Streetlife
Nite Songs

Africa Seven: ...The Afro National band was formed in Freetown, Sierra Leone in 1972. Their inspirational leader, Sulay Abu Bakarr accompanied by his wife Patricia and Ayo Roy Macauley split from the Sabanoh Jazz Band to form their new group. They skillfully merged highlife and jazz sounds with a deep knowledge of West African sounds. Growing to become one of the premiere bands to emerge from Sierra Leone they not only defined the sound of the country for a generation but also crafted some of the country's most popular and memorable songs (for example Sonjo which is included on this collection).

“Dark, downtempo, synth-heavy pop” – Noisey“Mind Full extends and expands on the band’s future soul and alt R&B sound incorporating elements of synthesizers and new jack R&B” – Complex“Mind Full sees Leisure Centre really flesh out and cement their electronic-driven R&B, at times channelling names like Kaytranada by injecting soulful vocal lines with bouncy, percussion-driven productions that give the album this punchy drive” – Pilerats“Leisure Centre… ply future soul that deliberately tests listener expectations where some of the elder statesmen and women of the scene stick with saccharine soul” – Mikey Cahill (Herald Sun) source: Hopestreet Recordings

After a long wait, Melbourne’s Public Opinion Afro Orchestra (The POAO) have released their second album, ‘Naming & Blaming’, a pulsing, percussive journey into classic afrobeat. Recorded by a 17 piece ensemble, led by fierce vocals and a howling horn section, it’s a fitting 21st-century response to the world-shaking music of 1970s Nigeria. The result is true to the afrobeat blueprint of hypnotic, extended songs, improvisation and political comment but adds to the formula a host of pan-African influences and hip-hop elements that reflect the deep ranging roots of the band.As the title suggests, and in true afrobeat tradition, Naming & Blaming pulls no punches. It is an outspokenly political record, a cauldron of strong opinions where indignation and optimism coexist. Led by the vocals of MC One Sixth and singer Lamine Sonko, the critique of colonialism is applied to both the African and Australian experience, the battles of many cultures informing the group’s ethos as does the importance of community and staying true to one’s convictions. Uplifting visions of a brighter possible future as laid out in “No Passport,” the album’s rambunctious opening song, are balanced with honest reflections on injustice like guest Robbie Thorpe’s take on Australia’s chequered history in the title track.