Balmy, slow disco pressure from South Africa, 1983, dishing up Kumasi’s charming and only album on its first reissue. Just like Smiling C’s previous treats from Morocco’s Shams Dinn and Czech act Karya, the label peer beyond the usual hotspots to find precious blooms in early ‘80s SA, which, to be totally fair, is hardly under-regarded for its contributions to dance music.

‘I Know You Feel It’ packs that South African zulu je ne sais quoi in each part, from the strolling bassline and natty drum fills of ‘Anomakoliwa’, thru the plush synth-funk chops and harmonised vox of ‘She’s A Queen’ and the soulful dip of ‘What’s On Your Mind’, to the warm embrace of the title cut and the winking, wobbly strut of ‘Picnic (Moger)’ with its pealing sax and saucy bassline.

Kumasi was a group comprised of Ray Phiri, Jabu Sibumbe, Isaac Mtshali and Lloyd Lelosa. Sometime between their formation as The Cannibals (*needing reissues*) and the almighty group Stimela, Kumasi released one album and a couple of singles. The artists had contracts under Gallo and couldn't reveal that they were linked to the music in any way, leading Kumasi to have only a brief mysterious run in the early 80s.

But the secret's out! This release presents a collection of five songs from their incredibly rare full length LP, and adds to that their version of the South African classic, 'Picnic'. Pressed as a 2x12' compilation, sounding incredible! Kumasi brings a unique blend of disco funk with that special South African tinge.

Ray Phiri died in 2017 - this album goes out in his dedication.

*Release has four variations of the Protea flower sticker*