Evolution - Bring Back The Ofege Beat

Melvin Ukachi needs little introduction, the Lagos (Nigeria) based vocalist and bandleader is a living legend. Melvin is known for his fantastic solo albums, his vocals for the afrobeat star-groups M.F.B. and Ozzobia...but his biggest legacy is without a doubt him being the singer and bandleader of Ofege.

Melvin formed Ofege in the early 1970s (when he and the other band members were all still a bunch of teenagers). Due to their vibrant combo of sweet harmonies, hooks and fuzz, Ofege would become one of the most legendary Nigerian groups of all time, with expressive sales and national stardom to follow. At the turn of the century (and because of tracks appearing on various compilations) Ofege would receive international acknowledgment for being the first of their kind and the ultimate West-African psychedelic funk band!

Melvin Ukachi recorded four milestone albums with Ofege: Try and Love (1973) The Last of The Origins (1976), Higher Plane Breeze (1977) and How Do You Feel (1978). When the Ofege story came to an end, Melvin recorded two astonishing solo albums: Evolution-Bring Back The Ofege Beat (1981) and I Am Ok (1985). Both of his solo recordings have now become much sought-after holy grails for collectors and fans alike.

On the album, Evolution-Bring Back The Ofege Beat the listener is treated to the trademark Ofege sound (as the title of the record obviously suggests). Next to the rootsy and raw Ofege sound, we’re shown a perfect glimpse of the late ’70s afrobeat works combining soul, jazzy rhythms, William Onyeabor style synths and fluid boogie-danceability.