Item Description

First released in 2001, Nigeria 70 was a pioneering compilation that delved deeply into Lagos’ vibrant music scene, where local artists blended highlife and traditional rhythms with soul, funk, rock, and jazz. While Western audiences were already acquainted with Fela Kuti, this album highlighted other influential Nigerian musicians and bandleaders of the ’70s: Joni Haastrup, Peter King, Segun Bucknor, Bala Miller, Blo, King Sunny Ade, Tunji Oyelana, and many more. Subsequent volumes continued to explore the rich landscape of Afrobeat, juju, funk, and soul, unearthing a treasure trove of Nigerian tracks.

‘Nigeria 70: The Definitive Story of 1970’s Funky Lagos’ showcases the vibrant diversity of the Lagos scene, reflecting the eclectic musical influences of the time. The compilation includes elements of psychedelic rock, from the heavily fuzzed-out sounds of Ofo & the Black Company’s “Allah Wakbarr” to BLO’s hauntingly serene “Chant to Mother Earth.” The influence of late 1970s and early 80s disco can be heard in tracks like Joni Haastrup’s 1977 “Greetings” and Shina Williams & His African Percussionists’ 1984 electro-funk track “Agboju Logun,” all while maintaining a strong Afrobeat foundation.

Beloved by collectors and dancefloor enthusiasts, Nigeria 70 is rich with soul, humanity, and a broad spectrum of the region’s musical talent. It has inspired a new wave of labels and releases, introducing the 1970s Lagos scene to a new generation of soul, funk, and dance music fans.

This special edition of ‘Nigeria 70: The Definitive Story of 1970’s Funky Lagos’ features the original artwork and liner notes, pressed on translucent green vinyl across 3LPs.