Dead Men Don't Smoke Marijuana

by Sooliman E. Rogie

Overview

The title of this album proved to be tragically ironic, as the 68-year-old Rogie died shortly before his international debut was released. But if there's any justice in this world, the deceptively simple charms of Dead Men Don't Smoke Marijuana will leave the singer/guitarist from Sierra Leone immortalized by his music. Rogie is a master of palm wine music, which is named for a drink made from the milky white sap of Sierra Leone's palm trees, and the atmospheric, carefree feel of the tunes conjures up images of relaxing times on breezy beaches watching lush, tropical sunsets. Rogie's lilting guitar, backed only by standup bass and subtle percussion, has a rootsy folk-blues feel, while his soothing, buttery baritone caresses you like a warm Caribbean wind. With traditional African call-and-response vocals, the music comes off like a cross between the laid-back island rhythms of reggae, the back-porch vibe of rustic blues, and the spiritual feel of Ladysmith Black Mambazo, making this a sweet, stirring testament to an undeservedly little-known talent. ~ Bret Love

Product Details

Release Date:	08/05/2022
Label:	Real World Records
UPC:	0884108008973
Rank:	77320

Tracks

1. Kpindigbee (Morning, Noon and Night)
2. A Time in My Life
3. Nor Weigh Me Lek Dat (Woman to Woman)
4. Jaimgba Tutu (The Joy of Success)
5. Koneh Pelawoe (Please Open Your Heart)
6. Nyalomei Luange (Love Me My Love)
7. African Gospel
8. Nyalimagotee (The Cornerstone of My Heart)
9. Dieman Noba Smoke Tafee (Dead Men Don't Smoke Marijuana)

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Sooliman E. Rogie   Primary Artist,Vocals (Background),Guitar,Vocals
S.E. Rogie   Primary Artist,Guitar,Vocals,Vocals (Background)
Danny Thompson   Guest Artist,Double Bass
Zozo Shuaibu   Percussion,Bass (Electric),Vocals (Background)
Emile Ogoo   Guitar,Vocals (Background)
Alfred Bannerman   Guitar
Simon Clark   Keyboards

Technical Credits

Mike Coulson   Art Direction
James Cadsky   Mixing Assistant,Assistant Engineer,Assistant Producer
Sooliman Rogers   Composer
Stephen Lovell-Davis   Photography
Sooliman E. Rogie   Composer
Tchad Blake   Producer,Engineer,Mixing
Tony Stiles   Design
Meabh Flynn   Assistant Producer,Assistant Engineer,Mixing Assistant