Amazing compilation of Cameroonian funk master Pasteur Lappe.
"The story begins in the 60s with a charming 19 year old
Nicolas "Pasteur" Lappe becoming a sensation on Radio Adele in Douala
Cameroun. He goes on to become the editor of Douala Gazette newspaper
and become friends with other African music stars such as Tala AM, J
Moboule and Fela Kuti. He also works tirelessly promoting new and
upcoming local Cameroonian talent. After moving to Paris, a stint in
Journalism school and publishing a book of poems "Chansons Negres" he
finally settles into a new life of music in Paris.
Our hero makes a trio of albums from 1979 to 1981 with backing
band and production collective called the Zulu Gang which include
Douglas Mbida (who goes onto release several top flight albums himself)
and Jacob Desvariaux (who went on to form Kassav). The three albums are
full of diverse sounds; from driving funk, sweeping disco grooves,
syrupy ballads, reggae, Jackson-five-esque pop to finger-lickin' soul.
At their core though is the "Sekele" groove...; a movement to encompass
the dance, grooves and vibes from his native Douala.
Our album opens up with the pulsating percussion and
floor-filling bass groove of "More Sekele Movement". We then move onto
Africa Seven favourite "Na Real Sekele Fo'Ya" which takes stabby moog
bass synth to a whole new level of grooviness. "Sanaga Calkpso" is more
experimental in comparison its moog groove would go onto to form the
basis of a highlight of the debut Kassav album. "Hiembi Nin" is a song
in two parts; half Shaft groove and half synthy Calypso. "Back To Funky"
is dance funk and features Maryse Lappe guesting on vocals.
Opening up on side two of the record is the Rhodes and sax led
jazz funk of "Mbale", followed by the clavinet groove, sleezy brass and
politically charged lyrics. "Sekelemania" is a cool piece of tropical,
calypso funk. Lead track from Album 2, the single "ABC" is stomping
afro, pop funk delight closes proceedings."
boomkat.com
---
In terms of being an afrobeat legend, Pasteur Lappe is Cameroon's Fela
Kuti, an unsung hero who was ahead of the game back in the 1970s and
1980s, and one whose been famous for burning the pockets of many diggers
nowadays. Luckily, Africa Seven have compiled some of his best work
onto a ten-track LP, ranging from the funky oddities of "More Sekele
Movement" or "Na Real Seke Fo'ya", to the future-zouk sound of "Sanaga
Calypso", and plenty of jazzy, popped-out, disgruntled soulfulness to
satisfy anyone from Gilles Peterson to Cherrystones. Heavy and warmly
recommended.
---
Next up on Africa Seven is the
second edition of our African Funk Experimentals LPs. With these we
took some of our favourite African artists, choose the most funky we can
find and then put together a compilation of their choicest and funkiest
tracks. Of course that may not be their most popular or best selling
tracks...; but that's just fine. We are digging for the funk.
Step forward Cameroonian funk master Pasteur Lappe. The story begins
in the 60s with a charming 19 year old Nicolas Pasteur Lappe becoming a
sensation on Radio Adele in Douala Cameroun. He goes on to become the
editor of Douala Gazette newspaper and become friends with other African
music stars such as Tala AM, J Moboule and Fela Kuti. He also works
tirelessly promoting new and upcoming local Cameroonian talent. After
moving to Paris, a stint in Journalism school and publishing a book of
poems Chansons Negres he finally settles into a new life of music in
Paris.
Our hero makes a trio of albums from 1979 to 1981 with backing band
and production collective called the Zulu Gang which include Douglas
Mbida (who goes onto release several top flight albums himself) and
Jacob Desvariaux (who went on to form Kassav). The three albums are
full of diverse sounds; from driving funk, sweeping disco grooves,
syrupy ballads, reggae, Jackson-five-esque pop to finger-lickin' soul.
At their core though is the Sekele groove...; a movement to encompass
the dance, grooves and vibes from his native Douala.
Our album opens up with the pulsating percussion and floor-filling
bass groove of More Sekele Movement. We then move onto Africa Seven
favourite Na Real Sekele Fo'Ya which takes stabby moog bass synth to a
whole new level of grooviness. Sanaga Calkpso is more experimental in
comparison its moog groove would go onto to form the basis of a
highlight of the debut Kassav album. Hiembi Nin is a song in two parts;
half Shaft groove and half synthy Calypso. Back To Funky is dance funk
and features Maryse Lappe guesting on vocals.
Opening up on side two of the record is the Rhodes and sax led jazz
funk of Mbale, followed by the clavinet groove, sleezy brass and
politically charged lyrics. Sekelemania is a cool piece of tropical,
calypso funk. Lead track from Album 2, the single ABC is stomping afro,
pop funk delight closes proceedings.
The nostalgic poet, with Africa at his essence Pasteur Lappe, we salute you.
kudosrecords.co.uk
Tracklist
| A1 |
More Sekele Movement (Papa Ni Mama) |
3:58
|
| A2 |
Na Real Sekele Fo'Ya |
6:21
|
| A3 |
Sanaga Calypso |
3:30
|
| A4 |
Hiembi Nin (Hymne A La Vie) |
3:45
|
| A5 |
Back To Funky |
3:26
|
| B1 |
Mbale (Face To Face With The Truth) |
3:48
|
| B2 |
Na Man Pass Man (Na Iron De Cut Iron) |
2:55
|
| B3 |
Hommage A Eraste Nkom |
5:31
|
| B4 |
Sekelimania (Nku Bilam) |
3:47
|
| B5 |
ABC |
3:08 |
