Reissue of the 80s 12” single from Trinidadian musician Oluko Imo (Black Truth Rhythm Band), featuring Fela Kuti and Femi Kuti. Recorded between Lagos and New York in 1988, the tracks sit at the fault line of the Trinidad-Yoruba connection, blending calypso heritage with the Afrobeat and jazz of Nigeria. On the A-side, title track ‘Oduduwa’ is a brooding slice of peak-era Transatlantic Afrobeat, blending a heartfelt plea for social justice and equality with a haunting piano line, shuffling drums and ethereal sax solo.

Four years after his last studio effort, the somnambulistic Play Me, Harry Belafonte returned with this album which showed the veteran artist returning to his strength: unique interpretations of songs from many cultures…

Mokomizik Records is proud to present the first-ever reissue of this ultra-rare Latin-Jazz masterpiece. The Fantastic Variety in the Music of Panama - The Winsor Style and Calypso Impressions was privately released in 1961 by Panamanian pianist and songwriter Alonso Wilson De Briano. Little remains known about Alonso, whose work had all but fallen into obscurity. His unique vision and beautiful compositions however are still shining bright in this true gem of a record.

After flirting with traditional African-American material in his previous albums, Belafonte, for the first time, devotes an entire album to the blues. However, of the eleven songs, only two could be classified as traditional blues: "In the Evenin' Mama" and "Cotton Fields," the latter given a five minute treatment. Belafonte would take this song on the road as part of his live act for the next decade. Of the other songs, three were covers of Ray Charles standards ("A Fool For You," "Hallelujah I Love Her So," "Mary Ann"). Another highlight is Belafonte's rendition of Billie Holiday's "God Bless the Child." With few exceptions, the entire album is understated and not as exciting or riveting as other Belafonte records. Still, it's solid listening, and taken track by track, thoughtful performances. Footnote: this was the first Belafonte album recorded in stereo. Some releases feature a thick, dark blue spine.