Akofa Akoussah

Togolese singer Akofa Akoussah died in 2007 aged just 57 and this – originally recorded and released by the French label Sonafric in 1976 and reissued now by Mr Bongo – is, sadly, her only album. Despite a scarcity of recorded material, Akoussah made waves in neighbouring Ghana and Benin, performing on stage with Bella Bellow and collaborating with the late great Miriam Makeba, having lasting impact on the marketability of Togolese music. She recorded this album at the tender age of 26, and it pristinely encapsulates her songwriting talents, her infectious vocal performances and a production quality unique to West Africa in the 1970s. The disc is drenched in delicious groove, headed by whirring wah-wah electric guitars and driving percussion with the addition of occasional piano tinkling and syrupy, warm and fuzzy vocal harmonies.

The influence of the American music of the 70s permeates the compositions. A Kenny G-esque saxophone solo begins ‘I Tcho Tchass’ followed by a vocal performance fit to overawe any US soul singer. Akoussah's understated phrasing and perfectly controlled vibrato is an absolute joy, with vintage plate reverb (a production technique popularised in the 60s) making the entire record nostalgically evocative of its era.

Sit back and be transported to another place and time.