Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone Music
West African Grammophone Records In The Early 60's & 50's
In 1987 Freetown capitol of the African State of Sierra Leone, celebrated its 200th anniversary. Here freed slaves and their descendants were settled at the initiave of British philantropists.
In the fifties and sixties Freetown developed a rich record production. Not only records of the new tradition of the capital itself were published, but also records of the tradition of the whole country. The 18 titles in hand were chosen from about 300 shellac discs in the archives of the Sierra Leone radio station.
On side A you get a general view on different modern stiles of dance music such as local variations on Calypso, Highlife and Maringa. Even a piece of church music was chosen.
Sierra Leone Music is authentic, groovy and lively. The simple ways of recording preserve the freshness. We hear about subjects of a wide variety: from the independance of the country to the new double decker buses; from the courted dance partner to the visit of the Queen.
The lyrics are sung in
English or Krio, which is deeply influenced by the english language.
The album at hand pesents the most popular singers and musicians at that
time.Some parallels can be drawn between Latinamerican dance music and Sierra
Leone music: both have African roots as to be recognized for example in the
ways of guitar playing, in the percussive rhythms and, clearly to be heard in
the characteristic "timeless".
On Side B we have music of nine different peoples in their own tongues: Mende, Temne, Limba; Lokko; Madingo, Fullah, Kono, Kissi, and Susu.
As you see, this publication gives you good information about the diversity of Sierra Leone Music recorded in the fifties and early sixties.
The titles were preformed on the local instruments in use,but also on guitars and accordions.
You get detailed background information plus comments on the songs and even temporary photographs in the supplement (author: Wolfgang Bender).
The lyrics of two songs have been translated into English.
Now enjoy those rare documents of Sierra Leone Music