Pasteur Lappe
"Na Man Pass Man"

Following on from the Pasteur Lappe compilation "African Funk Experimentals" LP, we are really pleased to be re-visiting Pasteur with a repress of his second album from 1979, "Na Man Pass Man".
The story begins in the 60s with a charming 19 year old Nicolas "Pasteur" Lappe becoming a sensation on Radio Adele in Douala, Cameroun. He goes on to become the editor of the Douala Gazette newspaper and become friends with other African music stars such as Tala AM, J Moboule and Fela Kuti. He also works tirelessly promoting new and upcoming local Cameroonian talent. After moving to Paris, a stint in journalism school and publishing a book of poems "Chansons Negres" he finally settles into a new life of music in Paris.
His second album "Na Man Pass Man" is made in 1979 with the backing band and production collective called the Zulu Gang, which include Douglas Mbida (who went on to release several top flight albums himself) and Jacob Desvariaux (who went on to form Kassav). The album is full of diverse sounds; from driving funk, sweeping disco grooves, syrupy ballads, reggae, Jackson-five-esque pop to finger-lickin' soul. At its core though is the custom "Sekele" groove... a movement to encompass the dance, grooves and vibes from his native Douala.
The album opens with Africa Seven favourite "Na Real Sekele Fo' Ya" which takes stabby moog bass synth to a whole new level of grooviness. "Follow Me To My Dreams" takes proceedings on a reggae tip as the Zulu Gang show us just how Reggae they can go. Its sleezy Rhodes and sax led jazz funk of "Mbale". Followed by "Missosi" a cautionary tale from our hero.
Side B opens with another slice of slick African Reggae with "Babette D'O (Rastawoman)" – the Caribbean chops of Jacob Desvariaux getting a full exercise here. Its then "Back To Funky" with some dance funk. It features Maryse Lappe guesting on vocals too. The "Lead" track from the album "ABC" is next with its stomping afro, pop funk delightfulness. A 12" version was actually released in 1979 with a fine painting of our hero on the front cover. We close off the LP with the title track "Na Man Pass Man (Na Iron De Cut)". This features Pasteur singing and professing his tale of the trials of Africans and African Music over a rolling bass guitar groove.
The nostalgic poet, with Africa at his essence Pasteur Lappe, we salute you.

All words and music by Pasteur Lappe.
Vocal arrangements: Pasteur Lappe.
Rhythms arrangements: Jacob Des Varieux
Horns arrangements: Pasteur Lappe / Jacob Des Varieux
I dedicate this album to the ZULU GANG without whom my past and present music would not be possible. Salute to their "maggic feeling"! Special shanke hand to these hard-workers gentlemen, J.D. Varieux and G. NAHAS. Them know their Thang! Thanks associated to: Brigitte LEMERY, Marie-Marcelle CARROUGES, "DONNY" E. NGOCK, Danny D...and you too, the fans, for your listening pleasure! Love to all the peacemakers into the world!!!
Christophe Zadire : Roaring and funk peak bass
Jacob Des Varieux - Master guitars stimulation
Douglas Mbida : Afro guitars
Philippe Drai : Drums & percus explotation
Douglas Mbida - Piano fender clavinet push
Robert Jambamains : Arp, moog & polymoog experience
Jimmy "Sax" Mvondo
Alain Hatot
Cako
Alex Pardigon : Saxes, trumpets & trombones assault
Maryse Cremieux
Chantal Curtis
Carol Rowley
The Zulu Gang : Backing vocals inspiration
Gabriel Nahas
Daniel Durand : Sound
Gabriel Nahas : Mixing
Maurice : Assistant
Recorded at:
Johanna Studio (Bagnolet) - France
I.H.P. studio (Courbevoie) - France
Mixed at:
Johanna
Published by Copyright Control.
Restored & Remastered by Eugene @ Cromon Tor.
Audio Restoration @ Tiger Bright Studios (www.tigerbright.net).
Special thanks to Ken Yatta.
(P) 2017 Africa Seven
(C) 1979 Disques Esperance
www.africaseven.com