Orlando Julius- Super Afro Soul
(Vampi Soul VAMPI CD091)
From Aural Innovations #38 (Jan 2008)
Orlando Julius, also known as OJ Ekemode, was one of the front line musicians in the Lagos, Nigeria music scene in the 60’s along with Fela Kuti. The early material, which is featured on this CD (from 1966-1972) features his unique version of African Highlife music. The early material on here is pure highlife jazz but the later material sees the band venture into a cooler area of soul and funk mixed with highlife. I had never heard this stuff before but I remember seeing OJ Ekemode and the Nigerian All-stars live at the Ashkenaz Club in Berkeley, California in 1991 and I have three of his 90’s records (Dance Afro Beat, We pray for World Peace and Sisi Shade). This is quite different material and fun to hear and see where his roots lie…. Great packaging and a very nice booklet…
Check out the band web site at: http://www.myspace.com/orlandojuliusojekemodeafrohilegend
Visit the record label web site at: http://www.vampisoul.com/
Reviewed by Scott Heller