Unmistakably rooted in West Africa, yet influenced by disco, funk, and jazz, this hybrid music sounds cosmopolitan. There is a historical explanation for the fact that for a long time it circulated mainly in the Ghanaian exile community: In the 1970s and 1980s, Ghana was shaken by economic and political turmoil, causing many people to emigrate to Europe and the United States. They took their music – especially Highlife – with them. In their new homeland, Ghanaian musicians embraced new sounds and electronic production tools – and Burger or Borga Highlife was born.
The third part of the Borga Revolution series brings together songs by pioneers such as George Darko, Lee Dodou and Obibini Takyi as well as lesser-known artists with some rare recordings, this time also from the late 1990s. And sometimes other African influences come into play: Osei Osarfo’s »Mansa (Special)« is reminiscent of Cape Verdean funaná music. Like the highly recommended first two parts of the series, this installment is a captivating and, thanks to the detailed liner notes, instructive release.
