Haruna Ishola Apala Group Apala Messenger IndigiDisc, 2001
A swinging, slow, spiritual beat with deep talking drum tones working around shaker, bell, and a cycling thumb piano ostinato. The lead singer's rich baritone is answered by flurry from the lead talking drum, and then joined by a chorus of clear, male voices. The sound is so rich and distinct that it's hard to believe that you're hearing a classic recording from Nigeria in the 1960s or 70s. Harder still to believe is that this seems to be the first full-length recording of Nigerian apala music to make it to CD.
One of two flagship releases on the brand new IndigiDisc label, Apala Messenger introduces a long-hidden West African superstar, and provides a unique window into happier, more optimistic times in 1960s Nigeria. This Yoruba-Muslim praise music played at informal celebrations in post-Independence Lagos emerged as highly successful radio pop in the 1960s and 70s. During those years, Ishola became both a pop star and also a highly revered singer with a strong spiritual dimension.
These 13 tracks range from short, succinct numbers dating from the early days of Decca recordings when a track could not exceed three minutes, to longer recordings from the days of STAR Records, the label Ishola started with juju legend I.K. Dairo. The music varies between two main apala rhythms--one fast, one slow--but all of it is lush and seductive. This rare release is a must for all fans of West African roots pop.
A swinging, slow, spiritual beat with deep talking drum tones working around shaker, bell, and a cycling thumb piano ostinato. The lead singer's rich baritone is answered by flurry from the lead talking drum, and then joined by a chorus of clear, male voices. The sound is so rich and distinct that it's hard to believe that you're hearing a classic recording from Nigeria in the 1960s or 70s. Harder still to believe is that this seems to be the first full-length recording of Nigerian apala music to make it to CD.
