Ifetayo (Remastered) by Black Truth Rhythm Band

Soundway presents a remastering of the 1976 album ‘Ifetayo’ by Black Truth Rhythm Band, with the addition of the single ‘Imo’ included on the 1LP.

Soundway presents a long-awaited remaster and re-cut of the 1976 album ‘Ifetayo’ by Black Truth Rhythm Band, an important and overlooked chapter in Trinidad’s rich musical history that blends West African influences with jazz, funk and the incisive social commentary of the calypso tradition.

Led by the charismatic Oluko Imo, the group drew on the strong connections to Yoruba culture and Orisa traditions in Trinidad, looking to Africa for inspiration and reflecting the burgeoning Black Power movement of the time.

Recorded at KH studios in Port of Spain, Ifetayo (Yoruba for ‘Love excels all’) was the group’s sole album release. Imo contributed lead vocals and played bass, kalimba, conga, flute and percussion, channelling music from both sides of the Atlantic into a distinctive and unique slice of Afro Trinidadian expression.
Includes bonus track “Imo” not included on original LP.

Special thanks to Atillah Springer and Merten Kaatz

From the hills of Laventille outside Port of Spain to Lagos via Caracas and Brooklyn, the story of the striking and charismatic leader of Black Truth Rhythm Band is an important part of Trinidad’s music history.