Mammane Sani et son Orgue

Mammane Sani was a keyboard player and composer, creating short continuity pieces for TV and Radio, before obtaining an Italian Orla organ and eventually recording 'La Musique Electronique Du Niger' in 1978. The album was distributed on cassette only in hen's teeth like quantities and, 35 years later, was rescued from oblivion by the good people at Sahel Sounds. The music is hypnotic, minimal and, quite frankly, not the kind of stuff you'd initially expect to have come out of late 70's West Africa. Think 'Dignity of Labour' period Human League transposed from Sheffield to Niamey. Remarkable.

Mammane Sani - Lamru

Version City #19 - Hamadth Kah sings The Police

For the past couple of days I've been immersed in the varied musics of West Africa, courtesy of Sahel Sounds. The label's output is diverse, ranging from raw, atmospheric field recordings to pitch-bending, auto-tuned experimentation and beyond. The best stuff is very good indeed and I'll be featuring more in the future, that's for sure.

For now, here's a familiar tune by Hamadth Kah, taken from the 'Laila Je T'Aime' compilation of field recordings.



As a bonus, my favourite cut from the same LP, the mesmerising 'Kaounare' by Alkibar Gignor.