Here it is. Finally. Yoruba Records is proud to present the very anticipated, much awaited, and heavily hoped for album from the Yoruba camp, Afefe Iku's debut album, Artifacts of Pottery Vessels.
It's all here: The dance floor monstrosities, including the new single, "Mirror Dance", the synth-tech soul, the heavy grooves, and the culmination of what his singles have created to this point. There's really not much we can say about Afefe so let's get down why we're interested in this, the music.
Artifacts initiates its journey with "Mpaka". Featuring mentor Osunlade on the vocals, this hard hitting groove sets the tone for the rest of the album, as the spoken word clearly indicates this "CD-Rom has been produced by a group of specialists and professionals with the goal of contributing to the preservation of knowledge about Afro-Cuban religion, and for the enjoyment of those interested in these cultural traditions".
We now take "A 30 Minute Boat Ride to Lamu Town" in which Afefe guides us to the old village located in Manda Island. Though the village is now in ruins, this area used to be a main market place for the people who lived there.
If the original wasn't enough dance floor mayhem for you, Afefe ups the already classic with "Body Drummin' II". Bringing in the same percussion as the original, this track takes out the chants, and its aggressive synth stabs for a more hypnotic version of its predecessor. "Body Drummin' II" is the one for those who like to get lost IN the music.
"Let me break you off, let me make you smile…" And so begins "Brujo", another hard hitter from Afefe, inviting us in to his world and essence. The beautiful breakdown on this song not only brings the song to another level, but tells you exactly what you need to be doing. Is not like you'll have much of an option.
Epic. If we had to choose one word to describe "Baiao", it would be epic. Iku brings some of the nastiest drums (like if we haven't heard enough of that from this man) on this album for this thunder-causing track. The dark and heavy strings add even more drama to the wet drums making for one of the album's most intense moments.
The album ends with "The Unknown" again featuring the vocals of Osunlade. In a way, Afefe ends in a mysterious and magical vibe, lurking never before seen, but rewarding paths towards a light we don't know of. The question is whether we are willing to join him for the ride.

Produced by Afefe Iku
Recorded at Oya's House, Oia Village
Vocals by Osunlade
All Other Instruments and Programming by Afefe Iku
Copyright Yoruba Records 2007

Executive Producer: Osunlade