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EDGE 037LP
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Following the acclaimed reissue of Sa Discossa, Jo Tongo's third solo album Those Flowers returns to the spotlight. Originally released just a year and a half after Sa Discossa, this 1982 gem came out on the small Context label and, in Tongo's own words, the two records are "like twins." Recorded with many of the same musicians, Those Flowers continues the vibrant fusion of disco-funk and reggae -- this time dedicating one side to each, leaning slightly more into his Western influences. But there's more than groove beneath the surface. Tracks like "People Need Peace" and "We Human Beings" channel his enduring themes of resistance, identity, and freedom. The synthesizer at the beginning of the song mimics the ominous drone of warplanes, and lyrics speak directly to global struggles -- reminders that his music is both deeply personal and powerfully political. "I paid for these ideals in my career," Tongo reflects, alluding to the personal costs of his outspoken stance against colonialism and injustice. Still, Those Flowers carries joy at its heart. Songs like "Ain't No Man Like A Real Friend" celebrate trust and loyalty, while the title track offers a tender ode to love and kindness -- "picking flowers from the soul," as Tongo puts it. These songs reveal the inner world of a man who has always viewed music as a mirror of life. This reissue marks the second installment in the African Edge series from The Outer Edge label. Fully restored and remastered, Those Flowers is now set to bloom again -- another vital chapter in the legacy of Jo Tongo.
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EDGE 031LP
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A pioneering force in African music, Jo Tongo has always been on top of the game. Since the late '60s he has been recording music under his early Jojo L'Explosif moniker. His debut album Jo Tongo was released 1976 on Fiesta/Decca and features classic tracks like "Jangolo" and "Piani." Now, after decades of underground influence and global recognition, his second album Sa Discossa (1980) is re-released for the first time. An electrifying fusion of African rhythms, disco, makossa, reggae and funk, it reflects his lifelong journey of musical exploration and cultural storytelling and claims its place as an essential recording in the Afro-disco movement. Jo Tongo's music is inseparable from his life's story -- a journey that spans continents, struggles, and victories. From his early years as a leading African musician before the global rise of Afrobeat, to his deep roots in classical training, and his time performing in France and Germany, his sound is shaped by a rich blend of influences. Having played in bands across Europe, from American military bases in Germany to the jazz and soul circuits of Paris, he absorbed the pulse of multiple musical worlds, creating a sound uniquely his own. His work reflects his strong political stance against colonialism, social injustice, and oppression. Throughout his career, Tongo has used his platform to advocate for African identity and independence. His songs, layered with messages of social consciousness, have continued to resonate with younger generations who recognize the relevance of his words even today. Sa Discossa is more than just a disco record. It embodies Jo Tongo's philosophy of resistance, identity, and celebration. The title itself is a blend of "disco" and "makossa," reflecting the seamless fusion of African groove and the dancefloor energy that defined the era. Tracks like "Bunya," sung in his native language, carry messages of love, gratitude, and resilience -- sentiments that remain as relevant today as they were nearly 50 years ago. Despite taking a step back from the stage in recent years, he remains open to new possibilities. "Music is like a fire -- it never truly dies. I have a lot to say, and music is the best way to say it," he says. For Jo Tongo, music is more than entertainment -- it's a language of truth, a testament to history, and a bridge between cultures. With Sa Discossa returning under the African Edge series on The Outer Edge label, Jo Tongo's legacy continues to resonate, proving that real music never fades.
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