Product Details

• Actors: Jeremy Marre, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, King Sunny Ade
• Format: Color, DVD, NTSC
• Language: English
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Studio: SHANACHIE
• DVD Release Date: October 10, 2000
• Run Time: 60 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B00004YA71
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #69,252 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)
  • #21 in Music > World Music > Africa > Nigeria

Editorial Reviews

KONKOMBE - DVD Movie

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good Overview of the Nigerian Scene at the End of the 1970s, January 3, 2001

By 

Michael Sean (Seattle, WA - US) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Konkombe - The Nigerian Pop Music Scene (DVD)

From filmmaker Jeremy Marre's 14-part series of world music documentaries, "Beats of the Heart," this installment focuses on the various styles that make up the Nigerian pop scene. Produced in 1980, it features vintage live performances and interviews with several African artists. King Sunny Adé had yet to release "Juju Music," the smash album that would make him an international success, but he was already a superstar in his homeland. We see him playing live at a house party for the King of Lagos. One of the originators of the juju sound, I.K. Dairo, is also featured in a look at his pioneering work in both African music and worship. There's an interesting peek into the recording studio with the Lijadu Sisters as they work on tracks for their album. The twins give the perspective of female artists in the music business, and they talk about the hardships of working for the British-owned Decca record label. Fellow Decca artist and Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti is briefly shown, surrounded by his 27 wives, as he discusses his role as an African musician. We hear a snippet of his "Shuffering and Shmiling," but there is no live footage (see Shanachie's "Fela Live" DVD for that). Veteran African artist Sonny Okosun is interviewed, and we see him working on material for his "Power to the People" record as well as performing it live at a free concert. At only an hour long and over two decades old, this program serves as a dated but still intriguing snapshot of Nigerian music. For anyone venturing into the world of African rhythms, it will provide a good introduction to the spectrum of styles (highlife, juju, Afropop, etc.) as well as some vintage footage of a few of the greats. The DVD has chapter stops, but no extra features over the VHS edition. The disc is presented in full frame as it was originally filmed for TV.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars great music, July 31, 2002

By 

outsider01 (San Francisco, Ca United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Konkombe - The Nigerian Pop Music Scene (DVD)

King Sunny Ade playing for royalty. Fela Kuti at home discussing Nigeria's political situation amid his many wives. Sonny Okosun decked out like a mod doing doughnuts on a motorcycle. Amazing.

A snapshot of Nigeria in the 70's. Nigerian pop stars as well as an introduction to lesser known, equally great musicians.

One of the best documentaries I have seen. Do yourself a favor and buy this DVD.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Definitely worth watching, July 3, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Konkombe - The Nigerian Pop Music Scene [VHS] (VHS Tape)

This video is indeed worth checking out. You get a nice look at the backstreets of Lagos, Nigeria, and then travel up into the rural north of Muslim Nigeria. From a blind urban folk minstrel to earthy electric guitar dance music, to traditional village music, this video will transport you to a time and place you may have never imagined. I've enjoyed this video many times over the years.