Ofege – The Last of the Origins – New LP

Ofege was formed in the early 1970s by a bunch of teenagers at the St. Gregory’s College in Lagos Nigeria. They were largely influenced by the guitar solos of Carlos Santana, Jeff Beck & Jimmy Page while closer to home, they were influenced by the music of ‘BLO’ (Berkley Jones, Laolu Akins and Mike Odumosu), ‘Monomono’ (led by Joni Haastrup), The Funkees, and Ofo The Black Company. Due to their vibrant combo of sweet harmonies, hooks & fuzz, Ofege would become one of the most legendary Nigerian groups of all time, with expressive sales and national stardom. At the turn of the century (and because of tracks appearing on various psychedelic music compilations) Ofege would receive international acknowledgment for being the first of their kind and the ultimate West-African psychedelic funk band!  Their debut album (Try And Love, EMI 1973) was recorded while the band members were still in high school (average age of 16) … their follow up ‘The Last Of The Origins’ (Recorded in 1975 and released on EMI in 1976) took some years to come out because some band members had to finish school first. ‘The Last Of The Origins’ is an exceptional record with a deep psychedelic approach. Complex rhythm sections, African inspirations, huge breaks, wah wah guitars and cosmic synths …it’s all there! Easily one of the best Afro-funk albums recorded in Nigeria in the 70s.

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Tidal Waves Music now proudly presents the first ever official reissue of this rare Nigerian album (original copies tend to go for large amounts on the secondary market). Now finally back available as a limited vinyl edition released exclusively for Record Store Day Black Friday. Comes with the original artwork by Yomi Osunfisan (Fela Kuti) and exclusive liner notes/pictures provided by Ofege’s founding member ‘Melvin Ukachi’ who also supervised this reissue.

Recorded At – EMI Studios Lagos Remixed At – Abbey Road Studios Distributed By – Light In The Attic Bass Guitar, Vocals – Paul Alade Congas – Philly Foxxy Design [Finish], Artwork – Babalola Alves Design, Art Direction – Yomi Osunfisan Drums, Vocals, Percussion – M-Ike Meme Engineer [Recording] – E. Odenusi*, K. Salami*, M. Oki* Engineer [Remix] – J. Barrett* Engineer [Remix], Effects [Violin] – J. Kurlander* Guitar [1st] – Berkly Jones* Guitar [2nd] – Olushoga Benson Keyboards – Dapo Olumide Photography By – Mac Duama Producer – Odion Iruoje Rhythm Guitar, Lead Vocals, Percussion – Melvin Noks* Strings, Synthesizer [Violin Effect] – Francis Monkman Synthesizer [Moog] – Johnny Wood* Vocals, Gong – Filix Inneh* Limited to 1000 copies (with obi strip). Released exclusively for Record Store Day - Black Friday 2018. Available in participating stores on November 23, 2018 (Black Friday). Originally released on EMI (Nigeria) in 1976. First vinyl reissue since 1976. Comes with insert containing liner notes by founding member Melvin Ukachi. All Songs composed by Ofege & Melvin Ukachi. Licensed from Melvin Ukaschi ©1976. This reissue ©2018 Tidal Waves Music. All Rights reserved. Unauthorized copying, duplication or rental of this recording and its visual contents is a violation of applicable laws.