Edikanfo – The Pace Setters (Glitterbeat Records, 2020)
Glitterbeat Records thankfully reissued this essential 1981 Ghanaian music recording in 2020. The Pace Setters is the classic debut album from one of the finest bands in Ghana at the time, Edikanfo. Although the music that was pushed by the major labels and radio at the time was disco, Edikanfo drew large crowds with their Afro-Roots music.
The band played a high energy form of Highlife and Afro-funk with a powerful horn section. British sound designer Brian Eno produced the album in Accra, Ghana.
Led by Gilbert Amartey “Chi-Ki-Chee” on bass, percussion and vocals; Edikanfo included Osei Tutu on trumpet, percussion and vocals; Ishmael Odai “Smith” on piano, synthesizers and vocals; Albert Williams “Bobo” on conga, talking drums and vocals; Paa Akrashie on alto and tenor sax, flugelhorn, percussion and vocals; George Williams on drums and lead vocals; William Quist on percussion, master drum and vocals; and Kwesi Okran on lead guitar and vocals.
Buy The Pace Setters
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.