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The latest 12”, which is coming out soon, is by the Wahala Project. It’s a joyous mix of Afrobeat dance called ‘Wahala’ with optimistic lyrics in the face of ‘everyday’ African adversity. They sing, “Armed robber de come for road, Everybody scatter, scatter, Rich Man today, Poor man tomorrow, Rich man today, Poor man tomorrow, WAHALA!” From this you get Wahala is a Yoruba word-meaning affliction, trouble or tribulation.

When I say there are other artists apart from Lekan on the label, it would be a little short-sighted if the Wahala Project didn’t use his talents, so they do. In addition to Lekan on percussion, the band members are Dele Sosimi (Keyboards), Af3ca and Femi ‘Digger’ Elias.

Lekan who has previously played with, amongst many others, Fela Kuti, Roy Ayres and Cassandra Wilson is superb as always (see also ‘Oba Awon Oba’, ‘Aso-Keke’ and ‘Oye’) and we know AF3ca from ‘Kabioye’.

Dele Sosimi is one of the top Afrobeat keyboard performers with seven and a half years playing in Fela Anikulapo-Kuti’s Egypt 80, (1979-1986). In 1986, Dele and Femi left Egypt 80 to form their own band called Femi Anikulapo-Kuti and the Positive Force. After leaving that band in 1995, he’s been living in London and is influenced by jazz, funk and Latin in addition to the Yoruba rhythms. In addition to his Essential Afrobeat compilation, he’s played alongside countless musicians in this country like Tony Kofi, Bukky Leo and Jason Yarde.

Unfortunately the Vocal mix is cut short as the sax is just getting in the swing of it and the girls go, ‘Wa - Ha - Laaaa’ so there’s only one thing for it. Rewind! Lovin’ this one today.

Reviewed: Wahala Project - Wahala (Lex 51 Records) Cat. No. OYE 05 Release date: Spring 2006
Track Listing
A. Wahala (12” Vocal Version)
B. Wahala (12” Instrumental Version)

Links:
Availble at Goya Music