Sakaki Mango is a Japanese limba player, a student of the late and great Hukwe Ubi Zawose of Tanzania and also a player of the mbira from Zimbabwe. The limba is a type of thumb piano played by the Gogo people of Tanzania, with a full, yet distorted sound. The music on this CD has a trance like quality with at times an Asian feeling. Soft with a subtle distortion this CD makes a welcome change from the 'healing' sounds of some world music releases, instead relying on repetitive phrases that mark out a deep and funky groove. Mango sings in Japanese and other local African languages and on some tracks is joined by guest musicians on vocals and saxophone.

The first release on the Far Side Music label is, surprisingly, an album by an African musician! Abdul Tee-Jay from Sierra Leone, recorded in London, produced by Paul Fisher.


Price:   £11.99

Japanese release of an album originally released in the US in 1990. Balafon Marimba Ensemble play an infectious brew of original and traditional Zimbabwe tunes. Good time, happy tropical music and a very welcome reissue.

One of the best albums released by Sudanese oud player, who lived in Japan for several years.


Price:   £18.99

Second album without the Japanese influences, west African melodies combined with salsa, zouk, funk, reggae and others in mainly up-tempo groove.

Rather more laid back, with acoustic and electric guitar playing to the fore.


Price:   £18.99

Salif Keita's ex-bass player. Great bass playing, one paced songs, and he's not the best singer.

Japanese re-issues of former Fela Kuti drummers solo albums. Essential for any Fela fan.


Price:   £17.99

Another 2 albums in 1 CD re-issue by former Fela drummer, togtether with Africa 70