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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZHI-LIFE INTERNATIONALAfrican 6-7 piece band playing a refined blend of highlife, soukous and kwela styles, formed in London '82 by Ghanian guitarist Kwabena Oduru- Kwarteng (ex-Ranchis), with Kofi Adu on drums (ex-Boombaya, Ojah Band, Alpha Waves, Pigbag), Sam Asley on congas (ex-Sonkofa and Aklowa cutural troupes), Herman Asafo-Agyei on bass (ex-Bassa-Bassa), Stu Hamer on trumpet (ex-Dizzy Gillespie), South African Frank Williams on saxophone. First LP Travel And See '83 on Sterns captured a band already exciting dance fans in UK before living up to its name with European tours. Music To Wake The Dead '84 in USA on Rounder; Nawa For You '85 on Sterns incl. single "Come To Africa'. Played several festivals '85 incl. International Youth Year celebrations in Greece; also underwent personnel changes, Williams leaving to form Kintone, a more jazz-oriented outfit (debut LP Going Home '85 on Sterns). The band was often joined onstage by Alfred Bannerman, guitar virtuoso from Osibisa. |