Kenya-Congo Connection: From the Archives of Audio Productions, Nairobi, Kenya

There are several compilations of East African recordings that show the strong link between Congolese guitar-band music and bands located in Kenya and Tanzania. This particular one is a vinyl LP release of seven terrific tracks of the early 1980s, taken from the Nairobi record label Audio Productions. Two are by Super Wanyika, one of several well-known off-shoots of the group Simba Wanyika. Led by singer Issa Juma, with his characteristically raw and powerful vocal, they play classic Swahili rumba: their songs commence with a slow passage and then break into a faster dance section. There's also the Kilimambogo Brothers, a West Kenyan Luo band who play the local benga style of music rather than a Congolese-influenced rumba.

These recordings are taken from 45rpm discs that had part one of a song on one side, part two on the other. Unfortunately, on five tracks we are only treated to part one. The two tracks we get to hear in their complete state come from Orchestra Shika-Shika, an excellent modern style rumba saccade group and the fascinating Kalambya Sisters. This female vocal duo are part of a larger conglomeration called the Kalambya Boys. They sing in a charming, lively and naive style – a little like Nigeria's Lijadu Sisters but with a great benga guitar backing.