Tony Allen and Hugh Masekela – Rejoice (World circuit Records, 2020)
Two of Africa’s greatest instrumentalists, Tony Allen (Nigeria) and Hugh Masekela (South Africa), got together in 2010 for a series of sessions. These recordings have appeared now in an album titled Rejoice. This is two years after Masekela passed away, in 2018.
Although the music crosses through various stylistic boundaries, Afro Jazz defines the entire album. The world music elements are also there as you’ll find captivating influences from South African Zulu music and Nigerian Afrobeat.
Hugh Masekela’s work on the flugelhorn is outstanding and his interaction with Tony Allen’s masterful, creative drums is truly delightful.
On some of the pieces, the duo is joined by additional musicians: Steve Williamson on tenor saxophone; Lewis Wright on vibraphone; Joe Armon-Jones on keyboards; Elliot Galvin on keyboards; Tom Herbert on bass; Mutale Chashi on bass; and Lekan Babalola on percussion.
Buy Rejoice in North America or Rejoice in Europe
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.