Reissue of the 80s 12" single from Trinidadian musician Oluko Imo (Black
Truth Rhythm Band), featuring Fela Kuti and Femi Kuti
Recorded between Lagos and New York in 1988, the tracks sit at the fault line of
the Trinidad-Yoruba connection, blending calypso heritage with the Afrobeat and
jazz of Nigeria.
On the A-side, title track 'Oduduwa' is a brooding slice of peak-era Transatlantic
Afrobeat, blending a heartfelt plea for social justice and equality with a haunting
piano line, shuffling drums and ethereal sax solo.
The song takes its name from Oduduwa, the founder of the Ife Empire, who is
also seen as a divine Orisha (deity) in Yoruba culture, one that is often evoked by
musicians and activists in Trinidad as a signifer of Yoruba heritage on the island.
On the fip, 'Eyes Are Getting Red (Were Oju Le)' is a long-lost slice of low slung
Afrobeat featuring both Fela and Femi Kuti. Classic Nigerian horns and keys
combine with Oluko Imo's Caribbean- infuenced guitar and Fela and Femi Kuti. Classic Nigerian horns and keys combine with Oluko Imo's Caribbean-influenced guitar and Fela's virtuoso sax solo, bridging the musical gap between Lagos and Port of Spain.
Oduduwa
Were Oju Le (The Eyes Are Getting Red)
