Ghana Radio Show
This is my first ever solo radio show, and the first Mother of Mankind show. I decided to start doing the show because COVID prevented me from being able to share my music in person any more, so it was an outlet for my music, but also an opportunity to learn about the music of Africa. The format I decided on was to (more or less) feature a different country on each show. This way I would get a deeper understanding of the artists, cultural context, genres and instruments.
It is the start of my journey of discovery and I deliberately started with a country that I was relatively familiar with. Pat Thomas, Ebo Taylor, Siduki Bauri, Eric Agyeman, Kiki Gyan and Vis a Vis are all artists I had been listening to for a few years but I enjoyed the experience of bringing those artists together with others from their country to create a snapshot of music from that region. It was recorded from home because of lockdown and no access to the studio which was all part of the learning curve of starting a radio show in a pandemic!
The album of the month, Pat Thomas presents Marijata, I bought not long ago from Betino’s Record Store in Paris. It spans reggae, afro-funk, highlife and psychedelia. Marijata was formed by 3 formers members of The Sweet Beans, where they had played with Pat Thomas previously: Kofi Electrik is incredible on drums, Nat Osmanu holds is down on the rhythm guitar with the occasional explosive solo and Bob Fiscian holds the sound together on the organ. Pat Thomas provides his distinctive soul-filled vocals with simple sounding vocals that carry something much deeper throughout.
Full Tracklist:
Ebo Taylor - Kwame
Alhaji K. Frimpong His Cubano Fiestas - Kyenkyen Bi Adi Mawu
Vis a Vis Obi - Agye Me Dofo
Rim Kwaku Obeng - Funky Drummer
Oscar Sulley and Uhuru Dance Band - Bukom Mashie
Guy Warren - Monkeys and Butterflies
Bejamin Boone with Ghana Jazz Collective - Maiden Voyage
Manu Dibango - Wakafrica
Pat Thomas - Santrofi (Dub)
Sidiku Buari - Music
Pat Thomas presents Marijata - Brainwashing
Pat Thomas presents Marijata - Papa's Lttle Boy
Pat Thomas presents Marijata - Salvation
Pat Thomas presents Marijata - That's The Way
Nana Ampadu - Mene Wo Beye
Eric Agyeman - Ao! Massem Ye
Kumasi Trio - Amponsah - Part 1
Ebo Taylor - Heaven
Pat Thomas - Enye Woa (Extended Intro)
Ebo Taylor - Atwer Abroba
George Darko - Ako Te Brofo
Kiki Gyan - Disco Dancer
Sweet Talks - Akampanye
