The German-based Analog Africa has just unearthed a collection of incredible DIY seventies recordings from an adventist church in Cameroon’s capital city of Yaoundé, and released them together on an essential new compilation, titled Cameroon Garage Funk.

Even though Yaoundé was a buzzing city with a strong music scene in the 70s, the region unfortunately lacked the infrastructure to support the musicians with proper recording facilities. Artists could book to record with the national broadcasting company, however this wasn’t much of an option for underground and more experimental groups. Luckily an engineer, Monsieur Awono, at one of the local churches was able to convince the priests, in exchange for cash, time to record a number of cutting-edge artists in the area. The artists still had to bring their own equipment, and since there was only one microphone, the amps and instruments had to be positioned perfectly.

Even after the recordings were made, the music often lacked much of any locally based distribution, however the French label Sonafric would often offer their manufacturing and distribution structure and many Cameroonian artist used that platform to kickstart their career. Even though maybe one of two of the recordings would see some kind of pressing and distribution, little would be known about the artists that made up the music.

Now with Cameroon Garage Funk, Analog Africa has helped highlight these remarkable recordings, featuring some brilliant African funk, psychedelia, and highlife grooves. The lo-fi and rawness of the single microphone recordings only add to the overall live energy of each track, giving them a “garage rock” like feel that definitely resonates.

Overall, another brilliant release from Analog Africa, shining a strong light on Cameroon’s adventurous underground funk scene of the 70s.

Various — ‘Cameroon Garage Funk’
(Analog Africa)

1. Jean-Pierre Djeukam – Africa Iyo
2. Joseph Kamga – Sie Tcheu
3. Los Camaroes – Ma Wde Wa
4. Los Camaroes – Esele Mulema Moam
5. Ndenga Andre Destin et Les Golden Sounds – Yondja
6. Damas Swing Orchestra – Odylife
7. Charles Lembe et Son Orchestra – Quiero Wapatcha
8. Louis Wasson et L’Orchestre Kandem Irenée – Song Of Love
9. Tsanga Dieudonne – Les Souffrances
10. Pierre Didy Tchakounte et les Tulipes Noires – Monde Moderne
11. Willie Songue et Les Showmen – Moni Ngan
12. Mballa Bony – Mezik Me Mema
13. Johnny Black et Les Jokers – Mayi Bo Ya?
14. Pierre Didy Tchakounte – Ma Fou Fou
15. Lucas Tala – Woman Be Fire
16. Ndenga Andre Destin et Les Golden Sounds – Ngamba

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• African
• Compilation
• Funk