Africa Riddim – King Jam

Austere and late-’70s to the bone, Africa Riddim comes through as a compact King Jam set cut in 1979 with Bunny Hylton handling the production and arrangement. The line-up is lean but tidy: Early B twice over with “History” and “Shirley, ” Errol Dunkley on “A Little Bit Of Loving” and “Love Like This, ” John Holt on “Never Gonna Give You Up, ” plus True Facts on “See Me Yah Now, ” before the version closes it out. It’s the kind of roots pattern that leans on a steady one-drop feel, warm bass weight, and a restrained guitar chop rather than any flashy studio tricks, letting the singers ride the groove without crowding it. John Holt’s cut is the obvious anchor, but the whole set keeps a dry, rolling cadence and a patient bassline that does most of the talking.