Hedzoleh Soundz

Formed in Accra, Ghana in 1972, Hedzoleh Soundz was one of the first Afrobeat bands to blend traditional African music with western jazz and rock. Managed and created by producer Faisal Helwani, the original line-up was made up of musicians from the Ghanaian Arts Council’s traditional music troupe. Their goal was to create a new sound based on traditional Akan and Ewe music that used organic African-made drums instead of modern western percussion and drums. The group recorded two singles in 1972 but band leader Lash Laryea left shortly after and was replaced by Stanley Kwesi Todd, formerly of the group El Pollos. The group released Hedzoleh, their debut album, in 1973. Afrobeat icon Fela Kuti introduced South African trumpeter Hugh Masekela to the band. Masekela had become tired of working with American musicians and was seeking an Afrobeat band to work with. Hedzoleh Soundz collaborated with Hugh Masekela on a studio album that used most of the tracks from their debut album to form the backbone of Masekela’s album. Masekela: Introducing Hedzoleh Sounds featured the musical muscle of the band with the addition of Masekela’s trumpet on top of the Afro-centric grooves. The album received great reviews and introduced the Ghana-based band to an international audience. Masekela released two more albums with Hedzoleh Soundz: I am Not Afraid (1974) and The Boy’s Doin’ It (1975). Following an American tour, the band split after a financial dispute with Masekela.

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