For world music enthusiasts or even those looking to broaden their palette, this is a must.
‘Instantaneous Dance fever’ is how one could describe the vibes brought on by “Suzanna Kpongo” the opening track of Bottom Belle, the premiere album released by African Rhythm Messengers in 1999. Lead by Babatunde Garaya, the Nigeria- based group mixes traditional style and instrumentation with more pop influenced melodies and plenty of brass. This blend of styles has been and is still very prominent throughout world music and you can observe it in many modern pop acts around Africa. The uplifting yet relaxing tone of album kickstarter “Suzanna Kpongo” sets the tempo for the rest of the album with it’s highlife sounds and dance-able atmosphere.
This collection of songs has been a somewhat quiet legend being less familiar to those outside the African continent and diaspora where it can be heard playing at parties as a classic alongside songs like Prince Nico Mbarga’s “Sweet Mother” or artist Fela Anikulapo Kuti. Though it is not without praise; award winning Nigerian artist Flavour N’abania covered their song “Sawale” on his debut album N’abania, contributing an impressively modern sound with a more bubbly Caribbean- inspired percussion and layered harmonizing vocals. It’s pretty catchy… actually it’s almost as good as the original if not more popular.
Despite being relatively unknown in comparison to other African artists in terms of global recognition, Bottom Belle by African Rhythm Messengers is a great album showcasing various influences, instruments, and vibrant yet consistent soundscapes, a style made popular on the African continent from original genres like afrobeat to highlife. Unfortunately this compilation of songs is virtually the only easily available material from African Rhythm Messengers. For world music enthusiasts or even those looking to broaden their palette, this is a must. Don’t sleep on this quiet classic.
reviewed by Doggiejr. September 12 2014