Funky Man Dey Sleep (feat. Kaleta and The Ibibio Horns)

Description

Release date: 11/06/2023 (06/11/2023)

Modern Afrobeat productions.

“New collaboration with the impeccable and diverse studio skills of Spanish producer Kiko Navarro, pairing him with the vocals of veteran Beninois powerhouse Kaleta and the indefatigable talents of The Ibibio Horns, who are both fast becoming a label staple.

On the title track Kiko lays down a superbly inspired afro groove which takes its lead from the funk, disco & afrobeat which were causing profuse sweating and serious inflammation of dancefloors across Nigeria and West Africa in the late 1970s. Over these rhythms The Ibibio Horns conjure up a powerful concoction with their blazing horn section and scintillating keys, peppered with Afla Sackey’s bouncing balafon. Kaleta reigns supreme on the vocal delivery, serving a challenge with his call to the dance… “Funky man dey sleep? You go wake him up!”

On the flipside Kiko drops the clutch and sets the thrusters to full force. In his tougher KOKI guise he jettisons the live bass and horns, switching up the groove with an insistent and throbbing, acid inspired, electronic bassline. Weighted down by chunky electronic beats KOKI turns away from the funkier vibes and looks toward a more house oriented vision. Over this solid framework Kaleta’s vocals stand front & centre while the synth stylings of Scott Baylis lift the groove into the outer atmosphere. Both versions provide instrumental mixes which allow the arrangements to breathe deeply, the non-vocal elements to shine and provide serious creative tools for the club jocks.”

Canopy – 2023