The anticipation continues to mount, the excitement perceptible and the stage almost set for the Lagos premier of Nze Ed Emeka Keazor’s film, Ki'mon!: The Eastern Nigerian Afro-Funk Revolution 1970-1980. The film tells the history of Afro-funk as a genre evolving from the Eastern part of Nigeria following the horrendous events of the Biafran War. Through the tales of the music legends who made the movement, the film illuminates the Afro-funk scene and celebrates the icons of the genre who used music as a form of healing for the war-torn people of Biafra in the 1970’s. This screening is more than just a cinematic experience; it’s a journey through time, culture and music that also examines the socio-cultural and economic impact of the genre.

Afro-funk is a genre that fuses the elements of traditional African rhythms, funk, rock and jazz. It emerged as a vibrant music style incorporating local influences, rhythms, and instruments with the funky grooves emanating from the United States and the UK. Eastern Nigeria provided a green zone for the blooming fusion of funk with local flavors, with domestic sounds such as Highlife, Jùjú, Igbo traditional music and more.

While the fusion of both African and funk sensibilities was to an extent a continental phenomenon, evidenced by sounds such as Zamrock coming out of Zambia in the 1970s, bands from Eastern Nigeria have contributed significantly to the development and popularization of Afro-funk both within Nigeria and internationally. Their innovative blend of the traditional African rhythms with Western influences has helped showcase the region’s rich musical talent on a global scale. A style which they birthed as means to distract themselves from the chaos of war and find solace amidst the misery, allowing moments of joy in the midst of hardship, turned out to be a musical genre that resonated with audiences across the globe. Some notable Afro-funk bands from Eastern Nigeria include The Funkees, a six-man group of ex-Biafran soldiers with a young Highlife singer, Harry Mosco at the forefront (Ki’Mon’s director, Nze Keazor, was once a member of the Funkees himself). They crystallized Afro-funk as a pure musical genre with their massive hits ‘Akula (Owu Onyeara),’ ‘Mimbo’ and ‘Onye Mmanya’.  Some other seminal groups are the Wings, Ofo and the Black Company, and Wrinkars Experience, who in 1970 released one of the biggest hits from the region’s Afro-funk wave “Fuel For Love.”

With its infectious rhythms and danceable beats, Afro-funk has maintained a significant influence on contemporary music within Africa and beyond, shaping not only sounds but also fashion trends. One notable manifestation of Afro-funk's lasting relevance is evident in the Alté genre from Nigeria, a linkage inspired by the Alté scenes' penchant for nostalgia and the emphasis on youth rebellion present in both music cultures. Various artists epitomize the essence of Afro-funk today: Lady Donli’s “Pan-African Rockstar” alter ego calls up the sounds and aesthetics of Afro-funk, while Obongjayar's 2023 hit track "Just Cool" demonstrates the genre’s relevance beyond the 70s and 80s. Similarly, songs like "Point and Kill" by Little Simz and Sheun Natural's "Available" from his Afro-funk EP draw inspiration from the vibrant rhythms of Afro-funk, while the likes of Seun Kuti and Afrobeat band BANTU continue to imbue their music with funk sensibilities.

Want to learn more about Afro-Funk? Come to the Lagos premiere of Ki'mon!: The Eastern Nigerian Afro-Funk Revolution 1970-1980! Save the date: March 17th, 2024.

Afro-funk, a fusion of both African and funk sensibilities, is a genre that fuses the elements of traditional African rhythms, funk, rock and jazz.

Eastern Nigerian Afro-Funk Revolution: From Regional Fame to National Influence

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