Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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5.0 out of 5 stars
A Vintage Album from The King Of Nigerian Highlife Music!, 27 April 2001
Chief Osadebe has done it again with the release of this great compilation of classic highlife music. Having written and recorded more than 500 quality tracks in his native Igbo language of South Eastern Nigeria since 1958, "Sound Time" as a follow-up to "Kedu America"(1996)once again establishes Chief Osadebe as the major heavy-weight of highlife music in West Africa. It is a great album with 7 'seriously priceless' tracks. Sonically speaking, "Sound Time" doesn't quite match the sound qaulity of "Kedu America" which was recorded in the United States, but Hei! you get a lot of music for your money and taste! This album is a typical Chief Osadebe effort! They're mainly "praise" songs and poetically didactic: always preaching about life, wealth, contentedness, destiny, respect and also mentioning the names of his rich and famous sponsors in the Nigerian society, especially the 'well-to-dos' of the Ibo tribe of Eastern Nigeria. The rich always have special place in Chief Osadebe's music! "Sound Time" reflects this trend or if you like, call it patronage. In "Oyolima", the trumpet blends in with local instruments and unusual vocals of "the man" to yield a very smooth sounding melody with a home feel. It simply conveys the message that nobody knows tomorrow! and that tomorrow is unpredictable! It's really a good song! In track 2, "Gwam Okwu" or "Talk To Me" is more up-beat and a typical 'feel-good'song about life in general. "Onu Uwa"(track 3)seems to be another great number from the King Of Highlife which preaches against 'bad-mouthing' in life and the ugly consequencies of talking about people behind their back. As Osadebe puts it, the mouth brings about war, the mouth makes peace, the mouth talks bad and the mouth talks good! Those with big mouths must learn to shut up, he sings. Great lyrics! In track 4, "Makojo", originally released in 1986, went plantinum in Nigeria then. It's a classic song and preaches survival amidst hardship and unfavourable circumstances."Ana Masi Ife Uwa"(track 5)details his personal life story in his own mouth. Life's journey, as he puts it, is long, deep and unpredictable. This track is mysteriously more entertainning than life itself! Track 6, "Egwu Ogolo" or "Folk Song" is possibly my best track here. It's very relaxing, if not soothing and here he describes his music as a gift from 'Osimili', the Igbo Goddess of the Ocean! It reminds of the "good-old-days". Finally, as a goodbye from stories and preachings, Chief Osadebe ended his note with a thank you tribute to patrons and top members of a local Sports Club in Nri, a small town in Eastern Nigeria. So, "Nri Sports Di Uso" (track 7) which interpretes as "Nri Sport Is Sweet" sums up my opinion about this compilation album. "Sound Time" is really sweet! The entire album is great. The pleasure is gives is unimaginable, if not indescribeable! Enjoy yourself with this great album!
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