John Ondolo

Tanzanian guitarist John Ondolo recorded a string of singles for independent labels in the late 1950s and early '60s. Unlike most guitarists from the region, Ondolo used open tuning (a favorite of American blues guitarists), creating a hypnotic drone over which he laid down endless rhythmic variations on his main themes. Inspired by the exploding pop music scene in Nairobi, the newest rock and roll imports from the U.S., and the Abakuria tribal music of his youth, Ondolo transposed traditional instruments and rhythms to his guitar, playing it more like a traditional harp at times. This album brings together John Ondolo's rare early 78rpm recordings in the first-ever overview of this innovative but overlooked artist.