The Funkees

Biography

The Funkees were a pioneering Nigerian Afro-rock band formed in the late 1960s in Eastern Nigeria, emerging from the post-Nigerian Civil War era (ending 1970) as an army band in Aba. Founded by guitarist and lead singer Harry Mosco, the group initially performed covers of Western artists like the Beatles, Fela Kuti, Aretha Franklin, Rolling Stones, and Elvis Presley, while quickly gaining fame for their electrifying live shows sung in Igbo and English that matched the energy of Lagos acts like MonoMono and BLO[1][2][3]. Blending afrobeat, highlife, funk, and rock with gritty guitar riffs, robust polyrhythms, and bilingual lyrics, they created a danceable sound that kept Eastern Nigeria's dance floors alive[1][3][5].

In 1973, The Funkees relocated to London, where their fierce performances opened for international acts like Kool & The Gang, Osibisa, and Fatback Band, earning acclaim among West African and Caribbean expatriates[2][3]. They released two landmark studio albums: Point of No Return (1974), featuring gritty Afrobeat cuts, and Now I’m A Man (1976), which leaned into funk-rock with tracks like the title empowerment jam and the prog-infused instrumental '303'[2][3]. Core members included Harry Mosco (guitar/vocals), Chyke Madu (drums/vocals), Jake N. Sollo (guitar/organ/vocals), Mohammed Ahidjo (vocals/percussion), and Sonny Akpabio (congas)[3].

The band's legacy endures through rediscovery via compilations like Dancing Time: The Best of Eastern Nigeria's Afro Rock Exponents 1973-77 (2012) and The World Ends: Afro Rock & Psychedelia in 1970s Nigeria (2010), influencing future Nigerian artists and inspiring modern dance floors with their optimistic, groove-heavy sound[3][5].

Fun Facts

• Started as a military army band in Aba, Nigeria, right after the 1969-1970 civil war, rising from post-war ashes to keep dance floors alive[1][3].
• Percussionist Sonny Akpabio later joined Eddie Grant’s (of 'Electric Avenue' fame) 1980s band after The Funkees[2].
• Their 2016 reissue of Now I’m A Man lacks liner notes or credits and now fetches up to $100 on Discogs[2].
• Opened for Kool & The Gang, Osibisa, and Fatback Band in London, transitioning from covers to original Afro-rock hits[2][3].

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Fela Kuti - Stylistic influence in afrobeat rhythms and energy (Covered his songs early on; their polyrhythms echoed his style) [Late 1960s-1970s]

Key Collaborators

• Harry Mosco - Founder, lead singer, and guitarist (All albums including Point of No Return (1974), Now I’m A Man (1976)) [Late 1960s-1976]
• Chyke Madu - Drummer and singer (Point of No Return (1974), Now I’m A Man (1976)) [Late 1960s-1976]
• Jake N. Sollo - Guitarist, organist, and singer (Point of No Return (1974), Now I’m A Man (1976)) [Late 1960s-1976]
• Mohammed Ahidjo - Singer and percussionist (Now I’m A Man (1976)) [1970s]
• Sonny Akpabio - Conga player and percussionist (Point of No Return (1974); later played in Eddie Grant’s band) [Late 1960s-1970s]
• Kool & The Gang - Opened for them in London (Live performances) [1973-1976]
• Osibisa - Opened for them in London (Live performances) [1973-1976]

Artists Influenced

• William Onyeabor - Paved the way with their unique Afro-rock fusion (N/A) [1970s onward]
• Orlando Julius - Paved the way with their unique Afro-rock fusion (N/A) [1970s onward]
• Ebo Taylor - Paved the way with their unique Afro-rock fusion (N/A) [1970s onward]
• !!! (Chk Chk Chk) - Based dance tracks on Funkees' slinky funk like 'Dance With Me' (Much of their output) [2000s-2020s]

External Links

• Spotify