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May '13

Hola mpinji! You're at AFROSYNTH, the realest African selection . . .

This month we bring you new school queens FABASI and V-MASH, traditional vibes from PURE GOLD and MTUSENI SIBIYA and co, crossover from WALK THIS WAY, Shangaan grooves from KAYA, an early bubblegum classic by MARGINO and an unknown gem from JERRY GREEN.

Last month it was SHALOM, TOM DOLLAR and LAWRENCE 'SACKEY' GOREOANG, RALPH MARTIN, the original NINJA, the West Nkosi-produced IBIZA, IZIHLABENI and reggae legends JAMBO.
We kicked off 2013 with a brand new mix: AFROSYNTH XII: Free At Last, a selection of recent additions to the library. Also don't miss the new 'Best of Afrosynth' compilation from the good people at eFrika. Sharp!

UMOJA - Touch Africa (1990)

Gallo, HUL40209   
Producers: Alec Khaoli & Colin Smith   
Engineer: Dave Subkleve       
Recorded at: Audio Lab


After leaving Harari and releasing a few solo albums, bass master Alec 'Om' Khaoli formed Umoja in an attempt to break into the overseas market. While they were known for their outlandish spandex getup - for example at the Concert in the Park, Touch Africa sees Umoja moving on to experiment with east African guitar rhythms, layered with Om's unmatched bass grooves, call and response vocals and fresh synth sounds. Best tracks include the instrumental 'Feels Good' and 'Paid In Full' . . .

"I left a deposit on your heart, 
That was a long time ago.
Now I've come to collect what's mine - 

Give me mine, you take yours.
Keep your fridge, keep your TV, 

Keep your cheap lies . . .
I made a lay-by for your love, 
That was a long time ago.
Now it's time to collect what's mine -

Are you ready? Let's go!"