| Format | 3LP + 7" |
| Label | SOUNDWAY |
| Catalogue Number | SNDWLP046 |
Soundway Records present Kenya Special: Selected East African Recordings from the 1970s & ‘80s - a treasure-trove of rare and unusual recordings from East Africa. Spread out over two CDs and one triple LP, Kenya Special is accompanied by detailed liner notes, original artwork and photographs.It follows on from Soundway’s much acclaimed African ‘Special’ series that to date has focused on the highlife and afrobeat output from 1970s Nigeria and Ghana.
Kenya Special is a collection of 32 recordings (most of which were only ever released on small-run 45rpm 7" singles) that stand out as being different or unique as well as some classic genre standards. From Kikuyu language ‘liquid soul’, Luo benga and Swahili afrobeat to genre-bending Congolese and Tanzanian tracks recorded in Nairobi, Kenya Special sees Soundway yet again taking the less trodden path. Many of the tracks featured here are peppered with innovation and experimentation highlighting how diverse the music scene in Kenya was at the time.
In 1970s Kenya the two threads of rumba and benga loosely dominated the music scene. Benga quickly became Kenya’s unique contribution to afro-pop; spreading like wildfire through the interior countryside with it’s fast, 4/4 machine-gun beat and intricate electric guitar layers. The Congolese take on Afro-Cuban rumba was introduced by touring bands many of whom settled in East Africa - influencing bands from Kenya and Tanzania to come up with their own take on this popular style. Alongside these styles were small ensembles and hotel-sponsored bands, playing a blend of music that often included rock ‘n’ roll riffs, elements of ‘afro’ music (influenced by West African musicians like Fela Kuti), and multiple other combinations from South African and Zambian guitar styles to disco, funk and Swahili coastal rhythms like chakacha.
Painstakingly compiled, assembled and researched over two years by a team of five people from five countries (Kenya included), Kenya Special is a collection that looks beyond the mainstream and brings new life and recognition to some little known gems and forgotten classics of Kenya’s past.
Tracklist
1. Ware Wa - The Loi-Toki-Tok Band
2. Mu Africa - The Rift Valley Brothers
3. Watoto Nyara - Slim Ali & The Famous Hodi Boys
4. Mama Matotoya - The Mombasa Vikings
5. Nwendeire Guita - The Lulus Band
6. Wendo Ti Mbia
7. Nitarudia
8. Sina Raha
9. H.O. Ongili
10. Thoni Na Caki
11. Nana
12. Ng'ong'a Wa Mwanjalo
13. Sweet Sweet Mbombo
14. Cha-Umheja
15. Kajo Golo - Weka
16. Mutumia Muriu
17. See Serere
18. Leta Ngoma
19. Mngeni Mali Yare Yore
20. Tiga Kurira
21. Kivelenge
22. Teresia
23. Keep Change Kairitu
24. Mwendwa
25. Pelekani
26. Nzaumi
27. Afrousa (Move On)
28. Tamba Tamba
29. Yanagiria Kayo
30. Week End
31. Kibe Kibe