Africa's Lost Vinyl Record Factory

by Gordon Wallis

Embark on an extraordinary journey with this captivating true tale of Africa's forgotten vinyl record factory. Unveil the thrilling discovery of a fully functional facility, concealed for two decades in the heart of a desolate industrial site. A rare opportunity arises as vinyl experiences a global resurgence, igniting a daring plan for a vinyl revival dream. But this mission is no walk in the park. The factory's owner is a formidable adversary, and corrupt officials cast a shadow over the endeavour. Will the audacious plan triumph? Can the once-silent machines sing again, or will they remain lost to the passage of time? Prepare for an adrenaline-fueled adventure filled with wild elephant encounters, daring robberies, and near-death escapades as the colossal machines are painstakingly rescued from their dusty resting place, their journey leading them to a new life in Europe. Experience the raw passion for music as the pursuit of vinyl perfection unfolds in its most authentic and thrilling form. This gripping account is a must-read for ANYONE who loves music. Don't miss out on this incredible odyssey—grab your discounted copy now!

Genres: Music

78 pages, Paperback

Published October 1, 2021

Reviews

[John Spiller · Rating 3 out of 5]

While there is a 60+ page count, this seems to be the length of a long-form article for The New Yorker. Wallis gives his account of selling a vinyl record plant located in Zimbabwe. On Ebay. When he didn't actually own the plant nor had he notified the owner that listed the plant for sale. Under these circumstances, it is remarkable that the sale was consummated at all. Perhaps a more accurate title might have been "Things to Do In Zimbabwe When You Are Buying a Record Pressing Plant".

[Mac · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very short - more of a longform than a book, and more about the ins and outs of a non-traditional business deal in Africa than records. Just didn't feel it. Glad the presses are up and running, at least.

[Thomas Schulte · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a brief and fascinating account of finding and selling a Zimbabwe record plant to European buyers. Coordination has to be done with an unreliable, unpredictable partner. The Neumann Cutting Lathe was the gem in the collection and it is interesting that the author apparently never seriously considered selling it separately, considering all the difficulty in moving the entire plant. There are maybe more possibilities like this on the African continent and I would be glad to read another such memoir.

[Sebastian · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is rather an article in the style of Rolling Stone magazine than a full-grown book. Yet, it's still quite entertaining in its anecdotal way of storytelling. I was expecting more information or history about the actual pressing plant and less "episodes from a business trip to Zimbabwe", but those parts add to the full picture of the sales process, anyway.

[Mark Potts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating story.