Osibisa: Music Beyond Labels

Osibisa: Spirits Up Above and Rabiatu
From: Woyaya [MCA Records, 1971]

Apologies if today's post is a little abrupt, I'm currently experiencing the joys of a spring cold and am feeling less than sociable. However, before we go any further with this post you have to promise me something. Promise me you won't stop reading as soon as I refer to the following group as "World Music". Believe me, that term tends to send shivers down my neck and invite uncontrollable retching due to bad childhood experiences with my parents record collection. So, ignoring stereotypes, while Osibisa may be generally classed as World Music, this isn't some trendy fad music, oh no, this is proper soulful funk.

Composed of six highly talented musicians, the band formed in London at the end of the sixties but kept their Ghanaian and Caribbean roots tightly woven into the music they produced. Blending African rhythms with jazz, funk and rnb the guys were one of the first world music groups to gain international success and are still touring today. You can read more about them on their official website

Both songs are from their second release, Woyaya and showcase the versatility of the outfit. I absolutely adore Spirits Up Above, the way it takes a soulful intro with harmonies rising and falling over the trumpets and switches it up to an extremely funky jam session. Two songs for the price of one and both lovely.

Raibatu is a more African influenced piece, bass heavy percussion and flutes mixing with the piano and harmonies, slowly turning darker and more drum heavy as the song progresses, breaks for days.

World Music? Pah. It's all about good music my friends, fuck the labels.