Rare François N'Gwa works set for release in a re-mastered compilation

The Into The Deep collective launch new re-issue label with compilation of rare gems from François N'Gwa.

Newly launched ‘Into The Deep Treasury’ is an offshoot of the already established ‘Into The Deep label’ based out of Paris, France. While the latter imprint focuses on deep house and techno work, the new project is aimed at unearthing timeless and hard to find world music - into which it breathes new life, in the process opening it up to new audiences.

François N'Gwa is a Gabonese musician, producer and sound engineer based in France, and this album represents an anthology of his output. The LP, entitled ‘Ogouée’, contains re-mastered and restored versions of eight tracks that N’Gwa recorded between 1985 and 2004. The compilation is pressed on 180 gram vinyl, and this is the first time the tracks have appeared together in one collection.

We were very happy indeed when the promo pack for this arrived at our HQ, not least because it contains ‘N’Gondjet’ - a cut that has long been in the wants-list of our digging partner, Cosmic Benji -as well as the delightful ‘N’Kene’. It’s these favourites we’ve chosen to preview here.

First up we have ‘N’Gondjet’. First released in 1986, the original version isn’t easy to find. The music is fantastically upbeat, hypnotic call and response vocals march on over a striking rhythm track, as Soukous inspired guitar licks hold the groove, and cheeky synth lines permeate.

‘N’Kene’ appeared on 1990 alum ‘N’Kang’, and was also released on a super-rare and highly prized 7” on Buda Records. It’s the full album version presented here. Rich e-piano and deep bass provide a somewhat soothing bedrock for the lively vocal, garnished with exotic panpipes and building to an energetic sax solo.