Kante Manfla – Keleya

In case you were wondering who was peeking through the 45 hole in my last post, I decided to share another breath-taking pachanga from that very person – Guinean master guitarist Kante Manfla. Manfla is one of those prolific artists, who due to varied and sometimes ambiguous associations confuses the inquisitor. Just check out World Vision’s investigative post from back in 2009 and you’ll see what I mean. Without any answers to the many questions about Kante Manfla, I’ll simply leave you with this call to the dancefloor – Keleya.  Make no mistake, this song is exceptionally potent with Manfla’s Son-africano flavor and gets played on repeat at my place.  Just listen to the way the drums, guitar, flute, and horns take turns telling their own tale of Keleya while you work up a sweat.

– Smokestack

Keleya – Kante Manfla

Kante Manfla – Keleya

Kante Manfla - Keleya

2 Beers Or Not 2 Beers? …And Poly-Rythmo!

It’s 2:00pm on a Saturday afternoon and I’m contemplating whether or not I should crack open a beer. It’s a beautiful weekend and I don’t have to work tomorrow, so I guess I can afford to indulge so early in the day.  On the other hand, I did make an especially long to-do list for the day and don’t want to sidetrack myself with any drunken tangents. I decide to throw on a record as I deliberate this familiar predicament.  Top on the recent arrivals stack is Gendarme Si We – a highlife-inspired pachanga tune by Benin’s hard working Orchestre Poly-Rythmo.

A recent trade with Taran over at Fat Headphones, Gendarme Si We and the afro-beat flipside Ahou Gan Mi An is a perfect example of the legendary band’s versatility (often featuring 2 distinctly different genres on their 45s) not to mention a perfect compliment to this gorgeous day. About a minute into the song I’ve made up my mind – it’s a perfect time for a cold beer!  Please join me as I enjoy this delicious pairing. And afterward, if you want another helping check out Fat Headphone’s recent Poly-Rythmo afro-beat/rock 45 feature.

Salud! Smokestack

Orchestre Poly-Rythmo – Gendarme Si We

Gendarme Si We

Poly-Rythmo-Gendarme-Si-We