In 1979, long-time Highlife veteran Aigbe Lebarty decided to try his hand at high-energy disco funk. Checking the Lebartone Aces at the door, he borrowed the Sex Bombers from Prince Omo Lawal-Osula and created Unity, a sure-fire dance floor stomper that channels ‘Ring My Bell’ into a clarion cry for, well, unity ... and a good time. The title track is the undisputed highlight of the album. It rattles along in a wonky, skittish fashion, with the high-pitched toms dueling with the Sex Bombers in a musical game of Space Invaders. ‘His Highness Erediauwa 1 Oba Of Benin (Part 1 &2)’, sees Aigbe slips back into Highlife like a comfortable pair of slippers. The tracks were a gift to Erediauwa, who had just been crowned the 38th ruler of the Edo people in Benin City. Like eastern Nigeria, Benin City had remained a haven for highlife, so no surprises there. Spookily, the re-issue of this album by PMG coincides with the passing of his Highness Erediauwa 1 and the coronation of his successor. There is no word whether a follow-up is in the works. - Peter Moore
supported by 4 fans who also own “AIGBE LEBARTY - Unity (1979) 2016”
The gods are Cabo Verdian astronauts and they are ready to wash the dance floor with your tears of joy!
Everything about this record is UNBELIEVABLE - these tunes groove HARD, the melodies will stay long in the ear (if you understand Portuguese, the lyrics are super great), and these musicians RIP on their instruments like there's no tomorrow.
Get this gem of a release, it fucking rules. Cosmographer