The latest release in the excellent Rough Guide music series brings together a stunning, rump-shaking collection of tracks that sum up what happened when disco hit Africa - and the influence it had in later years. And it really should come with a warning because when Mixed Grill's ballistic brass and funky groove opener, A Brand New Wayo, kicks in you'll shake your bum so hard hot footing it around the room that you're more than likely to put your hip out. But then there's the calm, yet no less joyous, tracks, like the Lijadu Sisters' lovely, soothing singalong Come On Home, Tony Allen & The Afro Messengers' simmering epic Love Is A Natural Thing, and South African singer Yvonne Chaka Chaka's tense and trance-y Kwendini is a highlight. Check this album out and get down.
Stars: 4/5
- TimeOut
