Florence Adooni - A.O.E.I.U. (An Ordinary Exercise In Unity)

Parsed into its unabbreviated form, title of Florence Adooni's vintage-sounding but brand new highlife record is an endearing reminder that togetherness should not be thought a luxury, but rather a human right and expectation, hence its ordinariness. Rooted in the rich traditions of Ghana's Fra Fra culture and propelled by cosmic production from Philophon Records' visionary Max Weissenfeldt, this release is a bold fusion of hereditary rhythms and fresh productions, proving that the convivialities often associated with traditional West African music need not be lost on the global situation of 2024. The standout here has to be 'Vocalize My Luv', a punchy track, with carnivalesque Afro-dance stylings and a resinous bass breadth charge, as Adooni sings powerfully of the innate human need for expression.