks to Monsieur Awono, the church engineer. He knew the schedule of the priests and, in exchange for some cash, he would arrange recording sessions. The artists still had to bring their own equipment, and since there was only one microphone, the amps and instruments had to be positioned perfectly. It was a risky business for everyone involved but since they knew they were making history, it was all worth it.
1. Africa Iyo - Jean-Pierre Djeukam
2. Sie Tcheu - Joseph Kamga
3. Ma Wde Wa - Los Camaroes
4. Esele Mulema Moam - Los Camaroes
5. Yondja - Ndenga Andre Destin et Les Golden Sounds
6. Odylife - Damas Swing Orchestra
7. Quiero Wapatcha - Charles Lembe et Son Orchestra
8. Song Of Love - Louis Wasson et L´Orchestre Kandem Irenée
9. Monde Moderne - Pierre Didy Tchakounte et les Tulipes Noires
10. Les Souffrances - Tsanga Dieudonne
11. Moni Ngan - Willie Songue et Les Showmen
12. Mayi Bo Ya? - Johnny Black et Les Jokers
13. Ma Fou Fou - Pierre Didy Tchakounte
14. Woman Be Fire - Lucas Tala
15. Ngamba - Ndenga Andre Destin et Les Golden Sounds
16. Mezik Me Mema - Mballa Bony