by Sierra Leone Refugee All Stars
Radio Salone is the third album by the Sierra Leone Refugee All Stars, one of the most thrilling supergroups to come out of Africa in the last five years.
‘Salone’ means ‘Sierra Leone’ in their native language of Krio – in which the band sings (along with five other languages) on the new album. The radio theme appears throughout the album artwork and reflects the impact that radio has long had on the band. In the pre-TV and Internet days, radio served as a connection to the rest of Africa and the globe. Long before the civil war in Sierra Leone, members of the band were exposed to vintage reggae, Congolese soukouss, American soul, and much more. During the war, radio provided an essential escape from the harsh reality of the refugee camps, bringing news and music to people desperate for a link to the world beyond the camps.
From their humble beginnings in West African refugee camps Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars have since performed on some of the world’s most prestigious stages and matured into one of Africa’s top touring and recording bands.
The album was recorded in New York City and produced by Victor Axelrod, aka Ticklah, a founding member of Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings, Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra and the Easy Star All Stars. (Ticklah also recorded and performed with Amy Winehouse on Back to Black). Radio Salone was recorded entirely on vintage analog gear, capturing the warmth of the funky 70s African sounds the All Stars heard blasting out of radios in their youth.
Distributed in Australia by Cumbancha/Fuse.
This week's Top 10:
