This very first re-release of Guelewar-songs is actually quite a sensation, especially since the four albums released between 1979 and 1982 were one of the most influential sources in African psych-funk and are only to be bought as a collector’s item for astronomical prices. It’s all the better that this compilation doesn’t just line up the best tracks – instead, the average seven-minute-jams could actually function as an independent record. Guelewar’s sound, which is called »Afro Manding« not just in Gambia and Senegal, is hypnotic, diverse and not only unique due to its exotic influences between Latin, Highlife and regional rhythms like Boogaraboo and Sawrouda. The basslines are rolling, the guitar bubbles, the rhythm constantly takes the listener by surprise, saxophone and synthesizers are often and well used, and above all, there’s mastermind Laaye N’Gorn’s voice shining on top of it. Like the history of many African bands from that time, Guelewar’s career sounds like a soap opera’s stroke of fate. For example, the band – back then, they were still called The Supreme Eagles – got all their instruments as a present from a club manager after having played a successful gig in a venue! And this re-issue on Kindred Spirits is quite a present, too.
Various Artists
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Analog Africa