Le Roi du Ziglibithy

Ziglibithy was one of the most popular dance styles in Cote' d'Ivoire in late 1970s and Ernesto Djedje was the king. As a vocalist, guitarist and arranger, Djedje is one of many unsung heroes of West African pop. Though undoubtedly influenced by the popularity of Congolese music and the arrival of Sam Mangwana in Abidjan in the 1970s, Djedje's music is uniquely Ivorian. The use of hand drums, bass drum and hi-hat--and the absence of the snare drum--as the main vehicle for the Ziglibithy rhythm, separates it from the Conogolese music it is often compared to. The interaction of guitars and the horns on this record is amazing. These are certainly some of the best horn arrangements to ever come out of West Africa and the musicianship all around is top rate. There's even a little motown in there if you listen hard...

http://www.brooklynglue.org/afrique/Vol1GnoantreDansZibote.zip

Also check out:

Live African Soundz at Public Assembly, Wed. July 15, 9pm

Big speakers and brass bands down by Zongo Junction. Hot dance sounds from the streets of Accra to your Public Assembly:

9pm Tomos Tenacious Trio
10pm Don't Give Small Money Chance Brass Band
11pm Zongo Junction
12pm DJ Pasternak of Lemonade

Wed, July 15
$6
70 N. 6th Street, Williamsburg

For those who don't know Zongo Junction is a major stop light in Madina, Accra.
More about Ghana.