Togo Radio Show
One of my favourite things about doing this show is the discoveries I make along the way - I learn about new new artists, styles and even instruments on every show. One of the things that struck me about the music of Togo was the soulfulness, particularly from some of the female artists. Bella Bellow, Akofa Akoussah and Afia Mala are all incredible artists which I’ve been enjoying over the past few weeks, and it did make me reflect that female artists are relatively underrepresented on the show and its something that I am keen to address in the future.
There are also some boss remixes this month - Cos-Ber-Zam is a heavy tune that I have loved for a long time and the Pushin Wood and Bosq Edits are both from an excellent record called Togo Soul 70 Edits & Rarities on Casa Records.
Another discovery for this month’s show is Itadi Bonney. He is a bandleader, composer, vocalist and arranger who often delivered political messages through his music, calling for African unity against dictatorships. As a result he eventually had to flee to the US because of the threat to his life. I’ve selected five tunes here but I would highly recommend exploring their back catalogue in more depth.
Full Tracklist:
Hustle - Itadi
Cos-Ber-Zam Ne Noya Daphni Mix - Daphni
Ye, Ye, Ye - Itadi
Loxo Nye (Pushin Wood Edit) - Roger Damawuzan
Afe Ato Yen Bio - De Frank Professionals
African Dance (Souk) - Susu Bilibi
Watch Your Life - Itadi
Miade Dua - Sewavi Jacintho
Haka Dunia - Orchestre Abass
Live in Another World - Itadi
Adome Nyueto (Bosq Edit) - Yta Jourias
Dasi Kom - Bella Bellow
Tango - Akofa Akoussah
Kimumbu - Akofa Akoussah
Dandou Kodjo - Akofa Akoussah
I Tcho Tchass - Akofa Akoussah
Midjayé - Afia Mala
Amégan - Afia Mala
Loxo Nye - Roger Damawuzan
Ega - King Mensah
Mighty Dread (Reggae) - Susu Bilibi
Cacatchoulé - Napo De Mi Amor
Africa Is Hot - Itadi
Ata - King Mensah
Mi Kpede Dunye - Dk Pilo
Agbemenyawo - Vewonyi DD
Honam - Orchestre Abass
Dada - King Mensah
