Record Store Day Vinyl Release for The Orchestra of Syrian Musicians and Guests
This year Record Store Day turns 10 on April 22nd. And what’s more, you’ll be able to get your hands on the vinyl edition of Africa Express Presents… The Orchestra of Syrian Musicians and Guests! This gatefold double LP is on 180gram vinyl, with cover art from Ayman Oghanna (front cover photo) and Tammam Azzam (back cover).Read more about the making of the album here and watch last summer’s Royal Festival Hall show below.
The Orchestra of Syrian Musicians and Guests was made possible with the support of Google Play Music and co commissioned by 14-18 Now & Holland Festival.
Album Giveaway: Janka Nabay's Build Music out March 24th
Sierra Leonean singer and Bubu music revivalist Janka Nabay has a compelling back story. He fled the Sierra Leonean conflict in 2003, relocated to Philadelphia and worked in chicken shops and restaurants. In 2010, after hearing recordings of his 1990s tapes, journalist Wills Glaspiegel tracked Janka Nabay down. A band was formed, they played regular sets at local Brooklyn music venues and in 2012 released debut album En Yah Say on David Byrne’s Luaka Bop label. Well received by the likes of NPR, Pitchfork and more, the album’s success led to live shows at Bonaroo and MOMA.
Five years on, Janka has returned to the studio to craft Build Music, a revisiting of his original Sierra Leone recordings. The album picks up where Janka’s electronic Bubu sounds left off in the 1990s, melding Casio synths and retro drum machines with poignant lyrics describing the conflicts of life as an immigrant. This self described “black cowboy’s” music speaks for itself. Stream ‘Santa Monica’ from the forthcoming album below.
Pre-order Build Music here and for a chance to win a copy of the album, simply like and retweet this post. (Competition ends March 21st)
Terms and Conditions: The competition is open to entrants in UK. All entries must be received by 21st March 2017. A winner will be selected at random and notified within two days of the above closing date via their social media. The winner will then have two days to respond and claim the prize. The winner will be required to supply details of a valid delivery/postal address. Once confirmed, the prize will be shipped free of charge.