Lifestyle

The Funkees: Nigeria’s Afro-Funk Pioneers (PHOTOS)

Published

9 months ago

August 29, 2025

The Funkees were among Nigeria’s leading Afro-funk innovators, blending highlife, funk, rock, and Afrobeat into a distinctive sound that resonated across Africa and the diaspora. Formed in the late 1960s, their story reflects both Nigeria’s post-civil war cultural rebirth and the wider global appetite for Afro-inspired music in the 1970s.

Origins and Formation (Late 1960s – Early 1970s)

Emerging in the aftermath of the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970), The Funkees began as an army band created to entertain soldiers and communities recovering from conflict. Over time, they shed their military function and became a creative force, experimenting with funk, psychedelic rock, highlife, and the Afrobeat movement led by contemporaries such as Fela Kuti.

The founding members included Harry Mosco Agada (vocals/guitar), Chyke Madu (drums), and Jake Sollo (guitar). Deeply influenced by African rhythms and Western acts like James Brown, Jimi Hendrix, and Santana, they forged a new sound that embodied post-war Nigeria’s experimental spirit.

Breakthrough and Early Success (1973–1975)

The Funkees built a reputation through electrifying live shows in cultural hubs such as Enugu and Aba. Their bilingual performances—switching between English and Igbo—gave them mass appeal across regional and social divides.

In 1974, they released their debut album, Point of No Return. With its groovy bass lines, sharp guitar riffs, and tight percussion, the album established The Funkees as bold Afro-funk innovators. Its mix of infectious rhythms and social commentary made it a landmark in Nigeria’s 1970s music scene.

Peak Years and Relocation to the UK (1976–1978)

Their second album, Now I’m a Man (1976), marked the band’s peak in Nigeria. With more polished production, it solidified their status among the top Afro-funk groups of the decade.

That same year, the band relocated to London, joining a wave of African acts—including Osibisa and Fela Kuti—who sought to connect African sounds with Western audiences. In the UK, The Funkees became a staple of the West African and Caribbean diaspora scenes, performing in clubs, festivals, and community gatherings. While they gained recognition within these circles, they never broke into the British mainstream charts like Osibisa, underscoring both the opportunities and limitations facing African musicians abroad.

Decline and Breakup (Late 1970s – Early 1980s)

Internal disagreements over direction, management, and finances began to fracture the band by the late 1970s. Members pursued separate paths:

Harry Mosco Agada launched a successful solo career with albums like Country Boy (1978) and Peace & Harmony (1979), leaning into disco and pop.

Jake Sollo became a respected guitarist and producer until his tragic death in a 1985 car accident.
By the early 1980s, The Funkees had effectively disbanded.

Musical Style and Legacy

The Funkees’ sound fused diverse elements into a uniquely Nigerian groove:

Afro-funk foundations – heavy bass lines meshed with African rhythmic complexity.

Psychedelic and rock guitars – reflecting Hendrix-inspired experimentation.

Highlife roots – grounding their music in pre-war Nigerian popular styles.

Bilingual lyrics – in English and Igbo, touching on love, resilience, and social themes.

Though their career was relatively short, their records became cult classics, later reissued to global acclaim.

Today, The Funkees are celebrated alongside BLO, Monomono, and Ofege as part of Nigeria’s 1970s experimental wave that bridged local traditions with international funk and rock.

Their music continues to inspire modern Afrobeat and Afrofunk revivalists, reaffirming their place in the lineage of African innovation.

From their post-war army-band origins to their London years, The Funkees embodied the turbulence and creativity of 1970s Nigeria. They may not have reached the global commercial heights of Osibisa or Fela Kuti, but their bold sound carved out a lasting legacy. With landmark albums like Point of No Return and Now I’m a Man, The Funkees remain one of the great innovators who helped shape how Afro-funk is remembered today—vital, experimental, and timeless.

Left to right: Jake Solo, Emma Lawson, Pat Finn, Jeff Afam and Jerry Jiagbogu

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Lifestyle

Guinness World Record reacts to BBNaija Queen’s bread-inspired outfit at the 12th AMVCA

Published

1 day ago

May 14, 2026

Newsbreak365_Admin

Former Big Brother Naija housemate, Queen Mercy Atang, may be heading for a global record conversation after Guinness World Records reacted to her viral bread-inspired outfit worn at the 12th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards.

In a video shared on her Instagram page on Sunday, Guinness World Records reacted in the comment section saying, “Well, we do have a record for the largest cake dress … hmmm.”

Former Big Brother Naija Housemate, Queen Atang in her bread outfit at the 12th edition of AMVCA in Lagos…Photo Credit: Ig/ QueenMercyAtang

Reacting to the comment, the reality star wrote, “Hello @guinnessworldrecords, I see you in the comment section”

The development has further amplified conversations around her unconventional AMVCA appearance, which has continued to dominate social media and fashion discussions days after the event.

According to Guinness World Records, the current record for the world’s largest wearable cake dress stands at 131.15kg (289lb 13oz).

The record was achieved by Natasha Coline Kim Fah Lee Fokas of SweetyCakes GmbH in Bern, Switzerland, on January 15, 2023.

Queen’s bread-themed costume had earlier sparked widespread reactions online after she appeared on the AMVCA red carpet dressed in an outfit designed to resemble loaves of bread, complete with a matching prop.

Explaining the inspiration behind the look, Queen said the outfit reflected her entrepreneurial journey in the food business.

“AMVCA 2026 ready. I come as an entrepreneur who runs a bread EMPIRE,” she wrote at the time, referencing her bakery brand.

On Monday, the reality star also proposed the introduction of a special entrepreneurs-focused event at the AMVCA.

In an open letter addressed to MultiChoice Group and Africa Magic, she wrote, “Just a thought, since we already have the AMVCA Cultural Day and other special events before the main award night, would it be possible to create a special night dedicated to entrepreneurs in Nigeria to showcase their brands, creativity, and impact?

“Imagine AMVCA Nigerian Entrepreneurs Night. Massive, classy, and inspiring.”

The bread dress has since attracted international attention, with foreign fashion influencers and media platforms reportedly discussing the concept.

The trend has also inspired several entrepreneurs online, many of whom have used AI-generated designs to recreate brand-themed outfits and AMVCA-inspired fashion concepts.

While some Nigerians criticised the outfit as excessive, others, including PR and branding experts, described it as a strategic marketing move that successfully drew global attention to her business.

PUNCH Online had earlier reported that Queen’s appearance at the AMVCA generated mixed reactions, with videos from the red carpet showing her adjusting the elaborate outfit while interacting with guests and posing for photographs.

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Lifestyle

Olubadan seeks integration of traditional medicine with modern healthcare

Published

1 day ago

May 14, 2026

Newsbreak365_Admin

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja on Wednesday advocated the integration of traditional medicine with orthodox healthcare to improve healthcare delivery and preserve indigenous medical knowledge.

The monarch made the call while receiving executive members of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Oyo State branch, at the Olubadan Palace.

According to a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Gbenga Ayoade, the Olubadan said traditional medicine remained effective, accessible and affordable for many Nigerians.

“I believe in the efficacy of traditional medicine, its accessibility and affordability. So, let me use this period to advocate for the integration of traditional medicine with modern medicine for the enhancement of virile healthcare delivery before the exit of the traditional medical practitioners,” the monarch said.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Oyo State branch of the PSN, Segun Ajanaku, said the delegation visited the palace to congratulate the monarch on his ascension to the throne and to appreciate him for achievements recorded within a short period of his reign.

Ajanaku also informed the monarch about the completion of a pharmacists’ story building in Ibadan, which he described as the first of its kind in Nigeria.

“We respectfully invite Your Imperial Majesty to the inauguration of the building on May 21, 2026,” he said.

He further sought the monarch’s approval for the association to organise its annual medical outreach at the palace on September 25, 2026.

Dignitaries present at the event included the Oba Kolawole Adegbola, Oba Mobolaji Adewoyin, and the Muibi Ademola, among other traditional title holders.

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Lifestyle

HELP SAVE A LIFE — SUPPORT FOR RASAQ SHERIFAT FOLASHADE

Published

2 days ago

May 13, 2026

Newsbreak365_Admin

Rasaq Sherifat Folashade has been battling Multiple Sclerosis, paralysis, and stroke complications for over 8 years. The prolonged health challenges have taken a severe emotional, physical, and financial toll on her and her loved ones.

Today, she urgently needs financial support for medical care, treatment, medications, rehabilitation, and daily survival.

In her words:
“Please help me. I don’t want to lose hope or give up on life.”

We kindly appeal to compassionate individuals, organizations, friends, and the general public to come to her aid with any amount possible. No contribution is too small, and every support can make a meaningful difference.

DONATION DETAILS:
Bank: GTBank
Account Number: 0034233857
Account Name: Rasaq Sherifat Folashade

Please share this message widely to help save a life.

May God bless and reward everyone who supports this cause.