Lagos just like I pictured it, with all the funk, filth and manic energy perfectly captured in both Boddhi Satva's 'Ancestral Soul' remix and Chify's grimy as sin 'Ekiti Sound System' dubstep workout.
Sonically and stylistically miles apart, both remixes perfectly underscore the tension, excitement and hype often found in West Africa's most populous metropolis. From Clef Nite's hypnotic highlife guitar licks to Chify's dark and foreboding dub groove, listeners get a true sense of everyday living in Lagos; the traffic gridlocked streets, cat calling merchants peddling their wares, hustlers and big men in flashy cars cruising alongside beautiful black bodies swaying to the city's unrelenting groove, all of which make for a heady intoxicating mix.
"Eko o ni baje" (Lagos won't go rotten) its die hard denizens proudly proclaim. With that I wail, "someone get me to Lagos....."
Now dance.
lyrics
(Chat)
VERSE
Danfo tires screeching
Okada rider bleeding
Area boys stand by watching
Another scene in Lagos
Bus packed full to bursting
Go slow lines unending
“Repent or die”, someone’s screaming
On the bus to Lagos
Mosquito sirens are wailing
On my blood they’re feeding
Generator noise never ceases
Sleepless nights in Lagos
BRIDGE
U’d Better watch your back, hold your nerve – (dem dey come)
They’re gonna stop ‘n search u for a buck – (comot for car)
Chop and quench, look and laugh – (chop and quench)
Chase those dreams, don’t you fuss – (adjust yourself)
U better climb that bridge to beat that rush – (go slow time)
Stare and stare but don’t you touch – (comot your eye)
Talk the talk and swagger your strut – (swagger your waka)
Here in Lagos town
VERSE
The twilight calls to prayer
On my soul so soothing
Count me worthy, make me strong to last yet
Another day in Lagos
My sister’s broke and scheming
Their big fat nyashes swinging
Another Gucci bag needs filling
She’s breaking hearts in Lagos
Big men standing tall and oppressing
On the streets of Lagos
Holy Rollers preaching and a singing
On the streets of Lagos
Everybody’s hustling to survive
Yet another day in Lagos
AD LIB
Someone take me to Lagos ....
PERSONNEL
Lead Vocals, Wurlitzer, Minimoog, Organ, Drums, Sekere, Agidigbo & Percussion; SIJI
Opening Chat; Jahstix Dadson & Kunle Ade
Background Vocals; Des Gordon, SIJI
Bass; Bill Lee
Drums; Siji, Bill Lee
Congas; Kunle Ade
Electric Guitar; Keziah Jones, Femi 'Smart' Saani
Tenor Saxophone; LaRon Land
Trumpet; Kafele Bandele
Trombone; Mark Williams
Horns Arranged by LaRon Land & SIJI
Recorded at Bill's Haven, NJ
Bashiri's Sanctuary, NY
GPK Studio's, Lagos
credits
from SUNCHILD EP,
released November 11, 2014
Written, Arranged & Produced by SIJI & Bill Lee
2014 IVY Records
Recorded by Siji & Bill Lee
Mixed by Bill Lee
Mastered by Tony Dawsey
Moodymann creates innovative soul funky music with deep 70s inspiration. The vocals are simply outstanding. A step back in time, 50 years ago! Superb. jef37
Wow, just wow. Have already played several tracks from this album on The Illicit Grooves radio Show but just know I need it on vinyl too. The Gary Bartz track is so good but then again so is every other track. Bob Hill Illicit Grooves