Ofege

Ofege was formed in the early 1970s by a bunch of teenage hippies at the prestigious St. Gregory's College in the Obalende area of Lagos Nigeria. Ofege was largely influenced by the guitar solos of Carlos Santana, Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page, Francis Rossi, and the criss-cross rhythms of Osibisa. At home, they were influenced by the music of ‘BLO’ (Berkley Jones, Laolu Akins and Mike Odumosu), ‘Monomono’ (led by Joni Haastrup), The Funkees, and Ofo The Black Company. Comband Razor said "It's clear that for Ofege, songs were largely incidental, little more than excuses to launch into insane, distorted guitar solos. It's also very clear that they smoked a lot of weed." Their first album was recorded while the band members were still in high school (average age of 16), Ofege’s debut album "Try And Love" was originally recorded and released in 1973 and overdubbed by Berkley Jones' guitar. Due to their vibrant combo of sweet harmonies, hooks & fuzz, they would become one of the most legendary Nigerian groups of all time, with impressive sales and national stardom.
However, with only four albums released until 1978 and no recognition outside Nigeria, Ofege’s short career would only be rediscovered with the turn of the century.
"The Last Of The Origins" is a great funk-rock record with a rather psychedelic approach. The rhythm section is attractive and complex and has African inspirations. The lyrics aren’t particlulary inspired, but the drive is incredible, and they draw attention to instrumental parts wherever they can. The psychedelic organ takes care of the mind-losing groove, while fuzz guitars soar and improvise. The 60s influenced vocals can be reminiscent of the Stones, or just leave themselves flooding with the psychedelic drive.
It took some years before other albums appeared since some band members still had to finish university.
Its Members included;
Melvin Noks: Lead Vocals/Rhythm.
Paul Alade: Bass Guitar.
Mike Meme: Drums.
Soga Benson: Lead/Solo Guitar.
Felix Ijeh: Rhythm/Tenor Guitar.
Dapo Olumide: Keyboards.
Felix Inneh: Percussionist.