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African Funk Experimentals (1968​-​1982 + 2017)

by Jo Tongo

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  • Streaming + Download

    Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.

    Immediate download of [numtracks]-track album in your choice of high-quality MP3, FLAC, or just about any other format you could possibly desire.
    Purchasable with gift card

      £12 GBP  or more

     

  • Compact Disc (CD) + Digital Album

    Includes unlimited streaming of African Funk Experimentals (1968-1982 + 2017) via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    ships out within 10 days
    Purchasable with gift card

      £8.99 GBP or more 

     

  • 12" Vinyl LP with Mirrored Sleeve
    Record/Vinyl + Digital Album

    10 track vinyl version.

    Does not include the following tracks: Mystic Power, A'Muna, Get Down And Freak, Get It The Way I Like It

    Includes unlimited streaming of African Funk Experimentals (1968-1982 + 2017) via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.

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1.
Jangolo 04:52
2.
3.
Piani 04:36
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Ewande 04:10
9.
10.
11.
Mystic Power 04:39
12.
A'Muna 03:40
13.
14.

about

Our hero, Jo Tongo (born Joseph Ekambi Tongo Mpondo) was born and raised in Douala Cameroon. In 1964 he headed off to Paris to begin Pharmaceutical studies. Somewhere along the way the music in his soul eventually won out and he embarked on a life of music. In the latest of our series of "Funk Experimentals" LPs we dig for the funk. Not necessarily the artists greatest hits but most definitely the funkiest ear benders. We proudly compile together tracks from 1968 to 3 new brand new exclusive tracks from present day 2017. And yes, they all have the funk. In spades.

The album opens up with stunningly catchy Jangolo. Jo's awesomely funky bass and percussive "jangly" guitar. The track is underpinned by African drums, funky stabs and 70s nascent synthesiser string machines. Next up we take a trip to 1979 and "Funky Feeling" from Jo’s "Those Flowers" album. Here the beats are big, the strings are sweet and the clavi is into overdrive. We then jump back to 1976 for the evergreen, horn-puncher, funk stomper "Piani". Before the sweet smooth funk of "Those Flowers".

Next up is "American Lady" with the bright strings, jangly guitars and driving keys. All locked on to maximize the groove. We then take a trip back to 1968 for Jo's second single the ever so funky and ever so ahead of its time, "Dig It Babe". Soul, horns, groove and punch all in two perfect packages. Part 1 and Part 2. Next up it is the funk boogie afro swingers "Ewande".

Bringing things up date we jump forward to 2017, present day. Jo has been making music more or less non-stop and here we are lucky to premier three brand new tracks. The drums are punchy, the guitars ooze the funk and the locked on keys tie the tracks together in one tight-as package. Jo is on the production and at the controls for the mix. "Lion Roar" is first with its driving clavinet and all-out-assault funky drums. The brass is big and this song is Bold with a capital "B". "It's The D Day" is next with swinging soul style groove before "Mystic Power" features a ballsy brass-laden beat and jazz funk overtones.

Many thanks Jo for choosing the music. Nearly 50 years at the top of the game.

credits

released September 29, 2017

Written by Jo Tongo.
Published by Dharma Songs.
Mastered by Eugene @ Cromon Tor.
Audio Restoration by Timmy @ Tiger Bright Studios (www.tigerbright.net). Artwork by Rich Elson.

Compiled by John Bryan.

(C) 2017 Africa Seven
www.africaseven.com

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about

Jo Tongo Paris, France

Jo Tongo was born and raised in Douala, Cameroon.

In 1977, he produced and recorded his debut self titled Jo Tongo in both French and his native Duala language, for the Fiesta imprint. The record is a perfect example of 70's Funk meeting Afrobeat with African folk flavors.

Jo now spends his time between Paris and New York and is currently working on new material.
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