Nigerian afro-rock active in the 70s. Formed by guitarist Harry Mosco (1949 – 2012) at the tail end of the Nigerian Civil War in 1969 (they were originally an army band), The Funkees came from Abu, East Nigeria, and started out by covering The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Aretha Franklin and Elvis Presley. Deeply influenced by afrobeat of Fela Kuti, they contaminated it with elements derived from rock music. Soon the group became a popular live act with their roundneck jackets and big Afros, playing Lagos clubs like Kakadu and Gondolas. They moved to London in 1973 and quickly gained prominence in the expatriate West African and West Indian music scene. The band racked up live dates supporting Osibisa, The Fatback Band, Kool & The Gang and more. The dates and 2 albums never materialized into record sales and the band split in 1977. Mohammed Ahidjo — lead vocals, percussion Jake N. Sollo — lead guitar, backing vocals, organ, piano Harry Mosco — rhythm guitar, backing vocals, gong Danny Heibs — bass, backing vocals, percussion Chyke Madu — drums, backing vocals Sonny Akpabio — congas, backing vocals Roli Paterson — bongos, percussion Sunny Akpan - bongos, congas, percussion
discogs