TRACK OF THE DAY: Anybody with a passing interest in vintage African funk has likely played the Funkees' music. Featured on such relatively high profile compilations as Strut's Nigeria 70, Soundway's Nigeria Special and Luaka Bop's Love's A Real Thing, they've likely had more success in the last decade than in the 70s.
The band was formed in the early 70s and released a few singles in Nigeria before decamping to London, where they recorded three albums and two John Peel sessions. Known as a rock band above all else, they had little background in traditional music, and their arrangements are instantly palatable to prog rock or psychedelic soul fans.
"Slipping Into Darkness" was one of War's greatest hits and the Funkees keep it simple and, well, funky. It was the A-side of one of their Nigerian releases, and the good folks at Paris DJs decided to remaster it and make it available as a free download. This track doesn't herald any new reissue on them, but Paris DJs is always putting together excellent mixes of various African artists to complement their contemporary investigations into Afro-funk.
Download the Funkees' "Slipping Into Darkness" here.
The band was formed in the early 70s and released a few singles in Nigeria before decamping to London, where they recorded three albums and two John Peel sessions. Known as a rock band above all else, they had little background in traditional music, and their arrangements are instantly palatable to prog rock or psychedelic soul fans.
"Slipping Into Darkness" was one of War's greatest hits and the Funkees keep it simple and, well, funky. It was the A-side of one of their Nigerian releases, and the good folks at Paris DJs decided to remaster it and make it available as a free download. This track doesn't herald any new reissue on them, but Paris DJs is always putting together excellent mixes of various African artists to complement their contemporary investigations into Afro-funk.
Download the Funkees' "Slipping Into Darkness" here.