Alhaji K. Frimpong, celebrated in Ghana for his vibrant highlife vocals and experimentation, first released the self titled album in 1976, backed by his band the Cubano Fiestas. A year later in 1977, a second self-titled album appeared, also under the Cubano Fiestas name, often known to collectors as “The Black Album” because of its cover art. The 1976 LP, colloquially known as “The Blue Album”, includes the standout track ‘Kyenkyen Bi Adi M’awu’, which has become a cult classic in Ghana and beyond.
The 1977 record (the Black one) pushed out further, exploring more electronic elements, adventurous guitar motifs, creative percussion, and extended groove compositions such as ‘Adam Nana’. Though highly regarded in musical circles, these records were rare outside Ghana, and even within Africa, originals are sought after and often in poor condition.
Now, Soundway Records has formally reissued both of these albums together, giving listeners access to remastered versions that preserve the warmth and energy of the originals while vastly improving sonic clarity.
In addition to improved audio, these reissues often feature restored artwork and packaging, preserving the visual aesthetic as well as the musical. For many fans, seeing these elusive albums in good condition again, complete with the correct sleeve design, colours, and full track listings is part of the pleasure.
This reissue helps preserve a crucial slice of Ghana’s highlife history during its golden decades of the 1970s. Frimpong’s albums encapsulate a period when musical innovation was flourishing and when highlife bands were integrating electric instruments, experimenting with rhythm, and engaging with broader global musical currents while rooted in local traditions.
‘Kyenkyen Bi Adi M’awu’ has been sampled, covered, and referenced by later musicians in Africa and Frimpong’s vocal style, his arrangements, with the help of the Cubano Fiestas, have rippled outward, inspiring fans and producers who draw on highlife and Afro-funk.
Finally, the reissue is about access. Many original pressings are rare, often selling for high prices second-hand, and in many instances suffer from poor preservation. Having a restored, official version on vinyl and CD gives both long-time fans and newcomers an opportunity to hear the music as it was meant to sound.
The reissue is available on both vinyl and CD formats here.
