Category: 1974

Orch. Bella Bella ‘Nganga pt 1&2’ Ed.Elengi

maningaCongo band with both Kenyan and French pressings. You can find some great stories about this and others bands in Gary Stewart’s book “Rumba on the River: A History of the Popular Music of  Two Congos”. Orchestra Bella Bella released this single in 1974 and the lyrics of this particular song deals with prostitution; “I Nganga, what do you want me to do. My work is my livelihood. You find me money, my brothers. I will help you” A slightly rough sounding pressing, but dig the sassy guitar play and horn-section, and the nice handmade label design of Elengi. There is also a mini bio on the group on Tim Clifford’s excellent KentanTanza vinyl site.

A&B) Orch. Bella Bella ‘Nganga Pt 1&2’WRC

Mahmoud Ahmed Gebtout yehon fikren MA

Massive thanks to MitMitta music for supplying us with another winner from Mahmoud Ahmed. Built up around a thriving beat, majestic horn section and a great poppy chorus, it sounds as fresh today as it did back in 1974.  We are thrilled to hear that Mahmoud Ahmed is still around and performing. Next 45 update comes from Tanzania. Stay tuned!   [audio:https://afro7.net/songs/Mahmoud-Ahmed-Gebtout-yehon-fikren.mp3|titles=Mahmoud Ahmed – Gebtout yehon fikren]

Mahmoud Ahmed Yefikir Wuha Temu MA

So it wouldn’t be long before we featured our first Ethiopian Track. Big thanks to our man Vemund in Addis for sorting out a trade.  Mahmoud Ahmed a veteran on the  Ethiopian scene for nearly five decades delivers here a great mellow soulful performance, backed up with a great rhodes lick and horn section by the Dahlack Band. Oozing with excellence and released on his own private label Mahmoud TV & Radio house. Again we’d love to hear the meaning of the lyrics, please post if you have something to share. [audio:https://afro7.net/songs/Mahmoud-Ahmed-Yefikir-Woha-Temu.mp3]