An old record sleeve versus a new CD. Nkengas (Nigeria).
Nkengas – Destruction (Orbitone/Tackle 1973)
At one point, there was some confusion around this band because the Nkengas were actually better known under the name Ikengas. They turn out to be one and the same group.
They made two records under the name Nkengas: “Nkengas In London” and the record of this broadcast “Destruction”. However, they acquired more fame under the name Ikengas.
The “Destruction” LP of tonight is an Afrofunk masterpiece from 1973 by this group of Nigerians under the inspiring leadership of Vincent Okoroego. They called their music “Ikwokilikwo” which translated very freely means something like ‘a really intense music soup’.
Nowadays, many gems are being dug up from the seventies funky afro diamond mines which are re-released but, surprisingly, that has not yet happened to this diamond in the rough. That means it’s high time to put this LP in the limelight in this episode of Record up your Sleeve. The sleeave speaks volumes for that matter, so watch, listen and let yourself be inspired.
After the 9 songs by Nkengas, you will hear a selection of 5 songs from the compilation album “African Scream Contest, Raw & Psychedelic Afro Sounds from Benin & Togo 70s”, which was released last year on the Analog Africa label.
Successively, you will hear Vincent Ahehehinnou, Le Super Borgou De Parakou, Gabo Brown & Orch. Poly-Rhytmo, Picoby Band D’Abomey and El Rego et Ses Commandos.
