Nigeria Freedom Sounds! album review: big, bold and vibrant

In the case of the Nigerian musicians captured on this compilation, freedom sounds infectious and irresistible. Focusing on the first years after the country won its independence from Britain, Nigeria Freedom Sounds! is a big, bold and vibrant collection of highlife, jùjú, apala and other traditional styles from musicians alive to the possibilities of the moment.

While it's very much from the years before Fela Kuti came along to take Nigeria's music to new heights, there's considerable innovation and spark in the 23 tracks here. This includes the magnificent spirit with which Sammy Akpabot and his All Stars tackle Save For A Rainy Day, the percussive punch and push of Haruna Ishola on Iba Awon Agba and some brilliant moments from I.K. Dairo especially Aye Wa Kael and Bonfo.

Add in Soul Jazz’s usual high standard when it comes to sleevenotes and you’ve a ticket to the heady years when Nigeria’s culture-makers celebrated independence and freeom with great verve.

[ souljazzrecords.co.uk ]