Nigeria Rock Special: Psychedelic Afro-Rock & Fuzz Funk in 1970's Nigeria

This is the second installment of my Wachuu Know?? mixtape compilation. This one hones in on the sounds outside our borders made to expand the reach of your ears and your mind. Been appreciating these tunes through the last two years, compiling, vibin, vibin, flowin, vibin, and vibin.  Press play and lay back with it, sample it, loop it up, chop it up, or do a cover. Adaptable to be played in any environment long as yur hearts eye is open. PEACE JA.

The Wings- Odenigbo

The Elcados - Ku Mi Da Hankan

More Bread To The People

2015 seemed like a whirlwind for the band Undergrünnen. That’s not surprising, because the music the band are making often feels like an uncontrollable force which pulls and tears at you until you no longer can avoid letting the band devour you entirely. 

When we summarize the past year, this band from Haugesund is unavoidable. Their eponymous debut album was critically acclaimed by everyone, and the newspaper Dagbladet named «Skjønne Du Ingenting» their fifth best song of 2015. At the close of the year, they were nominated for the Norwegian «Grammy», Spellemannprisen, in the category “best rock album of the year”. Not exactly undeserved, if we’re being modest.

We quote Dagbladet: «The Haugesund band blend primitive rock, garage rock, afro beat and kraut rock. The power trio’s suggestive music has a wild drive, and you’re carried away whether you want it or not. Do you see?»

Undergrünnen still see no reason to rest on their laurels, and already now you get two brand new songs, plus a remix, on their forthcoming «Ørkesløs Fryd EP». They continue to pour out psychedelic garage rock, inspired by African steppes and German kraut rock clubs. The songs are chock-full of steroids and combustible explosives, while the band as usual take off in a wild pace. That’s Undergrünnen in a nutshell, and that’s what you’re being served on this EP. The song ”Adieu” was originally recorded by the Nigerian band Ofege on their excellent album ”Higher Plane Breeze” from 1977. 

Said about Undergrünnen:
5/6 ”a hectic, energetic kind of rock'n'roll, with guitar playing that reminds you of intense jazz, and with rhythms that have been travelling in Africa… Undergrünnen is first and foremost an overall expression that intrudes and impresses with its intense conviction.” - Dagsavisen

5/6 ”This combination of a fast pace, a good noise factor, riotous rhythms and a churlish musical behaviour is extremely energetic and absorbing.” – Bergens Tidende

9/10 ”Undergrünnen is the most exciting thing that’s happened to Norwegian guitar-based music in 2015.” –Ny Musikk Hver Dag

«Ørkesløs Fryd EP» will be released on 11 March by Jansen Plateproduksjon.


Omoba D'eru Ri

Tunji Oyelana