{"product_id":"akofa-akoussah","title":"Akofa Akoussah","description":"\u003cp\u003eRich, deep, percussive soulful folk album from master Togolese singer, \u003cstrong\u003eAkofa Akoussah\u003c\/strong\u003e. The album moves through uptempo afro-folk-funk on \u003cem\u003eTango\u003c\/em\u003e to deep ballads of \u003cem\u003eRamer Sans Rame\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eI Tcho Tchass\u003c\/em\u003e and lighter moments on \u003cem\u003eG Blem Di\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eMitso Aseye\u003c\/em\u003e. Akofa's exceptional songs and soaring vocals are decorated with percussion, guitar lines, subtle backing vocals, and horns to create a unique, rich sonic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe album was recorded for release by French label Sonafric in 1976. Produced by \u003cstrong\u003eGerard Akueson\u003c\/strong\u003e; founder and owner of African record label, ‘Akue’, based in Paris.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMusic was truly in the blood of \u003cstrong\u003eJulie Akofa Akoussah\u003c\/strong\u003e. She began singing at the age of three, inspired and led by her mother and older sister and became principal soloist in her school choir, St. Peter and Paul Choir of our Immaculate Conception Parish of Nyekonakpo, at the age of 8. From there her career blossomed, and singing often took precedence over her studies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn order to master her art she spent time studying and working closely with local groups including Melo Togo, Rocka Mambo, Rio Romamcero, Ok Fiesta, Eryco Jazz, Afro Cubano, Los Muchacho, Elegance Jazz and Togo Star amongst others.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn her own words: “Luck opened the door in January 1966 where I had the honour of being selected to share the stage with \u003cstrong\u003eBella Below\u003c\/strong\u003e - one of the best voices of Africa- at the 1st ‘Negro Arts Festival’ in Dakar. On my return, I was approached by \u003cstrong\u003eAmbroise Ouyi\u003c\/strong\u003e, the highly respected singer and poet, and we wrote \u003cem\u003eTu Ne M’Ecris Plus\u003c\/em\u003e, my very first opus.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe popularity of her work led to an increased exposure for Togolese music outside of the country, in neighbouring Ghana and Benin most notably. During her career she collaborated and performed with greats including \u003cstrong\u003eManou Djibango\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eQueen Pelagie\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eAbe Massikini\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eAycha Kone\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003eMyriam Makeba\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mr Bongo","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":50472108130635,"sku":"1053735","price":14.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"LP","offer_id":50530692104523,"sku":"1053731","price":24.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/Akofa_Akoussah_dbd7ebfc_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1728082958","url":"https:\/\/shop.roughtrade.com\/fr\/products\/akofa-akoussah","provider":"Rough Trade","version":"1.0","type":"link"}