Effi Duke & The Love Family - Mr. Love (1980) [Reissue 2016]

Throughout the 70s, the Nigerian music scene grew and grew, building fuzz pedals, wah guitar, lively keyboards and the indisputable influence of the psychedelic blues of the West, into the groove heavy, danceable brilliance which is Afro-beat. As the decade progressed, the Nigerian scene became infiltrated by the solid 4/4 of disco and the spritely tones of jazz-funk, creating a new dancefloor sound which began to make a global impression. In the midst of all this cross genre excitement, Effi Duke & The Love Family arrived at Homzy Records with their brilliant debut LP "Mr Love". One of the more energetic offerings on the influential label "Mr Love" is a remarkable fusion of funk, jazz, disco and Afro-beat led by Duke's sensational guitar and otherworldly synth sounds. The bubbling, buoyant "Mr. Love" rolls in with all the naive charm of an Onyeabor before "God Of Mercy" locks us into a deep and dope slo-mo afro disco groove complete with wild guitar and dubby claps. The far out percussion fx and legit guitar licks carry through into "Time Is Come", although it's the vocals and synth which steal the show here. On the flip, the sassy Afro-disco of "You Turn Me On" turns a classic reggae chord progression into a deeply funky groove, while "Get Ready" strips everything back for a proper Sunday afternoon groove. Closing the set the virtuoso solos, body moving bass and spiritual vocals is "Know Thyself", the perfect finish to a flawless set of danceable African brilliance.