Ebenezer Obey

• Juju Jubilee [Shanachie, 1985] B+

Consumer Guide Reviews:

Juju Jubilee [Shanachie, 1985]
I didn't pay much heed to complaints that this album cheated Nigeria's other big juju star by fading his hot tracks early. After all, juju isn't supposed to begin and end the way mbaqanga or Europop does--songs are designed to segue together for nonstop dancing. And there are notable themes and spectacular sounds throughout. But since they never assert a collective identity, cheating Americans of the wholeness they look for in African music, I have to assume the fades are at least partly at fault. B+