When I type “afrobeat” into my post here, my computer’s autocorrect feature changes it to “acrobat.” It makes a bit of sense, actually, because Ibibio Sound Machine combining Nigerian afrobeat with house music so well that they are like acrobats moving all around you with astounding skill on their 2019 album Doko Mien.
Opening track “I Need You to Be Sweet Like Sugar (Nnge Nte Suka)” sounds like a Curtis Mayfield track mixed with 64-bit video game blips. Eno Williams‘ soulful, powerful vocals grab you by the ears and don’t let go and Derrick McIntyre‘s bass roots down the whole thing. You think that’s funky? Wait until you hear “Wanna Come Down,” a track that mixes Max Grunhard‘s synths with his saxophone and Tony Hayden‘s trombone and Scott Baylis‘ trumpet so well that you’re not sure where one of the them ends and the other begins.
The title track (also known as “Tell Me”) could be an LCD Soundsystem cut if LCDSS were even funkier. “I Know That You’re Thinking About Me” brings in more soul smoothness to seduce you. “I Will Run” is a synthwave love song that makes you want to make out on the dance floor. “Just Go Forward (Ka I So)” is a call to action (“Just go forward, don’t look back!”) that everyone needs to hear – and follow.
“She Work Very Hard” has some of Alfred “Kari” Bannerman‘s most interesting guitar work on the record, sounding at times like he’s in a funk band, other times in a krautrock band, and other times like he’s in a shoegaze band. “Nyak Mien” is pure afrobeat joy. “Kuka” is even a bit psychedelic.
“Guess We Found a Way” is a trippy slow jam that, if you play it in the presence of a potential lover, you had better be prepared for something to happen. The album ends with “Basquiat” – a fittingly funky tribute to the funky artist who left us far too soon.
Acrobatic afrobeat, indeed.
Keep your mind open.
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