(Reggae, Roots) Mwanamke Mwfrika {Akabu} - African Woman Abroad - 1982, MP3, 320 kbps

" This long-running group has a colorful and somewhat confusing history, complicated not only by the member's shifting names, but by the fact the band rechristened themselves Akabu several years after their formation. The seven strong, all-female English band were launched in the early '80s, and debuted on disc in 1982 with their the self-produced African Woman Abroad album. Engineered by Mad Professor and mixed down by Mikey Dread, the set showcased the group's fine musicianship and fabulous vocals. Of all the British reggae bands, Mwanamke Mwfrika were probably the closest in feel to their Jamaican counterparts, notably on the powerful rootsy opener "Ethiopians Live It," a song surely deserving classic status. Moving into even deeper roots is the potent "African Woman," a simmering version of the "Skylarkin'" riddim, awash in haunting harmonies and a strong message of female empowerment. "Same Situation" sports the same theme, but slides towards a more militant sound, wrapped around a downbeat rhythm, smoky sax, and reverberating, dubby effects. Dragged into slavery, the group rage that "Dem Took I Away" to Babylon, but holding firm to their faith and culture, the band know they will rise to dominate again. "We shall never surrender, we are a force that stands forever," they sing out in unison, and indeed, on this number Mwanamke reign supreme. A roots reggae classic. "We a Seh," in contrast, is in a class all itself, a busy, infectious number, with plenty of rhythmic punch, honking brass, and keyboards that shift from barreling R&B to psychedelia..."

Producer : Akabu
Arranger : Akabu
Engineer : Mad Professor
Mixing Engineer : Mikey Dread
Vocals : Valerie Joseph & Nathalie Zebulan
Backing Vocals : Akabu
Drums : Shelomi Issachar
Bass : Diane Issachar
Rhythm Guitar : Valerie Joseph
Keyboards : Paulette Levi
Percussions : Elaine