In today’s #ttt, I decided to go deep into one of the evergreen albums in highlife that was released before I was born. This album, Aki Special by Prince Nico Mbarga, was released in 1987 and, till today, it is still being played. I often wonder how such music is made and how it manages to last forever.
I first got to know this song from hearing it played often on the radio and by my dad as well. Honestly, I was more familiar with the cover version done by Tilda, and I initially thought she owned the song. It was only one day, when I heard the original version with a male voice being played on the radio, that I decided to check. That was when I found out that Prince Nico Mbarga actually owns the song.
AKI SPECIAL
This is one of the biggest songs on the album, and it is the one I like the most, even though Sweet Mother appears to be the worldwide number one. This song is pure magic. The beats are soothing, they tingle the ears and make one want to dance in a calm, effortless way. The lyrics are just as impressive. I often wonder how these musicians came up with ideas to put together such lines.
Tilda and the Rogers crew did a cover of the song and even made a video for it. I remember watching that video on VCD back then because my dad liked the song so much.
Sweet Mother
This appears to be the most globally recognized song. You really cannot talk about celebrating mothers without mentioning this song. Just last week, a relative approached me to ask for a favor. He wanted me to create a photo reel video of his late mother and specifically requested that I use the Sweet Mother song. You see, many years have passed, yet the song is still highly valued.
Christiana
This song… the intro alone still gives me nostalgia anytime it comes on.
Oh my goodness! How did people from the olden days come up with such masterpieces???
Thanks for reading.
Photo: A screenshot from the YouTube cover