Heavyweight funk from a seven year old? Getdafugouddahea! Francis The Great was the tender age of seven when he recorded vocals for this rare and exquisite piece of Franco-Cameroonian funk in Paris in 1977. His father was behind the production and recruited some of the best musicians of France and the Cameroonian diaspora to lay down some serious funk and avant-garde soul grooves as the foundation to the soulful kid vocals. The result was something completely unique, and something the world hasn't heard since! Check the sound on "Ravissante Baby," a hypnotizing soukous track with incredible guitar work and ample funk to make you shake it up proper. On the flip, "Look Up In The Sky" breaks it down into a heavy soul groove with killer drums, bubbling bass, and psychedelic synth work. Props to Hot Casa for this officially licensed reissue complete with interview with Francis Mbarga himself! Recommended.

• first official reissue of 1977 funk holy grail
• includes interview with Francis Mbarga
• music label: Hot Casa 2015

reviewed by Gichy Stan 03/2015