Name: Omintiminim / Afro Highlife
Brand: Atakora Manu

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

BBE584ACD

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Colour

Colour details

Discogs ID

Format multiplier

Download code

Download code: No

Rough Trade Exclusive

Rough Trade Exclusive: No

Extended format

Extended format: No

Format detail

Format Music GB

Limited edition

Release date

2022-01-14

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier GB

The Orchard

Tax rate GB

Standard:20

UPC / Barcode

194491776053

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Total Cap

1 / CD / Extended format: No / Rough Trade Exclusive: No / Signed copies: No

BBE584ALP

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2021-11-05

196006380359

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2 / Extended format: No / LP / Rough Trade Exclusive: No / Signed copies: No

Artist

Atakora Manu

Genre GB

African

Label GB

BBE is a UK based record label, short for Barely Breaking Even. Founded in 1996 by Peter Adarkwah and Ben Jolly, the label releases both original works and compilations. Known for their compilation series such as "The Beat Generation" and "Kings of...," BBE features a wide range of collections in genres like jazz, soul, hip-hop, r'n'b, house, drum'n'bass, and more. With a diverse roster of artists including *J Dilla*, *Pete Rock*, *Roy Ayers*, *Marley Marl*, and many others, BBE continues to be a prominent force in the music industry.
The label's association with German label G-Stone Recordings has further expanded its reach. Since its inception, BBE has released numerous acclaimed albums and compilations that have garnered critical acclaim and commercial success.
With an extensive catalog spanning over two decades, BBE remains dedicated to showcasing exceptional talent from various genres while consistently delivering high-quality music to its loyal fanbase worldwide.

BBE Music celebrates the centenary of recorded Ghana Highlife music with a double album reissue of two rare 80s LPs recorded by the late Atakora Manu, Omintiminim and Afro Highlife.

Born in Toase, Ghana, a proud Asante, Atakoras musical talent made itself clear from an early age. But it wasn’t until his late teens that he put that talent to use as a performer, first founding the legendary Princess Trio from 1961 till 1963 with drummer Togas and multi-instrumentalist Elder Osei Bonsu. After a spell from 1963 till 1966 as guitarist with the United Ghana Farmers’ Council Drama Troupe, Manu teamed up with Moses Kweku Oppong to form the legendary Kakaiku No. 2 Band, producing a string of national hit singles over the following three or four years. There followed a three year break from music until fate struck: Atakora found a job in 1973 as Recording Studio Attendant - and later recording engineer - at Ambassador Recording Studios in Kumasi, at that time the country’s largest independent label. On seeing his musical talents behind the studio desk, it wasn’t long before the boss suggested to Manu that he get back to making music himself.

As well as long-time associates Togas and Elder Bonsei, local Kumasi legends CK Mensah, Amoako Agyeman, Agyei Kyeremanteng (of the famous Keyeremanteng All Stars), and Atta Fofie all lend a hand from time to time, along with a handful of other seasoned Ambassador studio session players.

A unique selling point on Omintiminim is the mix of vintage, rootsy ‘palmwine’ blues-style guitar with quirky keyboard electronics - a sound well-established today but revolutionary in the comparatively conservative world of the 70s and 80s. This comes across beautifully in 'Dada' and 'Cape Coast Cousin', the latter toasting off guitar licks with bubbling wah wah organ. We find a similar juxtaposition in 'Asante Kotoko', a shout-out to Kumasi’s champion soccer team.

Omintiminim / Afro Highlife

Music GB