Highlife Documentary Recommendations?

March 11, 2010 3:09 PM

Where can I find documentaries on the Nigerian Highlife musical movement?

I've loved the Nigerian Highlife I've explored via compilations such as Nigeria Special, but I'm looking for some more exposure and background on the movement, the players, etc. I've seen Fela Kuti - Music is the Weapon, and this Orland Owoh documentary, and the clips from this BBC Documentary (though that appears to not be the complete program).

I'm looking for documentaries, or books, or even other compilation recommendations (my mp3s are offline, but I've got the rough guides, and a few others, as well as some one-offs from artists, but nothing really historical or retrospective). Ideally ones I could buy in the US, or from a reputable dealer if it's from overseas. Thanks in advance!

posted by CharlesV42 to media & arts (4 answers total)

If you ever get to New York, I recommend FELA!, it's a great show that covers his life & music. I believe there's a DVD.
posted by MesoFilter at 3:21 PM on March 11, 2010

You should check out the Beats of the Heart documentary "Konkombe: The Nigerian Pop Music Scene."
posted by val5a at 3:23 PM on March 11, 2010

val5a, that looks exactly like what I'm looking for. Added to my netflix queue. Thanks!
posted by CharlesV42 at 3:35 PM on March 11, 2010

This FPP about Jim Koetting made lead you to something. His specialty was traditional Ghananian drum ensembles, but he loved Highlife.

As I mentioned in that thread, I think part of that was his impish nature, and that as an accomplished horn player he got a kick out the non-tradtional technique used in the Highlife horns. Seems the British left a lot brass, but no instruction manuals.
posted by StickyCarpet at 4:49 PM on March 11, 2010