Review: Arakou, situated over 400 km north of Cotonou, housed the Orchestre Anassoua-Jazz de Parakou. Through the 1970s, they recorded several singles and EPs for Albarika and a few others, but never completed a full album.Their 1975 45rpm release is exceptionally rare; no copy has surfaced on eBay, nor is it listed on Discogs. Beyond rarity, 'Bakassine Gabou' offers a highly-charged, hypnotic dance track perfect for DJs, while 'Moumouni Bassina Borou Fo' intensifies with layered guitar, vocals, and percussion. What's more, this version finds both tracks were meticulously transferred, restored, and mastered from the original 1/4 inch tape.
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