Matata
Independence
Available again. Matata (which means "trouble" in Swahili) was an African funk band who took nightclubs by storm and jammed with some of the biggest giants in soul, jazz and Latin music. The band had its roots in the Congo although it formed in Kenya in the mid-sixties. The group retained elements of traditional music by incorporating instruments such as the 'ngoma' (a large drum) and an eight stringed guitar-harp called the 'nyatiti'. Each of the songwriters sang lead in their native tongues and this meant they used vocals in three African languages, next to the songs sung in English. Originally released in 1974 on President Records, Tidal Waves Music presents the first official reissue of this seminal Afrobeat/Afrofunk album. Comes as a deluxe 180 gram vinyl edition with obi strip and featuring the original artwork. This reissue also comes with an insert featuring pictures of the band and extensive liner notes.