Radio Africa

African classics: Syliphone SLP 28 

 

Reviews of classic recordings from Africa

 
 

This album was released by the Syliphone label (SLP 28) in 1971 at the height of the Guinean government's oppression, paranoia and autocratic rule. It was the era of the "permanent plot" to overthrow President Touré's government, and of increasingly repressive measures to counter these threats. "The fifth column", a poem by the President, adorns the back cover. It brims with anti-colonialist sentiment, attacking those who would seek to undermine his presidency. The front cover portrays two men exchanging money, passing secrets, rumour-mongering. The album features the Dirou-Band de Kindia, who perform with the Chœurs 70 and 71 de Boffa.

Graeme Counsel © Copyright