Edo Funk Explosion Vol​.​1 set for release in March

The 12-track collection features 80s Edo funk music and was compiled by Analog Africa founder and researcher Samy Ben Redjeb and fellow DJ, collector and blogger Bela Patrutzi. It celebrates the historical innovators responsible for pioneering the hybrid music, which blends traditional sounds with influences from 80s West African dance music. 

Featured musicians on Edo Funk Explosion Vol​.​1 include Osayomore Joseph And The Creative Seven, Akaba Man & The Nigie Rokets and Sir Victor Uwaifo And His Titibitis. The album also boasts classics in the subgenre such as ‘Africa Is My Root’, ‘Ta Gha Hunsimwen’, ‘Popular Side’, ‘My Name Is Money’, ‘Iranm Iran’ and ‘Who No Man’, among others.

Edo funk’s origins can be traced to the late 70s Benin City in southern Nigeria. Analog Africa says that it was within this period that musicians began “integrating elements from their native Edo culture and fusing them with new sound effects coming from West Africa’s night-clubs.” 

Sir Victor Uwaifo is credited with defining Edo funk, with his introduction of synthesizers, electric guitars and effect racks to the sound, while Osayomore Joseph is acclaimed for his innovative use of the flute.

Edo Funk Explosion Vol​.​1 follows last year's release of Analog Africa’s Take One, a reissue of songs from 1974 to 1979 by Zimbabwean group Hallelujah Chicken Run Band.

Analog Africa was founded in 2006 and has orchestrated the reissue of many classic folk albums across multiple African countries including Benin, Zimbabwe, Congo, Senegal, Cape Verde and Burkina Faso.

Pre-order Edo Funk Explosion Vol​.​1 here.