Two CD set. In conjunction with compiler and highlife researcher Dr. Markus Coester, Soundway Records present a very special release. In many ways this compilation is a prequel of sorts to Soundway's groundbreaking Nigeria and Ghana Special compilations, telling the early story of modern highlife's foundation and formulation. It traces the music from West Africa to London, adding elements of jazz, mambo and calypso along the way and paving the way for the afro sounds of the 1970s. Accompanied by a 44 page CD booklet, the notes by Dr. Coester include rare photographs, labels and advert reproductions alongside some stunning and very rare recordings.