We’re back with our 4th podcast of Pelanga en La Sala. Hosts Arjuna (dj smokestack), Jacobo (dj pozole) and Federico (dj papicultor) welcome guest DJ and collector Juan G into La Sala, the man behind Diggin4Gold, as they discuss his record digging experience in Ghana and explore much of West Africa via vinyl treasures.
You can download it for free on iTunes along with all our previous episodes. Leave a review and let us know what you think.
The other night us Pelangueros got together at my families place to catch up from recent travels and a hiatus from Pelanga’s newly redesigned site (let us know what you think!). As we were talking Papicultor’s eyes fell on my copy of The 60’s Sounds of S.E. Rogie. With a distance gaze, he asked if this album had “that” song. He told me that years ago he heard an incredible song by Rogie on a local radio show that haunted him for 2 years and hasn’t heard it since. Sheepishly I admitted that I had only given the record minor attention and only remembered one simple, but beautiful melody. I put on the one song I knew and Fede and myself smiled, each of us celebrating our own reunions with the memorable recording – Please Go Easy With Me.
This palm wine guitar classic is prominently featured as the lead in track of this 60’s compilation of the legendary Sierra Leoenan guitarist. This particular album is released on the Rogiphone label, a project of Rogie during his stay in Northern California during the 70s and 80s. Interestingly enough, the graphic layout and production is done by Mr. Emory Douglas, original Black Panther and also the person responsible for the parties iconic political posters and print media.
According to Gary Stewart’s liner notes Please Go Easy With Me is based on a conversation overheard between two lovers at a dance and was recorded in 1960 at Rogie’s makeshift home studio. Here you go Fede – now you can listen to this any time you want!
S.E. Rogie – Please Go Easy With Me (1960)
I couldn’t help sending this live performance as well…so so good!
I am neither a mathematician nor a politician. I belong to a secret cult. Yes. The cult of happiness.
papicultor
Here’s some killer Ghanaian highlife that our girl Adjoa can probably get into!
True.
papicultor
We had such a blast at La Peña last night!!! Thank you all for coming!
It was a joy and a privilege to begin the Mother’s Day celebrations with a dance floor full of strong, beautiful, amazing women. (And yes, men also. We saw you getting down too; how could we not?) It’s always good to see that our community is, and will continue to be, in such good hands.
Mothers, here is one for you, with much love!
Mami, hoy y todos los días, celebro tu testimonio de vida. ¡Gracias por todo lo que me enseñaste!
Federico
(papicultor)
photo: Kumasi Daily
Back in 1998, I was a student at the University of Ghana in Legon, studying African religion, playwrighting, Colonial history, and Islam, while also dealing with the intense heat, and the fact that no one seemed to believe an American was interested in or could play soccer. I went out on the pitch only once in my five months there, ran up and down the field for an hour, wilting in the sun, calling for the ball to no avail. No one bothered to cover me, perhaps because they knew I’d never get a pass. It was as if I were completely invisible. (Oddly, on the basketball court, the Ghanaians showed me deference I did not deserve, as if by virtue of being American I somehow magically had a mean crossover…) Still, I hold no grudges, and am posting this Pat Thomas song “Asante Kotoko” in support of the Ghanaian side in their very difficult match with Germany tomorrow. Asante Kotoko (seen above celebrating a goal) is the club team from Kumasi, Ghana’s second city, capital of the Ashantis. Like most African sides (and Latin American sides too), the majority of the Ghanaian national team now play in Europe; but most got their start in the local league, and a few once proudly wore the red jersey of Asante Kotoko. The complete version of this track is fifteen minutes long, but here’s a five minute groove for your enjoyment…
Asante Kotoko by Pat Thomas
