Cameroon Garage Funk

This is another fine compilation from Analog Africa, amassing 16 tracks recorded in Cameroon's capital Yaoundé during the 1970s. All of these recordings have a peculiar history, having been committed to disc in an Adventist church at opportune moments when services weren't being undertaken. While the fidelity here is far from perfect – the songs were captured using a singular microphone – there's an earnestness across the tracks that can't help but feel infectious. Opener ‘Africa Iyo’ may be familiar to some. Released initially as a 45 in 1978, it's had decent rotation over the years. It also features music from Louis Wasson, an arranger and guitarist whose self-titled debut came out that same year through Sonafric, and Bony Mballa. Mballa's track, ‘Mezik Me Mema’, is joyous. The saxophonist might squeak in the opening theme — takes were cherished owing to limited time in the studio — but the consequent tune is full of energy.

There are extensive liner notes, offering an insight into Yaoundé's bustling scene during this period. By the end of the disc, you're really left wondering what could have been; if there was proper infrastructure to capture all of this wonderful material when it was produced.