MAYOLYE by ONDENO

The hardest track from his 1980 album - for the first time available as a 12" !20 year old Jean Ondeno from Gabon is one of many African singers who found joy in the Parisian Afro-disco scene of the late 70s. Blessed with the voice of Africa's sweetest angel, Ondeno caught the ear of the French radio presenter Alphonse Marie Toukas who in turn introduced him to producer Philippe Brejean. Together they released 4 tracks, of which 'Mayolye' has become a sought-after dance floor rarity over the decades. Containing all the essential ingredients of any afro-disco floorfiller, 'Mayolye' seduces sweetly, rhythmically and fast, with the percussion and wah-wah guitar on full throttle, and vocals insistently hypnotic from start to finish. The sax is possibly the only languid element on the record until the break comes along for you to catch your breath.