Released January 27, 2017.
Wanna Do My Thing is the first-ever collection of Matata’s complete President recordings, including both albums (remastered from the original tapes) plus a B-side, two previously unissued versions and four tracks recorded later. • Long admired by fans of Afro Funk, Matata were contemporaries of Osibisa, Cymande, Assagai and other black groups from the early 1970s who fused African music with black American funk rhythms. • Schooled in the nightclubs of Kenya, Matata came to the UK in the early 1970s and signed to President Records. Their debut album, Matata – Air Fiesta, was issued in 1972 and promoted by two infectious singles, the Rare Groove classic ‘Wanna Do My Thing’ and 1973’s ‘I Need Somebody’. • Thereafter, Matata temporarily disbanded and returned to Kenya. Eventually, a new line-up of the band convened for a second LP, Independence, which was more heavily indebted to their musical hero James Brown. This time, President lifted ‘I Feel Funky’ and ‘Return To You’ as singles. • Wanna Do My Thing is the first-ever collection of Matata’s complete President recordings, including both albums (remastered from the original tapes) plus a B-side, two previously unissued versions and four tracks recorded later. • Boasts excellent sleeve-notes by Echoes’ John Masouri in conversation with key band member Anwar Richard.