Nearly all the tracks assembled here come from recordings made for the Melodisc label and originally released as 10-inch 78rpm singles. People who bought these records at the time can still recall how it was when the percussion team — among them Ade Bashorun, Salustiano Dos Anjos, Manny Myers and 'Lati' Pedro — built their polyrhythms in Ola Dosunmu's kingdom. With the melodic guitars of Brewster and Ambrose coming together behind Campbell's soothing voice, the musicians contrived to paint an evocative, enduring picture of palmwine Lagos nights.
For English people, emerging from the shadow of wartime deprivation, this fresh 'sunshine' music was just what the doctor ordered. The atmosphere at the clubs, and the warmth of their African clientele, contrasted favourably with the restraint and stiff upper-lip which might have got the country through the war, but which — for some people — left something missing.
This music and the startling taste of hot West African food were for many white people the keys to learning about a new way of being. The Nigerians had an equivalent experience. Often the hard way, they were learning about a new society and how best to conduct themselves in it. For years the communities came together and partied, often in humble surroundings, but with a determination to fight prejudice and cross boundaries that has endured to this day. Such exchange and interaction have helped to make British society what it is now, warts and all. And music was at the heart of the process.

Val Wilmer

* West African Rhythm Brothers - We Have It In Africa
* / West African Rhythm Brothers - Oba Adele
* / Nigerian Union Rhytm Group - The Wind In A Frolic
* / West African Rythm Brothers - Iku Koni Payin
* / Ayinda Bakare And His Meranda Orchestra - Ibikunle Alakija
* / West African Rhythm Brothers - Omo Laso
* / West African Rhythm Brothers - Calabar-O
* / West African Rhythm Brothers - Emi Wa Wa Lowo Re
* / West African Rhythm Brothers - Iwa D'Arekere
* / West African Rhythm Brothers - Ominira
* / Nigerian Union Rhytm Group - The Memorial Of Chief J.K. Randle
* / West African Rhythm Brothers - Mofi Ajobi Seyin
* / Nigerian Union Rhytm Group - Unity
* / Nigerian Union Rhytm Group - Oratido Soso
* / West African Rhythm Brothers - Ayami
* / West African Rhythm Brothers - Oba Ademora II
* / West African Rhythm Stars - Late Ojo Davies
* / West African Rhythm Stars - Geneva Conference
* / West African Rhythm Brothers - Ele Da Awa
* / West African Rhythm Brothers - Aye Wa Adara
* / West African Rhythm Brothers - Lagos Mambo
* / West African Rhythm Brothers - Odudua
* / West African Rhythm Brothers - I Am A Stranger

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