African Baby Party. Yup, that’s what I would’ve called my highlife band if Hebert Udemba hadn’t beat me to it some 50+ years ago.
Nigerian musician, Herbert Udemba, is one of the pioneers of Nigerian Highlife music, having recorded as early as 1958. This single, “Bottom Belly,” is his first foray into the world of music, a notable feat considering the stigma that existed in many West African cultures against musicians (The Hausa Griots, for instance, were looked upon as one of the lowest cast in society, often accused of manipulation and unsavory behavior).
The Track features typical highlife arrangements with nasally lead vocals. An interesting combination and, better yet, a worthwhile look into the early incarnations of highlife outside of Ghana.
Herbert Udemba & His African Baby Party - Bottom Belly (7’inch single)
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