2x 12" 140g pressing of this big tune from Cameroonian outfit, ESA, originally released on an LP in 1986. Pressed in full 45RPM glory with extra versions from the original tapes. TIP!

For the first time ‘A Muto’ by Esa is given an official reissue. Not only does this mark a first as a stand along single, but the reissue contains previously unheard Instrumental, Dub and Keys Versions alongside an Acapella. Licensed from writer and producer Martin Socko Moukoko, for 40 years Martin kept the original 2” master tape in mint condition so for the reissue the tape was baked and stems transferred by Archive Audio in Paris and the tracks given new mixdowns by Martin himself alongside Jerome Caron. The resulting mixes stay true the original whilst making the most of today’s digital studio technology, cut at 45rpm and truly representing the gold standard of quality when it comes to a reissue.

‘A Muto’ was originally released in 1986 on the ‘Atesa’ album and became an instant hit in Cameroon and Africa. The lyrics tell the story of a woman who abandons her husband, complaining of being alone as the keeper of the house. ‘A Muto’ is a blend of Makossa, a style originating in the French Cameroons characterised by prominent brass arrangements, and Ambasse Bey, traditional fast paced dance music from Cameroon. Martin assembled a team of session musicians in Paris in 1985 and programmed the drums and synths himself on the Linn Drum and Yamaha DX 7.

The Esa project ground to a halt in 1989 following a legal dispute which saw Martin win a court case in France regaining the rights to his music. In the intervening years Martin has continued to work in music studying jazz for 4 years at the American school of modern music in Paris and providing background music for the corporate world.

Artwork by Bradley Pinkerton.

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we are very happy to announce the debut release of one of our most favorite artist at the moment. very unique mixture of house and african rhythm. beesmunt sound system remix is dope.

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Next up in the Highlife World Series, we take a trip to Kenya where our man Esa plays the role of producer for the first time; with super talented local musicians - Sarabi and Makadem (aka the Fela of Kenya). Instantly timeless on both sides, see for yourself..

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After dancing with HNNY under the disco ball and staying up late listening to Mella Dee's warehouse tracks it's time to go visit Detroit with Esa. Have a listen to Umatic 3000 and you'll understand why Tooli started sweating while listening to the demo the first time. Futuristic and deep dance music from a space ship that crashed somewhere in Detroit. 8/8 (Son Op) on the flip is a dramatic interlude that leads straight into Big Snoek, a track that both sounds and smells like a modern Global Communication tribute.

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Release : 07.07. 2014 Barcode: 827170550568
Tracklist: A1: Esa & Bennett - Time of Planck A2: Esa - Paradox Jaz (Recover) B1: Esa - Placid Universe B2: Esa - Drama Queen
Short info:
After nearly a year has passed by - and kitted out with heavy hitting drum timbres, hook laden nuances and a textured palette of unique effects - South African born Esa makes a welcome return to the Burek family fold with another EP that skirts the boundaries of the dance-floor and soaks up the sights and sounds of those on the peripheral edges.
A family that's consisted of many strays and deviants being welcomed in, Esa's EP is another mellifluous fit for the Croatian based house label that prides itself on beats that drip with greasy flavour and a fine follow on from his killer 'Serenity In a Forbidden Place' EP for the label in July of 2013.
EP opener 'Time Of Planck' is the first collaborative production between Esa and classically trained multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Bennett. Laying vocals atop deconstructed, radiating cosmic transmissions, Esa cautiously adds the reverberating oscillators to maximum effect over a washed out, hazy groove, while Bennett also provides tinkling key stabs. Paradox Jaz (Recover) plays further on the synth tapestries and relaxing organ overtones, following a traditional Detroit journey before gradually stepping up-tempo for a cantering, melody-led approach to the intricate details of a modern electronic jazz record.
Flip over for B-side opener Placid Universe, a light and dainty continuation of the previous side's atmospheric, worldly undertones before clicking snares and bulbous, low-end bass lines and acid squelches force their way into earshot. Drama Queen - perhaps the most schizophrenically visualized out of the collection - draws the EP to a close in attention seeking fashion, juxtaposing and flitting between light xylophone riffs and seething, pulsing and hell raising bass stabs, offering a resonating close to Esa's latest 4 track pack of all-original, hot-off-the-grill analogue productions.


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Release : 1.7. 2013 Barcode: 827170506466
Tracklist EP: a1) Serenity 021 a2) Forbidden place b1) Serenity in a forbidden place (Fudge Fingas remix)
Burek, Croatia's leading independent electronic label, brings you its sixth release, a superb 3 track EP entitled 'Serenity in a Forbidden Place', by South African born Glaswegian Esa. Drummer, producer and DJ, Esa Williams aka Mervin Granger has been a resident at Glasgow's Sub Club for over half a decade. As well as releasing as Mervin Granger and Esa he runs his own label, Rememory, and also partners Brian D'Souza in the live presentation of Auntie Flo, one of the nominees for 'Scottish Album of the Year 2013'. Esa's 12" on Burek spans the emotions upon returning to his native South Africa and the trials of becoming acquainted with his new home of Glasgow. Alongside Esa's original cuts we also have a superb remix from Edinburgh's Firecracker/Rush Hour alumni, Fudge Fingas. The remix encapsulates both of the original tracks and adds FF's own distinctive slant to them to finish an EP that we are most proud to present.


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Auntie Flo returns to Highlife! Paying homage to a time well spent in Korea. Delicate and atmospheric sound design from the DMZ. With thanks to our pal Akimbo for granting permission to feature the chuggy remix of High Flight.

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Little did we know when we started Highlife back in 2010, that over in Quito, Ecuador a young Nicola Cruz was being drawn to the similar sounds and artists as us. Over time we've formed a mutual admiration and we couldn't think of a better example of a Highlife artist - so we're unbelievably excited to present his debut record on the label! The EP is inspired by walks around nature, cachoeiras, forests, simply all the beauty you find when visiting isolated, almost untouched spots of gorgeous nature.

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We're delighted to kick off our 10th anniversary celebrations with a release from an artist we've long admired, Dusseldorf's Harmonious Thelonious. His explorations into minimalism and polyrhythms have been staples in our sets since we were first connected via the Salon des Amateurs, and we couldn't be happier to welcome him into the Highlife fold with one of his brightest sounding records yet - documenting his musical adventures in Uganda.A1. Versteckte Muziek, A2. George Villa ft. Leo Palayeng, B1. Company, B2. It Never Rains In Jinja ft. Ocen James

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"Music is changing, the world is getting smaller.. Highlife brings you fresh new music from corners of the world you’d least expect." An early slogan we adopted in 2010.. On the eve of our 10th anniversary and as we question our relevancy, we close out the year with fresh new music by a brand new project.. and what a BEAUTIFUL case in point! Brought to you in collaboration between Skinnydeep from Masiphumelele - one of the largest townships in Cape Town - and Jesse Reiner of Brooklyn, NYC. The two producers bonded over a shared sensibility in electronic minimalism, Zulu rhythms, house and techno and began a year’s long international collaboration resulting in Unyuko - meaning 'going up' in isiXhosa, one of the Bantu languages of South Africa. It references ‘upllifting’ or ‘a rising’ after struggle and couldn't be a more appropriate title.

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Having spent the last few years impressing audiences around the world with his magical sound, we're very excited to announce that The Turk, Mehmet Aslan makes a welcome return to Highlife!

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This years' summer hits on Highlife comes courtesy of a new artist from Hamburg called Green Ink who's served up four uniquely brilliant global party smashers. Game on!

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CAIN is back with a BANG this summer! The smile inducing Eshu probably one of the biggest tracks he's made to date and one we've sat on for too long now.. As always, the other two tracks are equally as varied and great - Phoenix makes for a great opener and Hoji is a current Lena Willikens hit.

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Having been rinsed by the likes of Dixon over the summer, we're very happy to finally release Auntie Flo's remix of Oumou Sangare! It's complimented by a brand new original by the man himself on the flip, Desert Island.

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In the final chapter of the 'Theory of Flo' story, we've enlisted the services of the mighty DJ Sotofett to remix the closing track 'For Mihaly', and what a job he's done! Dark, weird and percussive - just how we like it. We also include brand new versions featuring occasional live drummer, Laurie Pitt and a reprise with Poppy Ackroyd.


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Next up in the series of remixes for Auntie Flo's acclaimed 'Theory of Flo' LP, we've employed the services of our buddies from Stockholm, London and Russia in the form of Kornél Kovács, Throwing Shade and Lipelis respectively. Each of them have done an amazing job turning each track into something very special, as we're sure you'll agree..

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Introducing the next release on Highlife - our secret weapons by the mysterious Tanzania Sound System. If you've caught us playing anywhere this year, you'll have heard at least one of these. Now it's time to share the goodness...

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Having been shortlisted for the Scottish Album of the Year? award, we follow up 'Theory of Flo' with some stellar remixes from friends and associates.. Next up in the series, we've employed the services of our Berlin buddies, Africaine 808 and a long time favourite producer of ours, Mark E; who have each delivered a blinder. Auntie Flo himself tops things off with a brand new version of the album opener primed for the dancefloor.

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Having been recently shortlisted for the Scottish Album of the Year award, we follow up 'Theory of Flo' with some stellar remixes from friends and associates. First up HIGHLIFE label mates, Mehmet Aslan and CAIN deliver the goods on Cape Malay Prayer and Hewal3 - as to be expected. What wasn't planned was this sublime rework by The Revenge. We felt so precious about Waiting For A (Woman) - convinced that the original was too good to be tampered with - until an unexpected turn of events brought our fellow Glaswegian (and SAY nominee) to the controls, resulting in a sophisticated rework for the dancefloor - who better really when you think about it?!
Released on vinyl courtesy of Highlife x H+P this summer. More remixes on the way..

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Following his NAGAN belter and fresh from his recent appearance on the Boiler Room, CAIN returns to India with two superb rhythmic releases on HIGHLIFE. Early support from Ben UFO, Optimo, Midland, Pearson Sound, Studio Barnhus, Honey Soundsystem, Cowboy Rhythmbox, etc.

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Following his NAGAN belter, CAIN returns to India with two superb rhythmic releases on HIGHLIFE. Early support from Ben UFO, Optimo, Midland, Pearson Sound, Studio Barnhus, Honey Soundsystem, Cowboy Rhythmbox, etc.

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Next up in the Highlife World Series, we take a trip to Kenya where our man Esa plays the role of producer for the first time; with super talented local musicians - Sarabi and Makadem (aka the Fela of Kenya). Instantly timeless on both sides, see for yourself..

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The Highlife World Series is a collaborative series of releases by UK-based Brian d’Souza aka Auntie Flo and Esa Williams. The first three parts are to be released in quick succession in early 2015, beginning with Cuba, followed by Kenya and finishing with Uganda. Each release features original songs produced in collaboration with local musicians. All proceeds from each release will be sent back to the respective countries in order to fund further musical production costs in years to come. We will also be seeking various ways to distribute the music in each country so the music is freely available for the musicians to use at home.

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Introducing previous HIGHLIFE guest, CAIN for his first vinyl release... We've been asked about NAGAN joyously infectious vocals all summer since its debut on our Rinse show and are excited to finally share it along with HIGHLIFE exclusive, VATULA.. Think Daphni via Delhi and you'll be in a similar ballpark. Nagan comes from CAIN's 'Savann EP' due to be released digitally via Fine Grains in the forthcoming months.

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