São Tomé’s África Negra celebrated in Bongo Joe compilation

Fusing São Tomé rumba with Congolese soukous and Ghanaian highlife.

Bongo Joe is releasing a new compilation focusing on the work of África Negra, called Antologia Vol​.​1, this April.

Read more: Inside Bongo Joe Records

Formed in 1974 by Horacio and his friend Emilio Pontes, África Negra released their first record in 1981, and began touring across Angola, Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde and Portugal.

Alongside São Tomé rumba, they also drew on elements of Congolese soukous, Ghanaian highlife, and “jangly guitar lines.”

Compiled by DJ Tom B, Antologia Vol​.​1 collects twelve tracks from across the band’s discography.

It follows Bongo Joe’s release of Société Etrange’s Chance album, in March.

Pre-order Antologia Vol​.​1 here in advance of its 1st April release; check out the artwork and tracklist below.

Tracklist:

1. Vence Vitória
2. Carambola
3. Saozinha
4. Epa Sá Cata Pabô Manda Mum
5. Ple Can
6. Zun Zon Pedlelu
7. 12 De Julho
8. Quá Na Buá Néga Fá
9. Cumamo Bivalemo
10. Pedlelo
11. San Tomé Plôdozu
12. Giná Mé Mú Môlé