"Colonial Dance Bands" - various artists

• artist:
  various artists
• featured artist:
  various artists
• country:
  Kenya
• region:
  East Africa
• release year:
  2006
• style(s): Dance
• formats:
  • CD (Compact Disc)
• record submitted by:
  SWP Records
• label:
  SWP Records
• publisher:
  no publisher
• 
  buy this record

This album presents a variety of African bands playing dance music during the colonial period. Recorded in the British colonies of Kenya, Tanganyika and Northern Rhodesia, Portuguese East Africa, and Belgian Congo. Some bands were professional outfits playing to Europeans, mostly in hotels, others were entusiastic amateurs copying styles they heard on the radio and playing to mostly African audiences. More than anything, we have very good musicians playing very interesting music, creating their own sound and styles within the limits of self-censorship. Each and every one was a pioneer in their way.