Manfred Mann´s Earth Band - Somewhere in Afrika (1983)

“Somewhere in Afrika”, an ode to Mann's home country of South Africa, contains a formula that is atypical of Manfred Mann's Earth Band sound. With rhythms that combine an African flavor with a modern rock feel, vocalist Mick Rogers takes over on vocals with the hit "Runner," released as the album's only single. a cover of song by Ian Thomas featuring Thompson on lead vocals. It was a top 40 hit in both Canada and the US and was used during ABC's broadcasting of the 1984 Summer Olympics and in the film; 'The Philadelphia Experiment'. Tracks such as "Demolition Man" and "Eyes of Nostradamus" are model Earth Band efforts, but the compelling material lies in songs such as "Lalela," "Koze Kobenini," and the title track, which conveys Mann's love for his birthplace without sounding overly pretentious or manufactured. The instrumentation is solid and free-flowing, with drums and other percussion work coming to the forefront while maintaining the group's atmosphere as a rock band.  Manfred Mann had become personally active in the international anti-apartheid movement and was banned from entering his home country of South Africa. Undeterred, members of the band made journeys to South Africa to record African musicians for the album “Somewhere in Afrika“ (which in some ways pre-figured Paul Simon's Graceland). The album included a cover of The Police's "Demolition Man" (sung by Steve Waller) and a version of Bob Marley's "Redemption Song".

Track listing

01.  "Demolition Man"   (Sting)  - 3:40
02.  "Runner"   (Ian Thomas)  - 4:40
03.  "Rebel"   (Reg Laws)  - 3:52
04.  "Eyes of Nostradamus"   (Al Stewart)  - 3:28
05.  "Third World Service"   (Moore)  - 3:24
06.  "Somewhere in Africa"   (Trad arr Mann, Lingwood)  - 1:38
07.  "Tribal Statistics"   (Qunta)  - 4:16
08.  "Lalela"   (Mann, Lingwood)  - 1:31
09.  "Redemption Song (No Kwazulu)"   (Bob Marley)  - 4:11
10.  "Africa Suite"   (Mann, Irving, Lingwood)  - 9:54
        a) "Brothers and Sisters of Africa"   (Mann)  - 3:06
        b) "To Bantustan?"   (Mann)  - 2:36
        c) "Koze Kobenini? (How Long Must We Wait?)"   (Mann, Irving)  - 1:26
        d) "Brothers and Sisters of Azania"   (Mann)  - 2:46

Credits
Manfred Mann - keyboards, synthesisers
John Lingwood - drums, percussion
Steve Waller - vocals, guitar
Chris Thompson - vocals
Matt Irving - bass, programming (MC4)
Shona Laing - vocals
Trevor Rabin - lead guitar

Notes
Producer:  Manfred Mann
Genre:  Progressive rock
Length:  55:59
Label:  Bronze Records

© 1983