Based in Cotonou, Benin, which at the time was referred to as Dahomey, Albarika Records was founded by the French-born, Benin-based producer and entrepreneur, Emmanuel "Manu" Dibango, who had a significant influence on the local music scene. The label was instrumental in releasing records from some of the region's most prominent musicians during the golden age of African music.
Many of the artists signed to Albarika Records were known for blending indigenous African rhythms with Western jazz, funk, and soul influences. This made their sound distinctive and part of a broader movement across West Africa during the 60s and 70s, as music became a form of social and political expression.
Broadcasting out of Birmingham, Arrhythmia is a monthly exploration of interesting new audio and abnormal rhythms. Expect irregular, dark or heavy - but not always.
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Kasra Vaseghi homes in on leftfield music on a monthly Friday, playing new beat to trance, ambient to Middle Eastern disco and other oddities. The show regularly features guests who are upcoming DJs, local heroes or avid collectors.
Kasra Vaseghi homes in on leftfield music on a monthly Friday, playing new beat to trance, ambient to Middle Eastern disco and other oddities. The show regularly features guests who are upcoming DJs, local heroes or avid collectors.