New reissue series ‘Africa Sessions at Real World’ out this June

Over the course of several years, from 1989 to 1997, recording sessions by six acts in particular turned out albums that are now widely regarded as classics: Songs for the Poor Man by the late Tanzania-based icon Remmy Ongala & Orchestre Super Matimila. Faso Denou by mighty percussion troupe Farafina from Burkina Faso. Dead Men Don’t Smoke Marijuana by late beloved Sierra Leonean singer/guitarist, S.E. Rogie.

Morocco’s legendary Master Musicians of Jajouka led by Bachir Attar recorded Jajouka Between the Mountains. Nigeria’s King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal I magicked the fizzing, good time Talazo Fuji Music Party! Senegalese A-lister Omar Pene & Super Diamono delivered Direct From Dakar in the Big Room, with its vast windows, wrap-around desk and tranquil water view.

Essential to the quality of each recording were the world-class producers in situ at the Studios and/or convening for the then annual Recording Week: Tchad Blake (Tom Waits, U2). Daniel Lanois (Bob Dylan, Brian Eno). Peter Walsh (Scott Walker, Pulp). Dave Bottrill (Peter Gabriel, Smashing Pumpkins), who in 1989 co-produced Songs for the Poor Man, the first album Remmy Ongala would record in a western environment.

Find out more about the series on our website in a newly published feature by music writer Jane Cornwell

Africa Sessions at Real World — a series of six re-issues on coloured LP and CD — is now available to pre-order via the Real World Store (including specially priced CD & LP bundles with limited edition Real World Studios ‘Blueprint Design’ bag or t-shirt) or via all main music retailers. Three of the albums which were previously unavailable digitally (Talazo Fuji Music Party!, Direct From Dakar and Jajouka Between the Mountains) are out today on all digital platforms.

Pre-order the albums