Prestigious london-based label Strut releases the first new volume in their pioneering ‘Nigeria 70’ series for over 8 years: No Wahala: Highlife, Afro-Funk & Juju (1973-1987)
Curated by collector and DJ Duncan Brooker, this new edition brings together rare Highlife, Afro-funk and Juju from the ‘70s and early ‘80s. It highlights a creative period in Nigeria when these established styles became infused with elements of Western jazz, Soul and Funk.
Brooker places the spotlight particularly on some of the incredible Ukwuani musicians from the Delta State region as guitarist Rogana Ottah and Steady Arobby’s International Brothers Band forged their own fluid brand of Highlife and soulman Don Bruce drew on the R&B. It also the album explores the close connection between Nigeria and Benin’s music, namely through Sir Victor Uwaifo’s music.
This new selection of tracks is receiving its first international release outside of Nigeria. It features 12 never reedited tracks. Following its former editions, Nigeria 70 keeps on furthering its work on bringing these hidden gems to the world. «No Wahala» translates to “no problem” in pidgin, and this release definitely seems to not have any.
No Wahala: Highlife, Afro-Funk & Juju 1973-1987 , out on March 29th – on CD, 2LP and all digital platforms
