Blast from the Past
Stories are quintessential to human beings. Stories can be used to share wisdom, tell tales, and preserve memories. The art of storytelling is a rare gift bestowed on few, but beloved by many. This week we explore the mystical stories, told by the iconic Ebo Taylor. Ebo Taylor is a Ghanaian guitarist, composer, bandleader, producer, arranger, and storyteller who specializes in the genres of highlife and afrobeat music. With deep roots in highlife, soul, funk, and jazz, Ebo Taylor has been creating music for over 69 years. Taylor’s sounds have been sampled by the likes of Ludacris, Usher, Sadat X, and Flako. Ebo Taylor can be considered one of the pioneers in the afrobeat movement. At the age of 83, Ebo Taylor is full of life, stories, and vigour, as he continues to create songs and beautiful melodies. If you love Fela Kuti, Pat Thomas, and Ck Mann, then Ebo Taylor is the vibe for you. This week the category is “ Uncle Taylor, Please tell us a story.”
Love and Death
One of my personal favourites, Love and death is a well-crafted tune that depicts possible fears which can surround the idea of love and death. Taylor tells a story of how love and death walk hand in hand. A better sweet antithesis. “Love and death. They walk hand in hand. The way to the grave is just the same.”
Odofo Nyi Akyiri Biara
Melodic and Rhythmic! Odofo Nyi Akyiri Biara is a thought-provoking song that captures all the true elements of pure highlife music. Taylor paints a vivid picture of loving someone who is far away from you.
Heaven
Who doesn’t want to go to Heaven? Get hooked on this groovy song filled with beautiful sounds and harmonies.
You need Love
You Need Love is happy music for happy people. This tune is upbeat and filled with swinging horns, funk guitars, and wandering basses.
Aba Yaa
Aba Yaa is a classic tune that drives a message home. Aba Yaa depicts the woes of cultural appropriation and colonialism. Taylor cleverly speaks on several instances in which people choose to forego their culture, values and/or even language in pursuit of other foreign ways.
Appia Kwa Bridge
Appia Kwa Bridge is a jovial song that is bound to lift up your spirits. Filled with nostalgic sounds, Appia Kwa Bridge presents consumers with a true sense of traditional afrobeat music.
Mumudey Mumudey
Mumudey Mumudey is a recent release of Taylor’s 2018 album entitled “Yen Ara”. Mumudey Mumudey is a vibrant song that is bound to make you dance and bust a move.
This is definitely another one of my personal favourites.
Yes Indeed
Yes indeed is a song portraying the everyday struggles of human beings surrounding issues such as classism, religion and poverty. Taylor tells of the woes of society accompanied by a rhythmic afrobeat sound.
Twer Nyame
Twer Nyame is an afrobeat tune that can be considered a gospel song. Taylor preaches of praising God or whichever God you choose to serve. Twer Nyame preaches a message of gratitude and offering which is relatable in any religion or culture.
Uhuru Special
A song filled with useful advice, Uhuru special is a feel-good song that everyone must hear. This song was a collaboration featuring the legends Pat Thomas and Uhuru Yenzu. Uhuru Speical leaves us with this crucial piece of advice “Always remember that a person who engages in konkonsa(gossip) will always suffer.”