Strut Records is still the reliable Royal Purveyor of Quality African Music. Remember their releases by Mulatu Astatke, Ebo Taylor or more recently Orlando Julius. Enter: Pat Thomas, the charismatic Ghanaian singer who once rightfully laid claim to the title of ‘The Golden Voice of Africa’. He dove into the studio with old musical friends like afrobeat drummer Tony Allen and guitarist Ebo Taylor, emerging with a gem of an album.

The result: glorious high life (Ghanaian music with Western influences), funk and afrobeat. He'll also be heading out on the road with it, supported by the Kwashibu Area Band that includes members of Patrice, Ebo Taylor and The Poets of Rhythm (just call it the German Dap-Kings). Ready for a steamy party?