Calabash: Afrobeat-Poems by Ikwunga

Timi Agama, October 28, 2004
It’s refreshing to see a re-interpretation of an existing music genre. This adds a new dimension to Afrobeat.

Product Description
Calabash is the first volume of Afrobeat Poems. Afrobeat poetry utilizes Pidgin English and its idiomatic infusions of English and vernacular Nigerian languages as a medium to reach the listener/reader. The presentation of the poetry with the background of Afrobeat music gives this genre an authentic and fresh appeal. Consistent with the music of Fela Kuti, the legendary originator of Afrobeat, this collection stands true to Afrobeat philosophy: raise pan-African consciousness while entertaining the audience. In Calabash, Ikwunga in collaboration with Dele Sosimi, Femi Elias, and Justin Thurgur, have produced a unique fusion of Spoken Word, African style call- and- answer recital, with a new contemporary Afrobeat.

Calabash: Afrobeat-Poems by Ikwunga

Calabash: Afrobeat-Poems by Ikwunga,Ikwunga,Rebisi Hut Records,A seminal concept album with a distinctly original African feel that finds the verses and chants interwoven with rich African rhythms married to a new satiny Afrobeat.,Int'l & World Music,Pop

Average customer rating: Amazing work! Courageous Adventure! Cool Concoctions in a Calabash

Calabash: Afrobeat-Poems by Ikwunga Ikwunga Manufacturer: Rebisi Hut Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Africa | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music International Jazz | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music ASIN: B0006H5M64 Release Date: 2004-10-16

Tracks:

1. Intro & Kola Nut
2. I don love
3. Di Bombs
4. Go Slow
5. Bad Belle
6. Ikeru (Creation)
7. Fence
8. Di Bombs Instrumental (Dele Sosimi Cut)

Album Description

Calabash is the first volume of Afrobeat Poems. Afrobeat poetry utilizes Pidgin English and its idiomatic infusions of English and vernacular Nigerian languages as a medium to reach the listener/reader. The presentation of the poetry with the background of Afrobeat music gives this genre an authentic and fresh appeal. Consistent with the music of Fela Kuti, the legendary originator of Afrobeat, this collection stands true to Afrobeat philosophy: raise pan-African consciousness while entertaining the audience. In Calabash, Ikwunga in collaboration with Dele Sosimi, Femi Elias, and Justin Thurgur, have produced a unique fusion of Spoken Word, African style call- and- answer recital, with a new contemporary Afrobeat.

Customer Reviews:

Amazing work!.......2006-01-03

Amazing CD. Such depth and complexity of lyrics and sound. Excellent examination of current social issues. The musical arrangement is classic afrobeat. Recommend strongly!

Courageous Adventure!.......2004-12-23

Ikwunga Wonodi's Calabash Afrobeat Poems is an invitation to all lovers of good music. Brilliantly enriched with the infusion of poetry, Calabash...skillfully meshes Afrobeat music with skillfully constructed lyrics suffused with conscious messages and stories. Wonodi's voice, though often fluctuating,
resonates the kind of tone that should grab the attention of fans familiar with Afrobeat music and music inspired by poetry. His style, though influenced by Nigerian/West African pigeon English, is reminiscent of vocalization by Gill Scott, Les Nubians, MC Solaar and Mutabaruka. Cuts such as "I don love", "Go Slow" and "Da Bomb" are obvious classics. Brilliant effort for a first album!!
--Dike Festus Okoro
Milwaukee, WI USA

Cool Concoctions in a Calabash .......2004-11-28

The title pretty much says it all. This is a veritably embroidered calabash of poetry stewing in sweet afrobeat concoctions; a stunning debut and an indication of great things to come. Calabash Vol. 1 finds Ikwunga delivering a set of fresh verses on longstanding concerns. Much of the material here is as long on poetry as it is on titilating music, a provocative mix of pedestrian pidgin and sound that most people will be hearing for the first time. Ikwunga's raw delivery and Dele Sosimi's minimalist Afro-Chill constructions make this a winning disc.

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