While we're on the subject of groovy, African-inspired music from frontmen of groundbreaking pop bands, allow me to offer Damon Albarn's "Mr. Tembo". It's a jaunty little guitar ditty about an orphaned elephant Albarn met in Tanzania. And it's irresistible. It features the Leytonstone City Mission Choir to give it a gospel feel, as well as a sample from the 1959 album Lions by comedian Richard Buckley.
My admiration of Damon Albarn's music has been well-documented on this site. I feel that -- like David Byrne -- he's a pioneer, unafraid to push boundaries and discover new sounds and musical styles to incorporate into his music. And one more similarity: Both Byrne and Albarn are pals with uber producer Brian Eno, who plays synths on Albarn's sublime "You and Me" and adds vocals on "Heavy Seas of Love".
Funny, When reading about Onyeabor, Albarn was a hug supporter of the project!!
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