Tu Na Me Nsa

The Ghana Bigshots were originally founded as the University of Ghana's house band, and this release is supported by the Goethe Institut with the aim of preserving and continuing live music in Africa. That might make it sound like a dry academic venture – but dry is not an option for the Bigshots. This 17-strong band includes musicians from many styles, but their music flows naturally. A comparison that comes to mind is Orchestra Baobab: although most of their songs have their roots in Ghana's folk traditions, the Bigshots’ music includes a healthy dose of Cuban son as well as their own country's highlife. The album also has hints of Afrobeat and township jive – the latter being especially prevalent in the aptly named highlight ‘Dance Music’. The band's two balafons (xylophones) add an edge to this overall sound, their harsh buzz cutting through the group's otherwise clean tones.

The English-language lyrics may not be the most profound you’ll ever hear, and the music doesn’t break any major new ground. But with summery sounds and rhythms made for dancing, you can’t go wrong with this enjoyable first album.