Customer Reviews

Aki Special

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(0)
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This is dense with exceptional tracks. This album for more than a decade defined African high-life. The "Sweet Mother" cut became virtually Africa's anthem across the entire continent in the 70's, and it's still fresh. The interplay of voices and slack-key guitar is Nico at the top of his form, and the songwriting is in the same stratosphere with Fela and Johnny Clegg in its directness and power. "Christiana", "Aki Special" and "Education" are each classics in their own right.

I am an american born in Cameroon when my parents were in Peace Corps. Prince Nico was the record we always used to play while we were preparing the house for a big party. We would dance around and arrange everything. I feel my African roots when I hear this music deep down. Lighthearted yet full of poignant meanings, this music will uplift your feet and your mind. If you like African music this is a must!

The honest, heartfelt lyrics of 'Sweet Mother' were initially rejected by the larger Nigerian record companies that dismissed it as a nursery rhyme. Most music executives work on a formula and fail to notice outstanding contributions that fall outside their formula. Nursery rhymes are songs of love and comfort from mother to child. In this case, it was an adult child reciprocating all that sweet mother love. Undeterred, Nico Mbarga got his masterpiece recorded by a small startup. The result was the largest hit in Africa. Its sales record has never been beaten. Nico voices what a naturally emotionally inarticulate gender always wishes it could say to mother, and he says it to an infectious, open and joyful dance rythm. Almost 30 years from its release in the days of mile-high platform shoes, it still fills dance floors every time it is played.

The other pieces on this album are hits in their own right, but enough could never be said about this true modern classic. Nico Mbarga died in a road accident in 1998, but he will live forever in the hearts of mothers everywhere.

I am a half Nigerian (Igbo on my father's side) and have listened to this song since i was a newborn! I am 14 years old, so as you can imagine, mother and I have spats. alot. However, when i listen to this song it makes me feel better, and im ready to face my mother.Because she truly is my "sweet mother"

Nothing like Naija music! I got this for the "Sweet Mother" song in rememberance of my mom who left this place last year in May. Nice dancin music... :) {I am nigerian/igbo by both parents}

When I received this CD this past Christmas I was estatic. Being that I am a 1st generation American, I look for anyway to feel at home away from my true home (Nigeria). This CD gives me a taste and feel of my culture and ensures that I know where I come from. Sweet Mother, the hit single off of the CD, is a sound that I grew up on. The upbeat style of sound exhibited on this track, as well as the other tracks, forces you to get up and dance not knowing what has overcome you. Aki Special is a true representation of the old Nigeria that my parents talk so fondly of.

One of my father's CD collections, this CD is the best I have listened to. My favorite song is "Aki Special". He says the couple should not feel bad if they don't have a child. However, all the songs are good to listen and dance to. African music barely gets major recognition unless the artist is rapping or rhyming.

One of the five best albums I own. This is energetic music at it's most crafted and melodic. Highlife music of West Africa is always a crowd favorite, but this one will also take you long distances in the car, and cheer you up on low days. Seven tracks might not seem a bargain, but none is under five or six minutes long, and not one of them gets boring. 'Christiana' is the track that got me hooked, and 'Sweet Mother' was the big hit (enormous, from what I've read), but the title track is the most addictive and magical on the set. Essential for positive people.

There are no horns on the album, just wildly fun guitar that throws the smile on your face. I am a reggae collector and fan, and listen to jazz, blues, bluegrass, motown, nawlin's r&b, and various latin musics, but this thing slides right to the top of the pile, everytime! If you're into the raw energy of the motown or new orleans funk sounds, do yourself the favor and scoop this, too.

Get it, your friends will love you for it!

This is dense with exceptional tracks. This album for more than a decade defined African high-life. The "Sweet Mother" cut became virtually Africa's anthem across the entire continent in the 70's, and it's still fresh. The interplay of voices and slack-key guitar is Nico at the top of his form, and the songwriting is in the same stratosphere with Fela and Johnny Clegg in its directness and power. "Christiana", "Aki Special" and "Education" are each classics in their own right.

I'VE BEEN LISTEN TO THISE MUSIC VERY LONG TIME AND I CAN'T STOP LISTING TO THEM. I BOUGHT THE CD FOR CLASS ASSIGNMENT AND I WANT MY PROFESSOR TO KNOW ABOUT MY LOVE MUSICS