• Hedzoleh Soundz – Rekpete
    • Hedzoleh Soundz – Omusu Da Fe M'Musu
    • Hedzoleh Soundz – Hedzoleh!
    • 1. Rekpete
    • 2. Mee Bee (When)
    • 3. Yei Baa Gbe Wo
    • 4. Kaa Ye Oyai (Don't Be In A Hurry)
    • 5. Omusu Da Fe M'Musu
    • 6. Hedzoleh!
    • 7. Hearts Ne Kotoko
    • 8. Mo Osu Obu Naa

    Hedzoleh Soundz were one of the first and most original ‘Afro’ bands from 1970s Ghana playing an unusual mix of traditional music from across the country tinged with western rock. They were residents at the notorious Napoleon nightclub where they met South African trumpeter Hugh Masekela in late 1973. The music for the ‘Hedzoleh’ album would later be used by Masekela as the backbone to his afo-jazz classic, “Masekela – Introducing Hedzoleh Soundz”.

    Masekela met Hedzoleh Soundz through an introduction from Afrobeat legend, Fela Kuti. In the early 70s, he had been thinking of recording with West African musicians as he was tiring of the American jazz scene and Hedzoleh fitted the bill perfectly. All but two of the compositions on Masekela’s album were written by Hedzoleh so it could be argued that Masekela’s classic was in fact Hedzoleh’s album with Masekela acting as the guest!

    Managed and created by the enigmatic producer Faisal Helwani, Hedzoleh were originally formed in 1972 and consisted of musicians from rock and pop backgrounds plus individuals from the Ghanaian Arts Council’s traditional music troupe. By 1972, the group had recorded only two 45s on the tiny Bibini label in Ghana, and had a minor hit with the song Rekpete. The original leader of the band Lash Laryea (formerly of the afro-rock band The Aliens), had just quit so Stanley Todd, the bass player and vocalist from ‘El Pollos’ band, stepped in and it was at this point that they recorded their self titled LP at the EMI Nigeria studio.

    The original trumpetless Hedzoleh sound hasn’t had a chance to be heard for nearly 40 years…until now.

    People also bought

    Nigeria Afrobeat SpecialThe New Explosive Sound In 1970's NigeriaSoundway
    OK so we know there are lots of them but Brighton-based label Soundway keep churning out QUALITY African compilations and this one is no different! Those...
    • fela ransome kuti & the africa 70 – who're you? (original 45 version)
    • eric showboy akaeze & his royal ericos – wi dey find money
    • the anansa professionals – enwan
    • bongos ikwue & the groovies – otachikpokpo
    • orlando julius & his afro-sounders – afro-blues
    • 1. fela ransome kuti & the africa 70 – who're you? (original 45 version)
    • 2. eric showboy akaeze & his royal ericos – wi dey find money
    • 3. the anansa professionals – enwan
    • View full info and tracklisting
    EdzayawaProjection OneSoundway
    This extraordinary, dark, moody and experimental offering from teenage Ghanaian afro rock outfit Edzayawa (pronounced Ed – Zye – Ow –...
      The World EndsAfro Rock & Psychedelia In 1970s NigeriaSoundway
      The World Ends is the latest title from Soundway Records showcasing a wave of guitar driven and psychedelic groups that sprung up in Nigeria during the...
      • The Thermometers – Babalawo
      • The Black Mirrors – The World Ends
      • The Semi Colon – Isi Agboncha
      • Chuck Barrister & The Voices of Darkness – Be Kind, Be Foolish, Be Happy
      • Tony Grey & The Magnificient Zeinians – Ugbo Ndoma
      Afro BabyThe Evolution of the Afro-Sound in Nigeria 1970-79Soundway
      Another superb compilation of rare African music from Sound Way Records with a 16 page booklet full of loads of notes and photos. This album focusses on...
        Nigeria SpecialModern Highlife, Afro Sounds, & Nigerian Blues 1970-76 - vol.2Soundway
        Nigeria Special 2 is the second part to the excellent Nigeria Special album released to critical acclaim in 2007 and further extends the look at the most...
        • Fubura Sekibo – Psychedelic Baby
        • Black's Zenith – Shango Oba Onina
        • The People Star – Omwu Dinjo
        Black Truth Rhythm BandIfetayoSoundway
        Soundway have beautifully reissued afro-centric, Trinidadian band, Black Truth Rhythm Band's 'Ifetayo' album, originally released in 1976. Killer laidback...
        • – Ifetayo
        • – You People
        • – Saved Musician
        • – Kilimanjaro
        Ghana SpecialModern Highlife, Afro-Sounds & Ghanaian Blues 1968-81Soundway
        The ever excellent Soundway Records follow up on their popular 'Nigeria Special' and 'Ghana Soundz' volumes with a double cd of 33 original, obscure cuts...
        • The Mercury Dance Band – Kai Wawa
        • The Barbecues – Aaya Lolo
        • Asaase Ase – Ohiani Sua Efir
        • City Boys Band – Nya Asem Hwe
        • Kyeremateng Atwede & The Kyeremateng Stars – I Go Die For You
        • Ebo Taylor – Twer Nyame (excerpt)
        • The Ogyatanaa Show Band – You Monopolise Me
        RobMake It Fast, Make It Slow (Repress)Soundway
        ROB was an enigmatic recording artist from Ghana who cut two albums for the legendary Essiebons label in 1977. Neither of these were big domestic hits...
        • – Loose Up Yourself
        • – Make It Fast, Make It Slow
        • – Not The End
        • – I've Got To See You Again, Lord
        • – He Shall Live In You
        • – But You
        • – Bargain
        • – Back On You
        Studio One Ska FeverSoul Jazz Records
        A blistering collection of ska tunes from Clement 'Sir Coxsone' Dodd's legendary Studio One Records, Jamaica's foundation label of reggae music. Featuring...
        • Hugh Godfrey – Mad World
        • Johnny Moore – Skavling Johnny
        • Bongo Man & The Skatalites – Marcus Garvey
        • The Clarendonians – Rudie Bam Bam
        • Jackie Opel – Old Rocking Chair
        • Bob Marley & The Wailers – Climb The Ladder
        • Jackie Mittoo – Jump For Joy
        • Lee Perry – Gumma
        • The Soul Brothers – Freedom Sounds
        • The Clarendonians – You Won't See Me
        • The Skatalites – Cleopatra
        • The Gaylads – Don't Try To Reach Me
        • The Skatalites – Ska Parisienne
        • Higgs & Wilson – There's A Reward
        • The Skatalites – Timothy
        • The Ethiopians – Live Good
        • Don Drummond – Green Island
        • Bob Marley & The Wailers – Mr. Talkative
        Monomono The Dawn Of AwarenessSoundway
        Rare afro-rock from Nigerian's 'Soul brother number one'. Brillaint second album by Joni Haastrup’s band MonoMono from 1974. This super funky...
        • – plain fighting
        • – ipade aladun (yoruba)
        • – the awareness is wot you need
        The FunkeesDancing Time: The Best Of The Funkees 1973-77Soundway
        In the early 1970s The Funkees were the number-one east Nigerian band and the only outfit to seriously challenge the popular Lagos based rock combos...
          Gary BartzSingerella (1974)Prestige
          You need every single Gary Bartz early 70s album on Fantasy. ESSENTIAL deep spiritual, soulful jazz. Mixed by Larry Mizell, produced by Bartz. 100% deep.
            The ApostlesOnye Akpa / Oshi OnwuAcademy
            The label responsible for the brilliant Lagos Disco Inferno compilation return with another unearthed Nigerian funky soul gem. The Apostles mostly known...
            • – Onye Akpa
            • – Oshi Onwu
            Cartagena!Curro Fuentes & The Big Band Cumbia and Descarga Sound Of CumbiaSoundway
            Sourced from a period when musicians effortlessly combined the swing of cumbia with the driving bass of salsa, Cartagena! un-wraps a period of musical...
            • Rosendo Y Su Banda – Me Voy Pa'la Costa
            • Orquesta Sonora Curro – Patuleco
            • Rosendo Martinez Y Su Orquesta – El Alegron
            • 1. Rosendo Y Su Banda – Me Voy Pa'la Costa
            • 3. Orquesta Sonora Curro – Patuleco
            • 4. Rosendo Martinez Y Su Orquesta – El Alegron
            • View full info and tracklisting
              Boards Of Canada Tomorrow's Harvest Warp
              Extremely anticipated new album from Warp label veterans Boards Of Canada. Veering away from the guitars of "The Campfire Headphase" and opting for a more...
              • – Reach For The Dead
              • – Jacquard Causeway
              Brand New WayoFunk, Fast Times & Nigerian Boogie Badness 1979-1983Comb & Razor
              Brand new compilation celebrating the vibrant Nigerian boogie scene after the post-disco era of the late 70's and early 80's! The years between 1979...
              • mixed grill – a brand new wayo
              • kris okotie – show me your backside
              • murphy williams – get on up
              • joe moks – boys and girls
              • oby onyioha – i want to feel your love
              Panama!Latin, Calypso And Funk From The Isthmus 1965-75Soundway
              Fantastic new compilation of super-rare latin music from the ever-brilliant Soundway label! Panama connects North and South America and its music reflects...
              • Los Exagerados – Panama Esta Bueno Y ...ma
              • The Exciters – Exciters Theme
              A Tribe Called QuestPeople's Instinctive Travels & The Paths Of RhythmJive
              Essential first Tribe album featuring all the hits. 'I Left My Wallet In El Segundo', 'Bonita Applebum', 'Can I Kick It', 'Description Of a Fool' and more!
                Panama! 3: Calypso Panameno, Guajira jazz & Cumbia Tipica On The Isthmus 1960-75Soundway
                This is the brilliant third installment from Soundways 'Panama!' series of super-rare latin gems!!! Panama connects North and South America and its...
                • lord panama and the stickers – fire down below
                • papi brandao y sus ejecutivos – bilongo
                • ceferino nieto – el pajaro zum zum
                • soul apollo with frederick clarke – chombo pa' la tienda
                • ralph weeks with the telecasters – gua-jazz
                • 1. lord panama and the stickers – fire down below
                • 3. papi brandao y sus ejecutivos – bilongo
                • 4. ceferino nieto – el pajaro zum zum
                • View full info and tracklisting
                Cumbia BeatVolume 2: Tropical Sounds From Peru 1966 - 1983Vampisoul
                Peruvian cumbia, also known as "chicha", brings together tropical music styles from Colombia and Cuba, Western influences such as 60s beat and psychedelic...
                • Manzanita – Mi choza, mi chacra y mi mujer
                • Los Destellos – Boogaloo del perro
                • Los Orientales – El dragón
                • Juaneco y su Combo – Ven a bailar con Juaneco