Kongas - Anikana O

Formed in France in the early 1970's the Kongas boasted several members that would change the face of disco music, among them Don Ray and Cerrone.
The Kongas were regularly booked at the Papagayo Club in St. Tropez on the French Riviera. During this period in 1973, label owner and producer Eddie Barclay heard Cerrone and his band and signed them to record their first record. The song "Boom" was a minor hit and the group toured Europe, Japan and Africa to promote their debut album "Afro-Rock." The exposure broadened Cerrone's musical concepts and gave him an opportunity to perform his own material. After three years, due to extreme personal conflicts, Cerrone left the group.
The album attained classic status immediately, but it was apparent that Cerrone had no desire to permanently reunite with his old pals. And without Cerrone in the group it's second album "Anikana-O," released On Salsoul in 1978, failed to replicate their earlier success.
The group, nor Cerrone, were completely done yet. Cerrone resurrected his old pals for a 12" single in 1982. "Why Can't We Live Togther," (a rehashing of the Timmy Thomas classic), was released on Cerrone's own Malligator Records but it was the delicious b-side, "The Fun Cry," that proved to be the hit. Luckily when Henry Stone's Hot Productions re-issued the "Africanism" album on compact disc they included both tracks.
Their would be no further releases under the Kongas banner but many of the musicians would continue on, some even playing on future Cerrone projects. Despite often being thought of as a studio-only group, we honor the men for their timeless contribution to the disco genre.
Tracks

1. 01 - Anikana O
2. 02 - Kongas Fun
3. 03 - Medley a-What ever happened b-Bongos Go
4. 04 - Jungle