Marijata “This Is Marijata” reissued on Academy Annex Records
Marijata
This Is Marijata”
Academy Annex Records
1976
This is the second review we are presenting for Ghana rarity reissue label Voodoo Funk in conjunction with Academy Annex Records. Marijata was a very integral group in the formation of Marijata afro-beat and world influence that came to surround the African modern sound of the 70′s. Marijata brought an element of funk into their sound that hinted at all the top soul and funk musicians of the western world, James Brown, Wilson Pickett and so many more are heard with this album. Only 4 tracks and 27 minutes long, this EP release set the standard for the fusion of funk, soul and afro-beat. The vinyl has been sought after for years by major collectors and has always fetched a pretty penny when it surfaces from time to time on eBay. Now that Academy Annex has picked up the reissue, the world can once again enjoy this album with stunning remastering and beautiful packaging.
“This is Marijata” was originally released on the Gapophone label created by George Appiah Prah. The piece “I Walk Alone” is a perfect example of how the indigenous rhythms and slow fuzzed out groove of the organ sound could create a fusion unlike any other before or afer. Organ was a big part of the Ghana afro beat sound, unlike a lot of the other regional sounds from africa during this time. Elongated melody lines and solos always find it’s place over the never ending beauty of rhythm and vibration. Heavy horn lines blowing from track to track with the tightest rhythms in the country, Marijata is a joyous ride and important window into Ghanaian afro funk, highly recommended from Sound Colour Vibration. -Erik Otis
The regular edition can be ordered HERE and we still have a small number of the limited screen printed version (a one time edition of 150 copies!) available HERE.
From Voodoo Funk
The rawest and the heaviest of all African funk records. Brought to you by Voodoo Funk, released on Academy LPs with its original artwork plus lyric sheet and a rare band photograph. Please note that the sound file for this video was recorded at low resolution from an original vintage copy of this record and not from the remastered new release which of course sounds amazing and was made to be played at full volume!
Marijata’s second release “Pat Thomas Introduces Marijata” is already in the pipeline. The CD edition will be released later this year and it will contain both albums.
