En Mana Kuoyo

Kenyan singer-songwriter Ayub Ogada was a busker on the Northern Line when he came to Real World's attention in the late 80s. And this 1993 set - his only record for the label - proved that it was a meeting of minds, with his disarmingly simple arrangements, allowed to hang there unadorned, making a lasting impression. Simply backing himself (albeit with virtuosic ease) on an East African lyre called a nyatiti, this record introduced Ayub as a performer of great charm, his warm vocals never leaving centre stage.

Available on vinyl for the first time, comes with a 16bit CD quality digital download code.

One of the finest albums in the entire Real World label's back catalogue...
Ayub Ogada's "En Mana Kuoyo" is a deceptively simple set of tracks that somehow linger in the memory long after the last note has faded. He's got a fine voice and the sparse instrumentation provides a perfect backdrop allowing the melodies and invention to shine through. Highly recommended.
Piccadilly Records (UK)

...the finest songs are slow melodic ballads...
..the finest songs are slow melodic ballads...or relaxed lilting pieces...that show off both the instrument’s delicacy and Ogada’s thoughtful, intimate and soulful vocals.
The Guardian (1993) (UK)