Ofege As One - I Am Ok [LP]

Limited clear vinyl LP pressing. Melvin Ukachi needs little introduction, the Lagos (Nigeria) based vocalist and bandleader is a living legend. Melvin is known for his fantastic solo albums, his vocals for the afrobeat star-groups M.F.B. and Ozzobia... but his biggest legacy is without a doubt him being the singer and bandleader of Ofege. When the Ofege story came to an end, Melvin recorded two astonishing solo albums. On this album from 1985, the listener is treated to Ofege's trademark sound... but we're also shown a perfect glimpse of the late 70's afrobeat works combining soul, jazzy rhythms, William Onyeabor style laid back electro funk synths and fluid boogie-danceability. The female backing vocals and handclaps by Princess Bunmi Olajubu (Femi Kuti) also deserve a special mention because they add so much depth and grooves to this amazing record. Expect some serious local 'all-star' guest musicians on this record as well. Next to him playing the synth, Jake Sollo also produced this gem of an album! To top things off the tracks were recorded and mixed at the legendary RAS Studio in Akwa, Nigeria... all slickly engineered by John Malife (Black Children Sledge Funk Band, T-Fire, BLO).