DESCRIPTION
C.K. Mann – Funky Highlife is a seminal Ghanaian record that fuses traditional highlife with elements of soul and funk, showcasing the musical innovation and vibrant soundscapes of 1970s West Africa. Originally released on the legendary Essiebons label, this LP captures the creativity of C.K. Mann—one of Ghana’s most revered guitarists and composers.
Mann began his career playing alongside Moses Kweku Oppong in the Kakaikus Guitar Band and went on to lead Ocean’s Strings until 1966. His breakthrough came in 1968 with the hit single Edina Benya, and Funky Highlife further solidified his legacy.
The album’s centerpiece, “Asafo Beesuon,” is a 13-minute drum-driven medley layered with hypnotic rhythms and blistering guitar work—a masterpiece of Afro-funk fusion. Despite its musical brilliance, the album's initial impact was limited due to a vinyl shortage in Ghana during an economic downturn. This led to unmet demand and turned the LP into a coveted collector's item, especially after being sampled by influential hip-hop producer Steinski in the late 1990s.
This reissue LP is a faithful replica of the original pressing, mastered from the original tapes. It also launches the Classic African Recordings series. While the vinyl LP retains its classic 4-track format, the CD version includes 8 additional tracks, offering over 40 minutes of bonus content.
TRACKLIST (Vinyl LP)
Side A
A. Asafo Beesuon (Medley)
Side B
B1. Beebi A Odo Wo (Medley)
B2. Yebeyi Wo Aye (Ebibrim Blues)
B3. Do Me Ma Mondo Wo Bi