Bonjo started in the ’70s as a session hand percussionist with groups like the Foundations and Desmond Dekker, played for a few years with Creation Rebel, and became a band leader in 1980, first recording a bit as Noah House of Dread, then joining with British producer Adrian Sherwood to create African Head Charge, which has had more than 20 releases, all recorded with percussion (and maybe chanting) first, and then psychedelic synth, bass, and other instruments added. More at africanheadcharge.bandcamp.com.

We discuss “Microdosing” and listen to “A Bad Attitude” from A Trip to Bolgatanga (2023), “Fear of a Man God” from Voodoo of the Godsent (2011), “Orderliness, Godliness, Discipline and Dignity” from Songs of Praise (1990), and “Children of Misery” by Noah House of Dread from Heart (1980). Intro: “Stebani’s Theme” from My Life in A Hole in the Ground (1981).

Watch the video for “Bad Attitude” and one for “Microdosing.” Watch a whole African Head Charge live show from 2017. Here they are playing some live reggae (with Adrian!). Here’s a live version of “Stebani’s Theme,” and here’s the full studio version. AHC’s most popular song according to Spotify is “Dub Some More.” Listen to the post-album single that’s the most popular thing for Noah’s House of Dread, “Stand Firm.”

Audio editing by Tyler Hislop.

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