Various Artists: Ghana Special

By David Honigmann
FT.com

“Modern Highlife, Afro Sounds & Ghanaian Blues”, promises this compilation. Most of its contents are rarities even at home. They document Ghanaian music in transition from the dance bands that hung over from colonial times into a more Africanised sound, drawing on rock and soul.

Pulsing organs underpin Christy Azuma and Uppers International; Pagadeja explode into cackling whoops above frantic percussion; Fela Kuti makes a guest appearance with Basa Basa Soundz.

The sound of musical evolution on fast-forward.