September 25, 2009

New Daptone Afrobeat release: Pax Nicholas And The Nettey Family - Na Teef Know De Road of Teef (1973)


These are mighty times for lovers of funky Africa, as Daptone just released a lost afrobeat album by Fela Kuti's conga player and background singer. While playing and recording for Fela’s Africa 70 (he appeared on all of Fela’s releases between 1971 and 1978), Mr. Nicholas Addo-Nettey also always had his own thing going on the side. He released two solo LPs for the Tabansi Label with the Martin Brothers Band from Portharcort, Nigeria: Mind Your Own Business in 1971 and Na Teef Know The Road of Teef in 1973. The latter, made with Africa 70 musicians and singers, is heavy Afro-funk, recorded in Ginger Baker’s highly equipped Lagos studio, where many of Fela’s albums were recorded, as well. Obviously, Fela was not amused at all about these kinds of things, even less when he heard how strong the Na Teef… album was. Reportedly, he said, “Don’t you ever, EVER play it again!” And so it was. Despite being a killer record, Na Teef… remained undercover for more than 30 years. If you dig Fela, you are bound to love this stuff. This text & more info can be found @ the Daptone site.

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