The Very Best of Manu DiBango: AfroSoulJazz

1. Soul Makossa

2. Ekedi

3. Africadelic

4. Sun Explosion

5. Freak Sans Fric

6. Oh! Koh!

7. Poinciana

8. Abele Dance

9. Electric Africa

10. Africa Boogie

11. Big Blow

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
The Cameroonian jazz legend Manu Dibango made a splash on the world charts back in 1973 with a propulsive, saxophone-driven instrumental called "Soul Makossa," which sprinkled bits of American funk and soul into the dance music of West Africa. Much of his later work gave playful expression to this fusion of African and Western styles, sometimes with odd but always danceable results--as when he recruited rapper MC Mello and P-Funk bassist Bootsy Collins to add their touches to his swinging sound. The Very Best of Manu Dibango highlights his big hit, of course, but it also makes room for lesser-known work like "Ponciana," "Ekedy," and "Abele Dance," tunes that will likely be unfamiliar to all but the most wide-ranging of worldbeat aficionados. Favoring songs from Dibango's middle period, particularly his funk-layered outings from the 1970s, the disc includes a collaboration with Herbie Hancock, "Electric Africa," and the irresistible "Africa Boogie Afrovision" and epic "Sun Explosion." An ideal album to keep a party going, this sampler gives ample evidence for why Dibango enjoys such high regard. --Gregory McNamee

Product Description
A truly essential collection of the Afro-soul-jazz legend's greatest tracks spanning 40 years. His work with Don Cherry, Fela Kuti, Sly & Robbie and The Fania All Stars has heavily influenced a number of dance producers and musicians. Tracks include the pioneering dance floor tracks, 'Soul Makossa', 'Abele Dance' and 'Africa Boogie'. Sleevenotes include a detailed history of Dibango and a track by track commentary. 2000 release. Standard jewel case. Full title, 'The Very Best Of Manu Dibango Afrosouljazz From The Original Makossa Man'.

Tracks:

Soul Makossa
Ekedi
Africadelic
Sun Explosion
Freak Sans Fric
Oh! Koh!
Poinciana
Abele Dance
Electric Africa
Africa Boogie
Big Blow

Amazon.com

The Cameroonian jazz legend Manu Dibango made a splash on the world charts back in 1973 with a propulsive, saxophone-driven instrumental called "Soul Makossa," which sprinkled bits of American funk and soul into the dance music of West Africa. Much of his later work gave playful expression to this fusion of African and Western styles, sometimes with odd but always danceable results--as when he recruited rapper MC Mello and P-Funk bassist Bootsy Collins to add their touches to his swinging sound. The Very Best of Manu Dibango highlights his big hit, of course, but it also makes room for lesser-known work like "Ponciana," "Ekedy," and "Abele Dance," tunes that will likely be unfamiliar to all but the most wide-ranging of worldbeat aficionados. Favoring songs from Dibango's middle period, particularly his funk-layered outings from the 1970s, the disc includes a collaboration with Herbie Hancock, "Electric Africa," and the irresistible "Africa Boogie Afrovision" and epic "Sun Explosion." An ideal album to keep a party going, this sampler gives ample evidence for why Dibango enjoys such high regard. --Gregory McNamee

Album Description

A truly essential collection of the Afro-soul-jazz legend's greatest tracks spanning 40 years. His work with Don Cherry, Fela Kuti, Sly & Robbie and The Fania All Stars has heavily influenced a number of dance producers and musicians. Tracks include the pioneering dance floor tracks, 'Soul Makossa', 'Abele Dance' and 'Africa Boogie'. Sleevenotes include a detailed history of Dibango and a track by track commentary. 2000 release. Standard jewel case. Full title, 'The Very Best Of Manu Dibango Afrosouljazz From The Original Makossa Man'.

Customer Reviews:

Slightly Disappointed.......2003-10-05

I was a little disappointed that the version of Soul Makossa on this CD is not the original from the early 70's. It's not just remastered or remixed, it's totally re-recorded - more polish, less groove. And because of the vague liner notes, I'm not sure where this version even came from. What redeems this disc is that it's a great listen overall. Lots of funky beats and layered rythms backing a mean reed blowin' by Manu! Texturally, some of it reminds me of Remain in Light era Talking Heads. It's just ashame that the funkier original version of Soul Makossa wasn't included.

Manu DiBngo and His Bangin' Beats!!!.......2003-04-24

Only Manu can make a beat that pound's your soul with that thumpin' sound of the drummer and the conga's mixed with just the right amount of deep haunting & seductive vocals that hit your ear like the BIG Bang Theory. It is explosive and mixes just the right amount of funk to keep your toes tappin. His beats are so infectious, that several rap artist's whom I will not name, still continue's to sample many of DiBango's beats, knowing that today's young generation beleive that it's a new sound. We who are the true collectors know that is not true. Manu churned out many hits during his time and once you've had the chance to really listen to his music...you will be pleasantly surprised at just how many of his songs have been incorporated into today's hip-hop. Thank you Manu for your precious gift of song. Long live Soul MaKossa!!

Great Afro-Funk from "Lion of Cameroon" -- Manu Dibango.......2001-08-19

I happened to hear "Soul Makossa" one day on the Spinner Plus Internet radio station and was intrigued by this funky African music which sounded to me a bit like Fela Kuti. So figured I would try this Manu Dibango dude out. Boy was I glad that I did. Great Stuff!

This music should cure the worst case of the sweatshop blues. It's hard to sit still listening to this "Afro-Soul-Jazz" music. The sound quality is excellent.

The following four tracks more than justify the purchase of this CD.

(1) Soul Makossa has a timeless polished funky beat with backup singers (French) and a power saxophone rifting in an out. This has got to be one of the top ten Funky recordings of all time.

(2) Sun Explosion has quicker funky bass beat like a disco song on amphetamines that can quickly put you into a trance.

(3) Adele Dance has more of Industrial style sound sort of like Manu Dibango Meets Kraftwerk. This combination works real well and doesn't sound dated at all because the Afro-Funk Saxophones and rhythms hold everything together (Oolalala!).

(4) Electric Africa returns to more of the Soul Mokassa style of pure Afro-Funk beat with a more restrained power saxophone with Herbie Hancock on piano no less (Wow!).