The Rough Guide to Highlife

Track Listings

 
1. Igede - Celestine Ukwu
2. Ka-Anyi Jikota
3. Ekombi - Ramblers Dance Band
4. Bosoe - Joe Mensah
5. Guitar Boy - Victor Uwaifo and His Titibitis
6. Bone Biara So Wo Akatua - African Brothers, Nana Kwame Ampadu
7. Asare - Alex Konadu
8. Esonta
9. Medzi Medzi
10. Omo Pupa - Victor Abimbola Olaiya
11. Ohia Asoma Wo - King Onyina
12. Bere Bote - Rex Lawson
13. Agyeman Baidoo
14. Binu Binu - Orlando Julius
15. Hilife Time - George Darko

Editorial Reviews

Album Description
Highlife music conjures images of African nightclubs, shiny dance floors, Champagne, fine clothes, and the spirit of hope and expectation that marked the end of the Colonial era. The heyday of highlife was in the 1960s and 1970s, and the name describes and defines the popular guitar-led dance music of West Africa, primarily from Ghana and Nigeria. The Rough Guide to Highlife surveys this vibrant scene, featuring classic tracks of the era and the biggest artists in the genre.

The Rough Guide to Highlife,Various Artists,World Music Network,Afro-Pop,Highlife,Int'l & World Music,Pop,World Beat Collections,World Music
The Rough Guide to the Music of Nigeria and Ghana
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • great dance music of a bygone era
  • A Wonderful Collection
The Rough Guide to the Music of Nigeria and Ghana
Various Artists
Manufacturer: World Music Network
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Africa | International | Styles | Music
GhanaGhana | Africa | International | Styles | Music
NigeriaNigeria | Africa | International | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | International | Styles | Music
AfricaAfrica | Compilations | International | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music
AfricaAfrica | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Rough Guide to Music of Mali and Guinea
  2. Rough Guide to Congolese Soukous
  3. The Rough Guide to the Music of Senegal and Gambia
  4. Rough Guide to Marrabenta Mozambique
  5. Classic Highlife

ASIN: B00005Y48M
Release Date: 2002-03-04

Tracks:

  1. Okin Omo Ni (The King Of The Children) - I.K. Dairo
  2. Maa Jo - King Sunny Ade & His Afican Beats
  3. Funky Hi-Life - C.K. Mann
  4. Asiko - Tony Allen
  5. Neribalankina - Captain Yaba
  6. Fuji Shuffle - Adewale Ayuba
  7. Bra Ohoho - E.K. Nyame
  8. Joromi/Monkey Yanga - Sir Victor Uwaifo
  9. Day By Day - E.T. Mensah
  10. Matutu Mirika - Eric Agyeman
  11. Oyolima - Chief Stephen Osita Osadebe
  12. Fakye Me - Sweet Talks
  13. Baawo - Amanzeba Nat Brew

Amazon.com

With 400 ethnic groups in Nigeria alone, The Rough Guide to the Music of Nigeria & Ghana (from the Rough Guide series) covers a vast canvas. So it's no wonder--and probably a sensible idea--that Fela Kuti, the Nigerian singer best known in the West, should not be included (on the grounds that his records are ubiquitous anyway). What is included here is dominated by that quintessentially mid-20th-century style known as highlife, best exemplified by its undisputed king E.T. Mensah. With his old-fashioned diction and immense charm, Mensah rides along on a gracefully Westernized instrumental sound. King Sunny Ade, who displaced him (and who was briefly picked up by Western promoters as a potential West African Bob Marley), prefers hard-driving rhythms and clean a cappella choruses. But on this superb CD charm is the key element, with a multitude of variations on local rhythms and instrumental combinations. Check out the two-string gourd molo, as played with brilliant panache by Captain Yaba; or revel in some of West Africa's best-loved party tracks, including those by C.K. Mann and Eric Agyeman. There's up-to-the-minute stuff from expatriate bands in America, and a wonderfully atmospheric gig with the most recent highlife king, Chief Stephen Osita Osadebe. --Michael Church

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars great dance music of a bygone era.......2006-04-24

If I ever had to entertain guests who didn't speak a common language with me, one of the first things i'd think of doing would be to play this CD.

This is one of the grooviest and funkiest records out there, assimilating African rhythms, blaring horns, and waa pedals into the form of Afrobeat, Highlife, and Fuji music.

I liked this record so much that it inspired a trip to Ghana. But this is really the music of a bygone era- good luck finding *any* of the tracks or bands on this CD anywhere else- even in Ghana! I couldn't even find a record by the 'king of highlife', ET Mensah, on Amazon. Economic and political circumstances forced most of these musicians abroad, and those highlife musicians that do remain in Ghana play unpaid gigs in gospel churches (which are dance halls in their own right).

To best appreciate this record, you've got to play it at high volume. Some highlights include "Funky Hi-Life," "Maa Jo," and "Joromi."

5 out of 5 stars A Wonderful Collection.......2004-05-20

No single CD can adequately represent the abundance and diversity of artists and musical styles that have emerged from Nigeria over the past fourty-plus years. However, if you are curious about Highlife, Juju, Fuji, Afrofunk, etc. (or African music in general), this compilation is for you. The Rough Guides, in general, are well-researched, informative and nicely packaged and help listeners to further explore the artists featured on their collections. There are some glaring omissions, however. Fela Kuti is not represented, but luckily his longtime drummer Tony Allen is on the excellent "Asiko". Also, Juju pioneer Chief Commander Ebineezer Obey is missing in action. So is Prince Nico. But as I said, the music of Nigeria is so vast, that it is inevitable that many deserving artists will be left out.
The Rough Guide to Highlife
Average customer rating: Not rated
    The Rough Guide to Highlife
    Various Artists
    Manufacturer: World Music Network
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Africa | International | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | International | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Compilations | International | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music
    Similar Items:
    1. Classic Highlife
    2. The Rough Guide to the Music of Nigeria and Ghana
    3. Rough Guide to Congolese Soukous
    4. SALUTE TO HIGHLIFE PIONEERS
    5. The Rough Guide to the Music of Central Asia

    ASIN: B000086BA5
    Release Date: 2003-02-10

    Tracks:

    1. Igede - Celestine Ukwu
    2. Ka Anyi Jikota
    3. Ekombi - Ramblers Dance Band
    4. Bosoe - Joe Mensah
    5. Guitar Boy - Victor Uwaifo and His Titibitis
    6. Bone Biara So Wo Akatua - African Brothers, Nana Kwame Ampadu
    7. Asare - Alex Konadu
    8. Esonta
    9. Medzi Medzi
    10. Omo Pupa - Victor Abimbola Olaiya
    11. Ohia Asoma Wo - King Onyina
    12. Bere Bote - Rex Lawson
    13. Agyeman Baidoo
    14. Binu Binu - Orlando Julius
    15. Hilife Time - George Darko

    Album Description

    Highlife music conjures images of African nightclubs, shiny dance floors, Champagne, fine clothes, and the spirit of hope and expectation that marked the end of the Colonial era. The heyday of highlife was in the 1960s and 1970s, and the name describes and defines the popular guitar-led dance music of West Africa, primarily from Ghana and Nigeria. The Rough Guide to Highlife surveys this vibrant scene, featuring classic tracks of the era and the biggest artists in the genre.
    Rough Guide to Marrabenta Mozambique
    Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    • Excellent introduction to Marrabenta music!
    Rough Guide to Marrabenta Mozambique
    Various Artists
    Manufacturer: World Music Network
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Africa | International | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | International | Styles | Music
    AfricaAfrica | Compilations | International | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Pop | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music
    AfricaAfrica | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music
    Similar Items:
    1. The Rough Guide to the Music of Nigeria and Ghana
    2. Rough Guide to Music of Mali and Guinea
    3. The Rough Guide to the Music of Senegal and Gambia
    4. Rough Guide to Congolese Soukous
    5. The Rough Guide to the Music of Central Asia

    ASIN: B00005A8JX
    Release Date: 2001-10-08

    Tracks:

    1. Maria Teresa - Dilon Djindji
    2. Matilde - Orchestra Marrabenta Star De Mocambique
    3. Mahanhela - Mabulu
    4. U Yo Mussiya Kwini - Ghorwane
    5. Othiawene - Eyuphuro
    6. Anghena Bava Mula - Alberto Mula
    7. Rosa - Francisco Mahecuane
    8. Tchela Kuwomile - Mario Ntimane
    9. Xigevengu - Wazimbo
    10. Shywelele - Antonio Marcos
    11. Sumbhulany - Arakas Band
    12. Africa - Nene
    13. Marrabenta - Gito Baloi
    14. Elisa Gomara Saia - Orchestra Marrabenta Star De Mocambique
    15. Hlamalane - Lisboa Matavel

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Excellent introduction to Marrabenta music!.......2001-08-18

    Every song is a gem! This compilation has contagious melodies coming from the earlypioneers of marrabenta to the more comtemporary artists. Ialready have CD's of Ghorwane,Eyuphuro,and Orchestra MarrabentaStar which the Rough Guide pickedfine examples of their music.Of all the songs present, I especially loved the soulfulvoice of Wazimbo's "Xigevengu".This CD is a "must have" in appreciating the music of Mozambique.
    The Rough Guide to West African Music
    Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
    • Essential
    • Nice intro to W. African music
    The Rough Guide to West African Music
    Various Artists
    Manufacturer: World Music Network
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Africa | International | Styles | Music
    GhanaGhana | Africa | International | Styles | Music
    GuineaGuinea | Africa | International | Styles | Music
    MaliMali | Africa | International | Styles | Music
    Senegal & GambiaSenegal & Gambia | Africa | International | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | International | Styles | Music
    AfricaAfrica | Compilations | International | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music
    AfricaAfrica | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music
    ASIN: B00000B6SK
    Release Date: 1995-11-21

    Tracks:

    1. Foliba
    2. Djelika
    3. Roucky
    4. Toro
    5. M'Bot
    6. Djama Kaissoumou
    7. I Ka Di Nye
    8. 205
    9. Utru Horas
    10. Almamy Bocoum
    11. Mauritania My Beloved Country
    12. Agne Anko

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Essential.......2003-06-20

    This is the perfect introduction to West African music. Some of the songs are absolutely captivating (Oumou Sangare and Ali Farka Toure especially). Brilliantly sourced album.

    4 out of 5 stars Nice intro to W. African music.......2002-03-20

    This CD was my first exposure to West African music. Surprise! They aren't limited to bongo drums and acapella chants! I've fallen in love with several of the songs on this CD, and so have my children. We are now tracking down and collecting the CD's of the artists we enjoyed most! Great variety.
    Rough Guide to West African Music
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      Rough Guide to West African Music
      Various Artists
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      GeneralGeneral | Africa | International | Styles | Music
      GhanaGhana | Africa | International | Styles | Music
      GuineaGuinea | Africa | International | Styles | Music
      MaliMali | Africa | International | Styles | Music
      Senegal & GambiaSenegal & Gambia | Africa | International | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | International | Styles | Music
      AfricaAfrica | Compilations | International | Styles | Music
      ASIN: B000A29F9A
      Release Date: 2002-02-19

      Tracks:

      1. Foliba (Mali) - Super Rail Band
      2. Djelika (Mali) - Toumani Diabat
      3. Roucky (Mali) - Ali Farka Tour
      4. Toro [Niger]
      5. M'Bore (Guinea) - Sona Diabate
      6. Djama Kaissoumou (Mali) - Oumou Sangare
      7. I Ka Di Nye (Mali) - Bajourou
      8. 205 (Ghana) - E.T. Mensah
      9. Utru Horas (Senegal) - Orchestra Baobab
      10. Almamy Bocoum (Senegal) - Mansour Seck
      11. Mauritania My Beloved Country - Dimi Mint Abba, Dimi Mint Abba, Khalifa Ould Eide,
      12. Agne Anko (Guinea) - Kante Manfila

      Rock Music:

      1. Tipiqueros
      2. Traces de Lumiere: Fes Festival of World Sacred Music
      3. Treása Ní Chatháin, Some Sean Nós
      4. Un Jour Tu Verras [Import]
      5. Venessia
      6. Vintage Tango Tonight
      7. Winter Sonata: Korean TV Drama Themes [Import]
      8. Xuxa 4 [Import]
      9. 10 Corso Como: North South
      10. A Arte de Alcione [Import]

      Rock Music

      rock music

      Recommended Music:

      1963-1966: Birth of Brilliance [Import]

      Italy & Spain-Latin Quartet

      Las locas por amor

      The Complete Blue Note 60's Sessions [Box set]

      I Wanna Dance [Import]

      Isle Of Patmos

      Loma Prieta

      Live at the Fillmore [Live]

      Rock Music rock-music-22

      Luminosa

      Masterpiece Guitars [Import]

      Latin Music: 10 Grandes Exitos

      Locamente Enamorado

      Motown Legends: Bernadette

      Take the Lead