Saba Out With ?Afrikan Man?

A ten-track reggae album composed by Samuel Lartey (Rootsman) and Godfred Bessa Adapoe that comment on various social issues was recently released in Accra.

Interspersed with a bit of Highlife and Agbadza rhythms, the CD by the duo who are also known as Saba, titled Afrikan Man also comments on African consciousness, love, environment and the enlightenment of the African race.

With a cool dose of traditional African instruments, Afrikan Man is characterised by heavy instrumentation alongside refreshing and infectious choruses.

Track one (Universe), which is a dedication to the world at large appears philosophical - it talks about genetic plants, nuclear arms and other issues while calling on mankind to help protect the world since humans are mere caretakers.

The title track “Afrikan Man” has a feeling of Agbadza and talks about the uniqueness of the African. They shower praises to the African and comment on Black consciousness.

Track eight, which is tilted “Akwaaba”, has a cool mix of Highlife and Sikyi rhythms. It opens with a lovely drum work as other instruments move in with great intensity.

It calls on all to fight for their rights while welcoming us to a promised land.

Lartey and Adapoe have been performing with diverse groups in Nigeria since 1990. They returned to Ghana in 2000 and promptly made plans to record some of their compositions.

Inspired by late Bob Marley and Fela Anikulapo Kuti, they have been regularly entertaining reggae fans with concerts in Accra, Aburi and Kokrobite, a coastal town near Accra.

Afrikan Man was recorded at the CMS and Hush Hush Studios (Accra) with Col. Faat and Sammy Peters as engineers.