Celestine Ukwu - Ejim Nk'onye

7.0 - Nigeria - 1975

A fine record to be sure, and certainly an exemplary gem of mid-70s Nigerian highlife. Unfortunately, to these admittedly somewhat barbaric ears, this album lacks the deeper groove of the more overtly afro-funk releases of this time and place. All four tracks feature lilting guitar lines and interlocking rhythms behind Ukwu’s quite beautiful voice. However, there is a certain monotonous sameness that sets in after a while.