Yaaba Funk - Afrobeast (2010)

ormed in Brixton in 2006, afrobeat band Yaaba Funk have released two albums with Sterns Music and performed numerous acclaimed live shows — including support slots for Seun Kuti and Ebo Taylor.

Rapidly rising star Danvers (also of Kassian) takes the infectious energy of 'Oman Foa' into a triumphant new direction, with one of his broken beat rhythms at its core — recalling his big summer track 'Aye Ata' which received heavy support from the likes of Gilles Peterson and Midland. With a succinct arrangement that lets the joyous brass and powerfully harmonised vocals shine potently, it's a feel-good party music that works wonders when deployed at the right place and time.

'Hwe Hwe Mu Na Yi Wompena' is Yaaba Funk's cover of the Ghanian highlife singer K. Frimpong and his Cubano Fiestas' irresistible 1977 track, which Ben Gomori strips back into two instrumental-focused versions. His 'Message Of Love Edit' is a summery, housey flip with trumpets mutated into synths and the bass pumped up with chunky distortion, while his 'Message Of Love Live Dub' zones in on the live grooves with just a little extra embellishment.

Sterns Edits is an official collaboration between African music stalwarts Sterns Music and London's Ben Gomori.

01. Yaaba Funk - Me Nye Me Dofo (5:39)
02. Yaaba Funk - Bukom Mashie (6:20)
03. Yaaba Funk - Nyash! E Go Bite You!! (5:28)
04. Yaaba Funk - Kalabule Man (9:22)
05. Yaaba Funk - Hwe Hwe Mu Na Yi Wompena (6:50)
06. Yaaba Funk - Mutani N' Africa (10:58)
07. Yaaba Funk - Oman Foa (Mmo Mma Yen Gye Yen Ani) (6:33)
08. Yaaba Funk - Kanowa (7:22)