Ginger Johnson
Ginger Johnson and his African Messengers: African party - Masquerade SMQ2001

The spelling of Ginger Johnson's original first name seems to be a matter of some disagreement. "Born Folonho Johnson in Lagos, Nigeria" it says on the sleeve note here, but it's spelt "Foloronso" and "Mofolunsho" on other records. There's no mistaking his nickname, though - as Ginger Johnson he was one of the best known African musicians in London for many years, with several singles and a 10-inch LP (MLP 508) issued on the Melodisc label, all of which are now very rare. This album (recorded at Sound Techniques Ltd, London, March 1967) is also pretty rare, but is well worth tracking down. It's an outstanding session, featuring a very unselfconscious mix of highlife, jazz and African sounds with lots of percussion and a very tight horn section - highly infectious and utterly uplifting music. One of the real gems of 1960s African music in the UK.


Ginger Johnson
and his African Messengers
- personnel not known


Side One

I Jool Omo
Adura
Witchdoctor
Ire
Talking Drum


Side Two

Lord Morocco
A You Momma
Watusi
Alege
Hi Life