Charismatic singer and saxophonist Gyedu-Blay Ambolley is the missing link in the musical evolution of his native Ghana, linking the highlife of the 50s and 60s with contemporary afrobeat. Control is a reissue of a 1980 album which saw a combination of the brassy swing of the highlife orchestras, the pan-African funk of afrobeat, the relaxing nonchalance of reggae as well as the frivolity of disco, influences we would not be surprised to find elements of on a Wizkid or Fuse ODG record. A veritable tour de force, the Zantoda Mark III group masterfully touches on all these aesthetics, all while ensuring total control of the dancefloor. An accomplished reggaeman (Woye Afofo), charming crooner (Don’t Go) or convincing prophet (The Message), Gyedu-Blay Ambolley rouses his troops and wins every battle. Forty years after its release, Control can’t cheat the dated electronic effects, which could make you smile somewhat, but the level of musical density and richness hasn’t aged a bit. © Benjamin MiNiMuM/Qobuz