VP Records reissues ‘Image Of Africa’

For most reggae fans, The Congos are forever linked to Heart Of The Congos. Released in 1977 and produced by Lee “Scratch” Perry at the Black Ark, it’s one of reggae’s great albums and the record that established the group’s unique sound. Few albums recorded at the Black Ark have had the same lasting impact.

But after that landmark debut, things changed quickly. The Congos were frustrated by the lack of promotion surrounding Heart Of The Congos and decided to produce their next records themselves. With Nadette Duget overseeing the production, they recorded at Harry J’s and Aquarius, resulting in Congo Ashanti and Image Of Africa, both released in 1979.

Neither album could match the debut, which is hardly a criticism when you consider the standard set by Heart Of The Congos. Still, Image Of Africa is interesting because it shows The Congos moving away from the formula that had made their first record so powerful.

Roydell Johnson aka Congo Ashanti Roy, had already left the group to pursue a solo career, leaving Cedric Myton as the lead vocalist. Myton and Watty Burnett handle the backing vocals. The sessions were also captured in the rare 1981 film ‘Jam Down’, making the album part of a fascinating visual record of the group during this period.

Musically, Image Of Africa is considerably more upbeat than Congo Ashanti. But that brighter approach comes at a price. The remarkable three-way vocal harmonies are largely gone, replaced by a more conventional lead-and-choir arrangement. For a group whose greatest strength was its vocal identity, that makes a noticeable difference.

The album also has far less of the extended instrumental and dub passages associated with The Congos’ earlier work. Stay Alive, the closing track, is the notable exception and provides the album with some much-needed space and atmosphere.

Image Of Africa doesn’t come close to Heart Of The Congos, and it isn’t as compelling as Congo Ashanti either. But it’s still an important chapter in The Congos’ story, capturing a group searching for a new direction after producing one of reggae’s undisputed masterpieces.