SONG OF THE DAY The Funkees – Break Through

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Afro-rock groovers, The Funkees formed in Nigeria in the late 1960’s, emerging at a time when their country was at civil war.

Specialising in a brand of funky, upbeat afro-rock dance music, their sound became a staple part of the Nigerian psychedelic rock scene, paving the way for artists such as Fela Kuti to follow in the early 70’s.

The Funkees were not alone in pioneering this new sound and many guitar-driven psych bands sprung up in Nigeria during the years leading up to 1970, all of which were heavily influenced by The Doors, Santana, Jimi Hendrix, Jefferson Airplane and James Brown.  Born out of this movement was a new style of psychedelic afro-rock and fuzz-funk!

I first heard The Funkees Breakthrough on a great compilation album by Soundway Records called, The World Ends: Afro Rock & Psychedelia in 1970’s Nigeria, and if you like today’s song, it’s definitely worth exploring the other 31 funk-laden tracks.  I love the uniqueness of this music, it’s an exciting melting pot of sound embracing a fusion of styles that defies geography and time!  Listen above and see what you think!