Homowo

Although Basa Basa’s first record was produced by none other than Fela Kuti, it was their collaboration with South African producer Themba “T-fire” Matebese on Homowo that propelled them into the future. Driven by twin brothers Joe and John Nyaku’s powerful rhythm section, and with the addition of Matebese’s futuristic synths and keys, the 1979 record is a mix of disco-funk, psychedelia, Afrobeats, and traditional Ghanaian styles. On the opening title track Matebese’s Mini Korg snakes between the brothers’ tight percussions, while on standout “African Soul Power” Afrobeat percussion and modern-sounding synth riffs are laced through a solid disco beat. It’s a thrilling synthesis of tradition and modernity, one that sounds as futuristic today as it did forty years ago.