Album Notes

An AWARD WINNER any day, this compilation CD is a melting pot of the most exciting radio-friendly West African sounds, with all their influences (R&B, Easy Listening, Soukous/Makossa, Soul, Pop, Gospel). This is the new sound of West Africa, rendered mainly in English and French. The simplicity of the 12 songs is something to cherish. Variety is indeed the spice of life.

*HEALTH WARNING: Using stereo headphones to listen to Track 5 may agitate your mind.

*Do you really wanna dance? 'PAP LEO'S Soukous tune, "That's Life", is a masterpiece of melodious composition, scintillating sounds and pulsating rhythms', wrote Chris Seraphine - President, Caribtempo Communications Inc.

Born in Togo, West Africa, of Beninois parents, Pap Leo played guitar in his first band at the tender age of 13! He later played with the great Manu Dibango (of the Soul Makossa fame), with whom he recorded two very successful albums. This is definitely Soukous/Makossa music at its very best - honestly!

*Are you in the mood for love? Then try lovely CYNTHIA, a graduate of Music and English, for size! Cynthia is arguably Nigeria's Queen of Pop. Her sweet vocal style is highly 'infectious'. She dedicates "Cos I Love Him" to all those in love, in spite of opposition from various quarters, due to skin colour, race, religion, ethnicity and/or social/family background. Hear her;

" . . . Life has not been the same since I found my man / They tell me love is black and then say it's white / How can I get things done with such confusion? / I know that love is blue Mama told me so . . . "

"Can It Be True?" is a question from Cynthia to you, following her encounter with the man in Downing Street - know him?

" . . . How much love is enough for you? / Please love teach me how to love you / Cos losing you will mean the end / Don't let it be the journey's end . . . ", laments Cynthia in "The Journey's End".

*B.B. JO is one of Nigeria's most exciting R&B/pop crosssover singer/songwriters. In "Rhythm Master", she gives it to you exactly the way it is, no-holds-barred! The final 30-second period of this song really reveals her star quality! Check it out.

*DICKSON EK started performing live at 10! He has succeeded in perfectly blending West African sounds with American/European sounds to produce an original product. If you were looking for real innovative contemporary gospel/pop crossover music, then look no further - Dickson Ek is it!

*THE UNDERTAKERS members' identities remain a mystery! However, the group's music, which is best appreciated with a pair of stereo headphones on, though mystical, is really fascinating! In "A Star Is Gone", the group, in its characteristic style, laments the demise of a showbiz star. Remember the health warning though!

N.B.
All the tracks on this CD are currently available for Digital Downloading from various sources.