Africa, Center of the World
Roy Ayers · 1981
42 min · 8 tracks · soul · post-bop · jazz-funk
A soulful blend of jazz-funk and African rhythms that celebrates heritage and unity.
Why this album works
'Africa, Center of the World' is significant for its exploration of African identity during a time when such themes were gaining traction in music. The album's title track gained popularity and has been sampled by numerous hip-hop artists, solidifying Ayers' influence on contemporary genres.
- Best for
- steady mid-tempo groove exploration celebratory rhythms for connection soulful vibes for communal listening
- Context
- Released in 1981, 'Africa, Center of the World' marked Roy Ayers' return to the music scene after a brief hiatus following his 1976 album 'Lifeline'. This period was crucial for Ayers as he was transitioning from a more mainstream funk sound into a deeper exploration of cultural themes and African influences, which would shape his later work.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Ella Fitzgerald· Thelonious Monk· Miles Davis· Bing Crosby· Dean Martin· Ray Charles· Chet Atkins· Dave Brubeck
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Africa, Center of the World Standout 5:26
- 2 Intro / The River Niger 5:23
- 3 I'll Just Keep Trying 6:02
- 4 Destination Motherland Standout 4:53
- 5 The Third Eye 4:49
- 6 Intro / Land of Fruit and Honey 5:24
- 7 Intro / Mo Nise Si E (I Love You) 7:07
- 8 There's a Master Plan Standout 3:45
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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