Wulu Wulu (Bik Records, 2013)
It’s taken a long time, but at last, one of the great Nigerian singer-songwriters, Bongos Ikwue has released an album in the international market. At age 70, Ikwue has recorded Wulu Wulu, an excellent set of songs spanning several music genres.
Wulu Wulu takes the listener in various directions. It opens with a vibrant Afroroots piece that highlights Bongos Ikwue talent as a songwriter and the fabulous skills of his band Double X, with fusion-style bass lines, fiery percussion and tasty violin.
The music takes exciting twists and turns, combining Congolese rumba, highlife, South African jive and Afropop with intimate laid back folk, blues and one great roots reggae piece. His engaging lyrics in Idoma and English express his personal experiences and current events that affect Nigerians and other Africans such as religious conflicts, foreign aid and other topics.
“I never retired,” says Bongos about his new album. “There comes a time, there comes a time and there comes a time. I create whatever comes my way. I am proud and knowledgeable about my roots and gave sufficient time to writing songs for the people.”
Wulu Wulu is a refreshing blend of lively African roots music and introspective songs by gifted Nigerian singer-songwriter Bongos Ikwue
Buy CD or MP3s: Wulu Wulu
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
