Wah Wah 45s present the first of two very special cover versions from our beloved Afro-electronic duo, Raz & Afla. Having recently released their sophomore LP, Echoes Of Resistance, to great acclaim and support ranging from Nick Grimshaw on BBC 6 Music to Tash LC on BBC Radio 1, the pair offer up their version of a classic piece of music that has become a mainstay in their live sets, and means a lot to them personally, as Raz Olsher explains:
“We love this song. The lyrics resonate with us, talking about the meaning of connection to a land and its people. The history of this song is also fascinating, from Hugh Masekela and Orlando Julius through Odyssey and Richie Havens. We wanted to give it our own flavour. You can’t choose your heritage and where you are born. It is always a part of you and we like to celebrate that.”
Written and first recorded by Lamont Dozier in 1977, Going Back To My Roots was famously covered by Richie Havens in 1980 before becoming a huge crossover hit when interpreted by disco outfit Odyssey in 1981. It’s that version that provides the inspiration for the artwork on this release, courtesy of designer Michael Sallit, but musically Raz & Afla very much give their take their own unique dance floor feeling. It’s a version which has already been receiving early support from Craig Charles on BBC 6 Music.
Reactions & Radio Play
Radio play from Lauren Laverne (BBC 6 Music), Craig Charles (BBC 6 Music), DJ Spoony (BBC Radio 2), Aly Gillani (Bandcamp Selects), Jazz FM, DJ Ritu (Resonance FM), Radio Reverb, Selector Radio, Amazing Dance, Source 96.1FM, EiTBGaztea, KZ Radio Israel, KEXP FM USA, Amazing Radio, Black Cat Radio, Music Galaxy Radio, Release Radio, Soul City Radio (UK).
Added to New Dance 2025 on Youtube
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“It’s just one of those ones that you’ve got to dance when you hear it! It’s definitely gonna be in my DJ sets this year, I’ll tell you that!“ Craig Charles (BBC 6 Music)
“They say, ‘We want to give it our own flavour.’ Job done!” Lauren Laverne (BBC 6 Music)
“Am a fan of these two!” Robbie Vincent (Jazz FM, UK)
“Nice one!” Osunlade (Yoruba Soul, USA)
“Awesome.” Kate Hutchinson (Worldwide FM, UK)
“Fab!” DJ Ritu (Resonance FM)
“Nice remake of a classic!” DJ Angola (Wonderwheel, USA)
“Potential Selector Radio airplay.” Hayley Clarke (The Selector, UK)
“SOME boogie Cover … Partay!” DJ Soulist (Souleance, France)
“Great version!” Martijn Barkhuis (Jazzrdeville, Netherlands)
“Love it.” Markus Tone (Beatkollktiv, Berlin, Germany)
“I like the Covers…creative. Well done!!!” Cesare Cera (Radio Bologna Uno, Italy)
“FULL support here.” Michael Stukes (WHCR 90.3FM, USA)
“Respectful version of a timeless classic.” Rene Josquin (Format Analog, Germany)
“Dope!!!” DJ Makala (Global Funkers, Spain)
“Love it!!” Veronique Prebolin (Radio Krimi, France)
“Classic version of a true classic.” Mans Stromberg (Radio Helsinki, Finland)
“Nice cover version!” Sven Thomschke (Radio Z 95.8FM, Germany)
“Great version!” Dob Marzov (Radio Varna, Bulgaria)
“The house / African vibe to this version is really nice, it’s a lovely version. It’s really nice track to cover and can have meaning for a lot of people and they can connect with the song especially as familiarity with the old versions / covers. Great job I’ll support.” DJ Nelito (Power FM, Netherlands)
“Solid.” Lorenzo Aldino (Jockey Club Ibiza, Spain)
“What an interesting Afro disco vibe remake for 2025! Nice!!” Raj Selli (Solar Radio, UK)
“Nice one!” Mark Neustadt (Kölncampus, Cologne, Germany)
“Good track.” MP Marcus (Choice FM, UK)
“Wow! Really good cover ready to rock the dance floors!!” Enrique Domenech (Freeform, Spain)
“Uplifting!” Amrisa Prashar (Radar Radio, UK)
“Cover!!!” Olivier Cavaller (De La Bonne Musique, France)
“A killer cover version.” Amar Kabouche (Fauve Radio, Hong Kong)
“Great dance piece….there’s a nice touch of exhilaration in there.” DJ Nigel Wood (Dublin City FM, Ireland)
“GREAT COVER VERSION.” Robert Lochmann (Radio X, Germany)
“Nice version from Raz & Afla. On playlist Diggers Radio.” Diggers Radio (France)
“Love these guys.” DJ Snuff (Universal Magnetic B-Boys, UK)
“Nice one!” Karsten John (Vinyl Vibes, Germany)
“Absolutely magnificent!” Steve KIW (Balearic Assassins, UK)
“Great take on a classic.” Rado Tomek (Radio FM, Slovakia)
“Fantastic this – Love it.” Jon Brent (Dusk Dubs, UK)
“Nice version of a classic!!!” Markus Miltz (Radio Corax 95.9FM, Germany)
“Will be playing on my “Random Jukebox” show.” Karl Phillips (Random Jukebox, UK)
“Nice one!” DJ Junior (Record Breakin’, USA)
“Great!” Jim Wood (8 Track Music, UK)
“VERY NOICE.” Jim McMaster (TNGC Radio, USA)
“Swingy!” Chris Greenwood (Louie Louie, UK)
“Nicely done peeps!” Cal Gibson (Secret Soul Society, UK)
“The perfect groove. Looking forward to playing it LOUD at the Magic Garden late tomorrow night.” Jamie Renton (Chilli Fried, UK)
“There’s always room in my collection for another version of one of my absolute favourite dance/disco tunes. Add to this the fact that it’s Raz & Afla hitting the version excursion with their trademark hi-energy feel, well it’s got to be a no-brainer. This is up there with Odyssey imho. Long version only please! Praise indeed ;)” Drummie Dave (Tropica! UK)
“Great version.” Gerry Hectic (You And The Music, UK)
