Yes! Although I’ve done an “African Psychedelia” show that covered ~13 African countries, I wanted to get more specific on both geographic region and historical time.  Today’s show is an aural experience of psychedelic musics that are distinct from what most people associate with Nigerian (and West African, generally) music: Afrobeat.  As you will see, many of these artists are experimenting with the same local and regional musics in combination with other cultural sounds, national and international, as well-known Afrobeat musicians like Fela Kuti, Tony Allen, and Hugh Masekela (even though all of these artists are quite distinct from each other, too).  But, the lineup for today’s show is less horn-heavy, opting for more fuzz, more guitar, more organ, more warble echo reverb funk.  Let’s start with Blo Chapter 1 and end with Fela’s Expensive Shit.

Turn on. Tune in.

Blo (Berkeley Laolu Odumosu) . Chapter One . Chant to Mother Earth, Time to Face the Sun, Miss Sagitt . EMI . 1973

The Strangers . The World Ends: Afro Rock & Psychedelia in 1970s Nigeria II . Onye Ije . Soundway . 2010

From Discogs: They were founded by organist Bob Miga or Tony Benson. Not much is known about them.
The Strangers were from Owerri,Nigeria and were based in Owerri. They were a very popular band in Nigeria in the early 70s until they broke up and formed other bands. The full band line-up is unknown, on lead vocals is Ani Hoffner and on organ is Bob Agim but was popularly known as Bob Miga.

Joe King Kologbo & His Black Sound . Another Man’s Thing 7″ . Another Man’s Thing . Afrodisia . 1973

Tony Grey & The Magnificent Zeinians. The World Ends: Afro Rock & Psychedelia in 1970s Nigeria II . Ugbo Ndoma .Soundway . 2010

William Onyeabor . Tomorrow . Why Go to War . Wilfilms Records (1979)/ LuakaBop . 2015

The Thermometers . World People/Babalawo 7″ . Babalawo . Afrodisia . 1973

Monomono . The Lightning Power of Awareness . Kenimania . EMI . 1973

P.R.O. (People Rock Outfit) . The World Ends: Afro Rock & Psychedelia in 1970s Nigeria . Blacky Joe . Soundway . 2010

Ofege . Try and Love . Gbe Mi Lo, Its’ not Easy . EMI . 1973

The Elcados . The World Is Full of Injustice . Chokoi et Oreje . EMI .

Colomach . Nigeria Rock Special: Psychedelic Afro-Rock And Fuzz Funk In 1970s Nigeria . Cotocun Gba Gounke . Soundway . 2008

Bongos Ikwue & The Groovies . You Can’t Hurry the Sunrise . All Night Long . ARC . 1973

Ofo & The Black Company . Nigeria Rock Special . Eniaro, Allah Wakban, Egwu Aja . (1972-1974) . Soundway . 2008

Fela Kuti . Expensive Shit . Expensive Shit . Soundworkshop . 1975