King Ayisoba — Pure Confusion (MAIS UM MAIS, 2026)
Ghanaian musician King Ayisoba‘s seventh album, Pure Confusion, presents a captiovating mix of Ghanaian roots music, socio-political criticism, dub, and theatrical vocals.
Ayisoba (Albert Apoozore Bongo Soe) is known for his use of the kologo, a two-string lute made from a calabash and covered with goatskin. His music combines the throbbing instrument with politically and socially focused lyrics, while his vocal approach includes three distinct voices. Indeed, although you will hear various types of vocals, they are all by Ayisoba, ranging from his powerful lead vocals to high pitched singing that sound slike a totally different person. Ayisoba has said that one of those voices comes from his grandfather, a spiritual healer whose presence he believes has guided him since childhood.
The album was was engineered and produced by Adrian Sherwood, the British producer and founder of On-U Sound. Ayisoba and Sherwood first worked together during a BBC Radio 3 Late Junction session at Maida Vale in 2017. King Ayisoba’s longtime collaborator Arnold de Boer, also known as Zea and a member of The Ex, organized the session.
Their connection later led to further work through African Head Charge. During the pandemic, Sherwood recommended Ayisoba to longtime collaborator Bonjo Iyabinghi Noah, who was in Ghana at the time. Ayisoba subsequently appeared on two tracks from African Head Charge’s 2023 album A Trip to Bolgatanga, named after the region of Ghana where Ayisoba comes from.
In late 2024, Ayisoba traveled to Sherwood’s studio in Ramsgate, England, to record the material that became Pure Confusion. According to Ayisoba, the songs were already fully developed before the session, and most of the album was recorded live in a single afternoon.
“All the songs were already in my head,” Ayisoba said. “This album is all recorded live, over one afternoon. Adrian only plays live, and I like that.”
Sherwood said he kept the production centered on Ayisoba’s performances while he used programming, processing, and live dub techniques at the mixing desk. Several guest musicians also contributed to the sessions.
Doug Wimbish played bass on two tracks, while Ivan Hussey contributed bass, keyboards, and cello. Alex White of Fat White Family and Primal Scream added saxophone, and former Little Axe, Nine Below Zero and Yardbirds musician Alan Glen played harmonica. Mark Bandola contributed the Juno synthesizer, Ayisoba’s longtime Ghanaian collaborator Ayuune Sule supplied percussion and vocals, and Matt Smith handled additional programming.
Sherwood said some songs retained a direct live sound, while others received psychedelic and dub-influenced production. He described the final approach as an effort to preserve the energy of Ayisoba’s performance.
Lyrically, Pure Confusion addresses political, social and spiritual issues in contemporary Ghana. Opening track “Property” focuses on land disputes and corruption. Ayisoba said the song reflects conflicts that arise when the same parcel of land is sold to multiple buyers.
“Bemba,” meanwhile, addresses illness, spirituality and social stigma. The song warns against concealing sickness because of shame or fear of supernatural causes. “People hide their sickness and the sickness kills them,” Ayisoba said.
“Tewigiloge” considers cultural differences that Ayisoba encountered during international travel. Its message emphasizes tolerance and the need to remain open to unfamiliar customs and perspectives.
Spiritual themes also appear throughout the record. “Nkaase” relates to ancestors and Ayisoba’s belief in contact with the spirits of deceased grandparents. The closing track, “Leeda-Mampanga (It’s Not My Strength),” presents humility and gratitude as central ideas. “You have to be humble, even if you have talent,” Ayisoba said. “God gives you the power.”
Pure Confusion also features the bonus track “No Tradition, No Africa,” with Grammy-nominated Ghanaian musician Rocky Dawuni. Panji Anoff produced the song.
Musicians: King Aiysoba on kologo, lead voices on all tracks; Ayuune Sule on percussion, backing vocals on all tracks except B4; Ivan Hussey on bass and cello; Matthew Smyth on drum programming; Alex White on sax; Alan Glenn on harmonica; Mark Bandola on guitar, Doug Wimbish on bass.
King Aiysoba’s discography includes Modern Ghanaians (2006), Africa (2008), Don’t Do The Bad Thing (2012), Wicked Leaders (2014), 1000 Can Die (2017), and Work Hard (2023).
Buy Pure Confusion.
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.