Hot Casa Records present Togo Soul 2: Selected Rare Togolese Recordings from 1974 to 1989 .
A treasure-trove of rare and unusual recordings mostly recorded in Lomé during the 70’s and 80’s . A fusion of traditional
voodoo chants, raw soul and even Electro Funk . Finding these tracks and their rights holders hasn’t become any easier
even after few trips all over this west African country bordered by Ghana , Benin & Burkina Faso. After 8 years, We , at Hot
Casa Records with the kind help of Roger Damawuzan decided to select thirteen tracks, a snapshot of some hundreds
of rare and often forgotten tapes from the most prolific, professional and exciting phase of the country’s recording history
included international stars like Akofa Akoussah, Gregoire Lawani to Roger Damawuzan compared as the James Brown
from Lomé to forgotten tapes and brilliant songs in Mina, Kabyié and Fon language.
Many of the tracks featured here are peppered with innovation and experimentation highlighting how diverse, the music
scene in Togo was at the time even if the political context influenced their creation. Many of the original albums these tracks
are taken from high prices online due to their rarity and so it’s with great pleasure that we present a selection here that
evokes a golden boomtime in Togolese music history.
Includes biographies and rare photos
Remastered by Frank Merritt at The Carvery


A1 - Ali Bawa -Yansama
A2 - Napo De Mi Amor - Kissakpiou
A3 - Alognon Degbevi & Les vétérans jazz - Baba Na Mi
A4 - Mamo Lagbema - Fati Waka
B1 - Koffi Ottytana Bebli - Doka
B2 - Gregoire Lawani - Habie
B3 - Deg Dos - The End Of All
B4 - Tomede Ehue - Bella Bellow
C1 - Mawuli Decker - Hlomede
C2 - Palete Wawa - Assini
D1 - Akofa Akoussah - Sumga Na bacci
D2 - Roger Damawuzan - Miziqui
D3 - Agboti – Agaza Gbona More

Yasar Akpençe was born in 1966 in Istanbul (Tu¨rquiye) and can be consider as one of the best world darbouka player.

He began his career in music at the age of 9 by playing Congo and carried on with the darbuka at 13 and made his musical dream come true by working with famous musicians. Akpençe has performed as a guest musician on numerous albums as well as being the founder of the percussion collective known as « Harem Group ».

Yasar has performed with almost every major artist in Turkey, spanning many genres including pop, traditional. gypsy, jazz, arabesque and contemporary.

The track « Desert Wind » was released in 2004 on his cd album « Passion Percussion » and we ‘re very proud to reissue it for the first time on vinyl. This track is a dance floor classic ! A perfect tool for DJ’s all over the world More

Reissue of one of the Ultimate Soukous banger !
Originally recorded in 1992 in Paris , « Eki Bis « is a party classic. The chorus « 100 % 100% » became a common expression all over the world helped by the hypnotic guitars of the maestros Diblo Dibala and Rigo Star and a smashing uptempo electro acoustic drum beat.

Le Cobra de Sundama is a famous singer from Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of Congo ) who composed more than 12 albums backed by great band such as Empire Bakuba , and was considered as The voice like Kofi Olomide or Papa Wemba mixing lingala and French street expressions.

After many concerts and tours allover the continent , he finally settled in Angola . The B side features a Dj / radio edit with the addition of few electro synths . Produced in Paris by the great producer Jacky Toto and now officially licensed . Remastered by The Carvery and pressed on limited 500 Deluxe vinyl copies

A1 - Eki Bis
B1 - Eki Bis (Dj Julien Lebrun Edit) More

Tribute to the Soul brother of Benin with Rare Afro- Funk and Digital Soul songs from the Maestro .

Following the tremendous «!Dans le Tchink System «!reissue album, we wanted to celebrate the legacy of one the greatest singer from Cotonou .
Owhaaou ! is an original 4 tracks 12 inch vinyl taken from the extremely obscure , futuristic and now expensive record «!Metamorphose!» released in 1985, recorded on 24 analog tracks channel with an incredible backing band such as Hilaire Penda on bass, Daniel Bentho from Poly Rythmo de Cotonou to name a few .

The B side is a Dj friendly Edit of the dance floor burner «! Zemidjan «! recorded in 1991 . A composition done to pay tribute to the Taxi moto of Cotonou .The last track «!Mi Tchinker!» is a typical Stanislas Tohon hit with a mix of Tchink Rhythm , Soul and funky melodies .

Stanislas Tohon aka Papy Grande was born in the “Country of the kings” (Benin), in Abomey , December 30 th 1955. He’s “Chevalier de la legion d’honneur” in Benin for his brilliant musical career .The famous soul singer from Cotonou started his musical career at this age of 9, played with the greatest such as Gnonnas Pedro and recorded almost 35 albums.
Influenced by the traditional “Tchingoume“ music , he invented his own rhythm called “Tchink Système”, a mix of soul and Beninese traditional rhythm .

Sang in Fon, his native language from Benin, this EP is a soulful call for Peace respect and unity in Africa, a real definition of Afro Soul music!

Sadly died in February 26 th 2019 in Paris, this Ep is a tribute . Remastered by The Carvery (UK), officially licensed and strictly limited to 1000 copies.
Enjoy!

A1 - Owhaaou !
A2 - Magnifirec
B1 - Zemidjan (Radio Edit)
B2 - Mi Tchinker More

2+ is the 3rd album of DjeuhDjoah & Lieutenant Nicholson. A new sound stopover in their funky trip since their beginning with T’es qui ? album in 2015. This new building stone prolongs their critically acclaimed album Aimez ces airs released in 2019.

What’s new? 15 tracks , eclectic, soft, deep, and funky, where electro, soul even afro beat touches , or bossa nova live together harmoniously. DjeuhDjoah & Lieutenant Nicholson make praise of slowness (« Pas si vite »), address environmental issues (« Coeur béton »), social statements on (« Police », « Raie publiques », « clic »), childhood on (« Bola Mba ») , the post colonial relation between Africa and the other continents. Love is also really well presented ( « Thé à la menthe «, « Ping Pong ») and why not sailing to Essaouira in Morocco ?

During the summer of 2020 , when the french national radio asked them to perform a live cover , our french funky duo chose the famous « Né quelque part » by Maxime Leforestier released in 1987. Their Suave interpretation, haunting beat and spatial & languid atmosphere give a fantastic tribute to this beautiful melody and strong lyrics. They found a very intimate link with chorus in Zulu, harking back to the strong connection they made with South Africa during their last tour.
It became clear that they needed to put this track on their new album , as their now club remix classic « Bwe Dlo « performed with their friend David Walters.

After their tour in South Africa, they met « Cool Affair », the musician and electro house producer in Johannesburg who made a beautiful remix of « Aimé Césaire » which close perfectly this new opus. Recorded at « Le triangle des Bermudes » the home studio of Lieutenant Nicholson, produced and mixed by him with a electro analog sound dear to them. Horns, live drums, percussions and vocal choir were recorded at Bastille village at the label basement , even during the pandemic… On 2+, we can also hear the swirls of Antoine Berjeaut at the trumpet and bugle, magic keys from Florian Pellissier , two new flagships of the French jazz scene.

Once again, DjeuhDjoah & Lieutenant Nicholson push the boundaries of the traditional « French song « to make the world dance. They want to keep their international audience , from Australia, Japan, Usa, South Africa to name a few the dance floors of the world will ignite with this new album . The French touch will still shine !

A1 - Pas si vite
A2 - Coeur béton
A3 - Thé à la menthe
A4 - Clic
B1 - Caipirinha
B2 - Planète
B3 - Police
B4 - Continent de joie
C1 - Bola mba
C2 - Raie publique
C3 - Ping Pong
C4 - Essaouira
D1 - Né quelque part
D2 - Bwe dlo
D3 - Aimé Césaire (Cool Affair Remix) More

Since his introduction in the 60’s, he has lit stages on fire, whether it be with The Rickers Orchestra or with The Melo-Togo Orchestra (taking home 2nd place for the first National Festival of Tologese Music).

His first seven-inch vinyl, “Wait For Me,” is a holy grail for diggers all around the world. It was such a hit that Togolese music is and will forever be stamped by Roger Damawuzan. He was principal in introducing Gazo, Akpesse and Kamou rhythms to modern day soul music. In Avépozo - a few kilometers from the capital, Lomé. Though Tropicana Hotel has been closed for years, the many European tourists who were lucky enough to visit have not forgotten the nights that Roger Damawuzan set ablaze throughout the years. Indeed, in their collective memory is nostalgic of his flaming spirit and the rawness of his rigorous funk. He is timeless: since 1987, the Tropicana is no longer but Damawuzan roars on.

In response to requests from his studio and his label, “Tropicana Sounds”, which, during 80s, was responsible for releasing his work, Damawuzan also gave his expertise and was a major influence on the evolution of hip-hop and Tologese electro. Relentless and unstoppable, Roger Damawuzan is now making a comeback with SEDA. Afro. Soul. Funk. Vaudou. This album may be described, but it cannot be explained. Only through listening to this disk at a high volume will one completely understand, at its full scope, Roger Damawuzan’s emotions, his complaints, his cries, and all his evisceration when he takes the mic.

Such a force of nature, Roger Damawuzan could have been supported by only one group. Led by Peter Solo, the members of the Vaudou Game and Lomé’s most talented musicians are at Damawuzan’s disposal for this album. The bass thunders in his honor, the brass escorts his arrival through the drums' rhythmatic steps, and the guitars riff so perfectly to serve as the ideal bedrock. Such a force of nature, this album could have been only captured, if not mastered, by one studio.?

Such mission was accomplished by the legendary studio OTODI (Office Togolese of Disks) by utilizing solely analog equipment to translate and to breath all of Damawuzan’s soul into this album. In Mina, Roger Damawuzan’s native tongue, SEDA means “listen.” And this is neither advice nor a suggestion - it’s an order!

A1 Need My Money
A2 Why Why
A3 See Your Face
A4 What Time Is It ?
A5 I'm Crying

B1 Paris
B2 Fine Fine
B3 Juliana
B4 Shut Up
B5 Mama More

The funky French duo is back with a new 7 inch!
Once again, DjeuhDjoah & Lieutenant Nicholson push the boundaries of the traditional "French song"
to make the world dance. Two funky electronic flow, ready to electrify clubs worldwide. Our two
"chansonniers" are the leaders of "Afropeanité" and the Creolity.
The song "Pas si vite" champions deceleration and positivity during our complex period.
"Caipirinha" is a soft tribute to Bossa Nova, the dream of hot and sweet destination in a cold winter.
Recorded at « Le Triangle des Bermudes » the home studio of Lieutenant Nicholson, produced and
mixed by him with a electro analog sound dear to them. Horns, live drums, percussions and vocal choir
were recorded at Bastille village at the label basement, even during the pandemic…
Mastered by Frank Merritt at The Carvery ( London). Singles taken from the album 2+

TRACKLIST:
A. Pas Si Vite
B. Caipirinha More

Since his introduction in the 60’s, Roger Damawuzan has lit stages on fire, whether it be with The Rickers Orchestra or with The Melo-Togo Orchestra (taking home 2nd place for the first National Festival of Tologese Music). His first 7" vinyl Wait For Me is a holy grail for diggers all around the world. It was such a hit that Togolese music is and will forever be stamped by Roger Damawuzan. He was principal in introducing Gazo, Akpesse and Kamou rhythms to modern day soul music. Relentless and unstoppable, Roger Damawuzan is now making a comeback with a heavy funk 7 inch!

This release contains an unreleased single from the album Seda , which will be available on October 14th 2022. Such a force of nature, this album could have been only captured, if not mastered, by one studio. Such mission was accomplished by the legendary studio OTODI (Office Togolese of Disks) by utilizing solely analog equipment to translate and to breath all of Damawuzan’s soul into this album. Roger Damawuzan could have been supported by only one group. Led by Peter Solo, the members of the Vaudou Game and Lomé’s most talented musicians are at Damawuzan’s disposal for this new soul DJ friendly vinyl.

TRACKLIST:
A. Fine Fine
B. Red Light More

A classic and essential Hi-Life & Afro Funk album from one of the greatest Ghanaian singers and
composers reissued for the first time!
The legendary Alhaji Kwabena Frimpong's fantastic rare album was recorded in 1984 in Germany
and originally produced and distributed from Hamburg. K . Frimpong was born on July 22nd 1939 at
Ofoase in the Ashanti - Akim district, died Oct 18th 2005 in Kumasi (Ghana).
He entered right into music after elementary school by joining "Star de Republic" and later "Oko's
band" after which he left for K. Gyasy's band where he worked for more than 6 years. As a prolific
songwriter and singer, here's the reissue of his amazing album, a modern fusion of Hi-life and Soul . The
excellent background is given by the famous Cubanos Fiesta with members of Vis-A-Vis band such as
the famous Sammy Cropper on guitar or Slim Manu on bass.
Originally produced by Atakora Mensah in Hamburg, this four songs recording is a blend of
danceable and spiritual Soul and straight Hi-life. A must-have vinyl of percussive Afro Funk for all the
music connoisseurs, Abrabo is a true masterpiece, so hard to find and reaching crazy skills for a decent
copy affordable.
Remastered by Frank Merritt at The Carvery. Pressed on Replika format. Fully licensed by the Alhaji
Kwame Frimpong Family.

TRACKLIST:

A1. Abrabo
A2. Abusuafo
B1. Enaa
B2. Susu Dwa W'Anum More

TRACKLIST:
A1. Boafo Ne Nyame – 7.05
A2. Ma No Nye Ansa – 5.25
B1. Asem De Ye So – 8.02
B2. Sesa Wosuban – 5.57
B3. Odo Koo Ye Akye – 5.53

A spectacular Hi-Life album with funky digital touches from the great Ghanaian producer Frimpong Manso.
Recorded in 1987 at Ghana Films Studio in Accra, the album Boafo Ne Nyame, that we can translate as “Helper is god”, is led by the great and sweet voice of K. Adusei.
Five long tracks filled with hypnotic hi-life grooves and many funk inflections that go way beyond lots of standard riffing of modern Afro Funk. The track “Asem De Ye So” (There's problem on us) is a dancefloor friendly song, already known from connoisseurs and maybe a future anthem when the clubs will reopen!
Manso Frimpong was born Feb 21st at Nkawkaw and sadly died Nov 23rd 2016 in Kumasi.
Official licensed by his son Kwaku Frimpong
Remastered by Frank Merritt at The Carvery. Pressed on Replika format. More

Me Da A Onnda by K. Frimpong and his Cubanos Fiesta isclassic and essential Hi-Life & Afro
Funk album from one of the greatest Ghanaian singer and composer, finally reissued for the first time!
This legendary K Fimpong's fantastic rare album was recorded in 1980.
K . Frimpong was born on July 22nd, 1939 at Ofoase in the Ashanti - Akim district and entered right
into music after elementary school by joining "Star de Republic" and later "Oko's band" after which he left
to K. Gyasy's band where he worked for more than 6 years. As a prolific songwriter and singer, here's
the reissue of his amazing album, a modern fusion of Hi- life and Soul.The excellent background is given
by the famous Cubanos Fiesta with members of Vis-A-Vis band.
Originally produced on the major Polydor, this four songs recording is a blend of danceable and
spiritual Soul and straight Hi-Life. A must-have vinyl of percussive Afro Funk for all the music
connoisseurs, K. Frimpong backed by Cubanos Fiesta LP is a true masterpiece, so hard to find and
reaching crazy skills for a decent copy affordable.
Remastered by Frank Merritt at The Carvery. Pressed on Replika format. Fully licensed by the Alhadji
Kwame Frimpong Family.

Tracklist:

A1. Daben Ni
A2. Me Yee Owu Den
B1. Nye Mea
B2. Me Da A Onnda More

African, funky, sarcastic, bewitching, green, ecstatic: these words collide to describe
Vaudou Game and all of them are true. Bella is the first vinyl single derived from the
upcoming album called Noussin, due to be relased June 11th 2021.
"Bella" is a smashing summer hit, sang in Mina and french. It's an ode to the nature and
love in this hard times. "Be My Wife" on the B side, is a trip into a rock /funk universe with
an uptempo twist rythm, sang into the voodoo harmonies.
Composed in Lyon on 100% analog equipment during the lockdown, those two songs
might be the funky nuggets of all DJ's and radio playlists . More

Hi-Life & Afro-Funk essential from Ghana! The legendary K. Frimpong's fantastic rare second album recorded in 1975 at Ghana Films Studio.
More

Amazing Afro-beat album from a Fela Anikulapo Kuti’s disciple. A sublime spiritual & political session recorded at Phonogram studio (Lagos, Nigeria) in 1979, on a 16 tracks.
After the critically acclaimed second album we're very proud to present the first and really hard to find vinyl reissue of Kingsley Bucknor. Also know as "King Bucknor" the famous Nigerian producer, arranger and singer delivered two brilliant, hypnotic and long traditional afro-beat tracks .All the ingredients of the afro-beat definition are here, killer drums, straight riff guitars, hypnotic bass, heavy horns chorus, strong political lyrics with beautiful melodies.
Ultra-Rare, unique, Essential! More

DjeuhDjoah & Lieutenant Nicholson is a French composers and afro-soul singer’s duo. T’es qui ? is their first album, fruit of an intense collaboration during many years, on stage and in studio. They call their music as “Afropean songs”, a collection of Jazzy-Pop melodies, Afro-Soul and Funk arrangements. They'll be back in November with a tremendous Afro-Jazz and Funky album titled Aimez ces airs. Until then, they present “El Nino”, an Afro-Funk gem about climate change, and “Fontaine”, an Afro hit with a great combination of analog take and electronic dancefloor ingredients. After massive support from national radios and prestigious DJs such as Gilles Peterson, it could be the funky summer hit 2018!
Limited press on a deluxe vinyl designed by the artist Felix. More

Mindblowing Afro-Soul music from Ivory Coast served up by Deke Tom Dollard, an obscure artist who only recorded two albums in 1979 and 1981 but who created an original funky fusion with Bété langage. A Selection of four amazing tracks recorded in Abidjan on two different records label called War Records and As Records. The music here is a mixture of Funk with heavy basslines, traditional percussions, funky guitar riffs, nice horns section and lyrics in Beté. The song “Demonde” is inspired by harmonies of the famous “Dance to the Drummer Beat” by Herman Kelly.
Those two rare records were found by Afrobrazilero (aka Djamel Hammadi) and never appeared on the vinyl market. It's almost impossible to have infos about this singer and composer neither the musicians involved in the recording sessions. Most of the traces of the recording session were lost by the labels we licensed the tracks with. Unique, pressed on a deluxe vinyl, remastered by The Carvery, this very Funky album is a must have for all the Afro Funk lovers! More

The Afro-Funk side of the Latin Soul maestro! Born in Gao (Mali), Boncana Maïga is one of the most talented and popular producer of West-African music since the 60's. He studied flute and Latin arrangements in Cuba during the 60's and founded the famous “Les Maravillas du Mali” in 1968.
He became orchestra leader for the national Ivorian TV in Abidjan in the mid-seventies, and toured all over the world with the famous Africando band. During his recording sessions in NYC at the beginning of the 80's with a lot of “Latin musicians” from Puerto Rico, Venezuela or Colombia, Boncana Maïga also recorded few rare Funky tracks with heavy breaks! With the artist, we decided to reissue four rare tracks from 1978 to 1982 dedicated to dancefloor, including a really rare soundtrack for the oil company of Ivory Coast called “Petroci”. In 2018, he'll be back on tour with “Les Maravillas du Mali”, still have a weekly TV show on TV5 Monde and with this reissue will continue to warm your Afro-Funk parties!
Fully licensed, 12inch vinyl (45 RPM) including interview. Remastered by The Carvery! More