***BACK IN STOCK!!! The story of West African big-band Highlife is the story of West African independence itself. This popular fusion of African roots and Western music, ruled the dance floors of Nigeria and Ghana prior to 1970 Afrobeat explosion. Rooted in traditional church music, African song forms, sea shanties and military brass bands, Highlife became the soundtrack for a country freeing itself from the shackles of an empire. The jazzy, horn-heavy rhythms of Highlife brought a divided people together, helping to bridge the gaps, and heal the scars of a West Africa reborn. Vampi Soul has scoured the record crates of Lagos to bring a compilation that captures not only the political repercussions, but the sure joy inherent in this craze of 1960s African dance floors. This 2-disc set features tracks by High Life legends like Accra, Roy Chicago, Rex Lawson, and Dr. Victor Olaiya. Features liner notes by African music authority JOHN ARMSTRONG.