The King of Sudanese Jazz

The 13th release from Habibi Funk comes from the golden age of Sudanese music. It's by Sharhabil Ahmed, the actual ‘King of Sudanese Jazz’ (he won that title in a competition in the early 1970s). In relation to the Western notion of jazz though he's stylistically more a unique mix of rock‘n’roll, funk, surf, traditional Sudanese music and Congolese sounds. Indeed, listening to this elemental yet very dynamic and exciting recording I'm reminded of the music being made in Ethiopia around the same time that would win, decades later, international praise when Francis Falceto reissued it as the Éthiopiques series.

The music of Sharhabil Ahmed appears even more raw and loose than that being recorded at the same time in Ethiopia. This isn't a criticism, simply an observation. I'm guessing that these recordings were made live in a very basic studio – perhaps in a state radio station or in a club – as the energy and excitement here feels like that of a performance: the percussion is high in the mix, a tough rhythm guitar adds funk while an overly energetic saxophone tries to fill in space. Ahmed sings with very assured delivery, obviously a confident performer. The songs here are lively, a fascinating blend of Arabic flavours and Western styles, surely popular with dancers back then. And probably today too!