From Maurice’s 1985 Solo Release, “Children Of Afrika”

From Maurice’s 1985 solo release, here’s the track “Children Of Afrika.”

Maurice:
…I became excited about doing a solo record. I felt no strain or urgency, nothing that would encourage my high-strung nature. I felt free, as if I were at the beginning of a new romance. With Martin Page and Brian Fairweather, I felt I was on to something different energetically and creatively. I knew for sure that I didn’t want to use the Complex to record my solo record. I had to break out of the inertia of the EW&F world. I did a lot of recording at Soundcastle Studios in the Silver Lake area of LA, all the way in the northeast part of town…

I recruited some great musicians for the record.

I didn’t criticize Columbia at the time, but I did feel they could have done a more across-the-board campaign – a less segregated approach to the promotion of my album.

Of course I was disappointed with that album’s lack of success, but I am proud of it. Still, I was more hurt than I ever let on. I wish I had done a few more solo records.

– Maurice White. My Life With Earth, Wind & Fire, by Maurice White with Herb Powell, 2016.

“Children Of Afrika”
Written by Maurice, Martin Page, Peter Wolf

Produced by Maurice
Associate Producers: Martin Page, Brian Fairweather
Arranged by Peter Wolf, Martin Page

Maurice: Lead Vocals, Kalimba, Warrior Chants
David Williams: Guitar
Abraham Laboriel: Bass
Peter Wolf: Keyboards, Synthesizer, Drum Programming, Warrior Chants
Vinnie Colaiuta: Drums
Martin Page: Warrior Chants
Background Vocals: Maurice, Martin Page, Maxine Willard, Julia Tillman, Marva Holcolm, The Neighborhood Choir