Alnoor Allidina presents a look at Hedzoleh Sounds, one of the first Gahanian bands to incorporate traditional sounds with Western rock. We will hear the band on their own and with South African trumpeter Hugh Masekela.
Hedzoleh Soundz was formed in 1972 and featured musicians with rock, pop, and traditional Ghanian music backgrounds. We begin with Soundway's re-issue of Hedzoleh Soundz debut album, recorded at the EMI Nigeria Studios in 1972. |
Mee Bee (When) Hedzoleh Soundz - Hedzoleh - Soundway |
Omusu Da Fe MMusu Hedzoleh Soundz - Hedzoleh - Soundway |
Hearts Ne Kotoko Hedzoleh Soundz - Hedzoleh - Soundway |
Mo Oso Obu Naa Hedzoleh Soundz - Hedzoleh - Soundway |
Rekpete Hedzoleh Soundz - Hedzoleh - Soundway |
In late 1973, South African trumpeter Hugh Masakela had already spent time in the US, studying at the Manhattan School of Music and even hitting #1 on the US R&B charts with "Grazing in the Grass". He was back in Africa and was very interested in the direction Afrobeat was taking.
Masakela met Hedzoleh Soundz in Acra, Ghana. He sat in with them at the Napoleon club and the next day, Hedzoleh Soundz became Masakela's backing band. They recorded one album together at the EMI Nigeria Studios in 1973. All but two of the tunes on the album come from Hedzoleh Soundz. According to Masakela: "I found a certain vitality in Afrobeat. Playing with the band (Hedzoleh Soundz) was like being on a big fat cloud. You couldn’t fall off.” |
Rekpete Hugh Masekela - Introducing Hedzoleh Soundz - Blue Thumb |
Lagunta Hugh Masekela - Introducing Hedzoleh Soundz - Blue Thumb |
Kaa Ye Oya Hugh Masekela - Introducing Hedzoleh Soundz - Blue Thumb |
Patience Hugh Masekela - Introducing Hedzoleh Soundz - Blue Thumb |
When Hugh Masekela - Introducing Hedzoleh Soundz - Blue Thumb |
Nye Tamo Ame Hugh Masekela - Introducing Hedzoleh Soundz - Blue Thumb |