re: An Evening With Cheese Grits

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We take you back to the early 1970s and the brilliant Afro-rock and psychedelic pop of Nigeria's infamous student band Ofege, formed by students at the prestigious St. Gregory's College in the Obalende area of Lagos.

Largely influenced by the guitar solos of Carlos Santana, Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page, Francis Rossi, and the criss-cross rhythms of Osibisa, "It's clear that for Ofege, songs were largely incidental, little more than excuses to launch into insane, distorted guitar solos. It's also very clear that they smoked a lot of weed."

Their first album, recorded while the band members were still in high school (average age of 16), was released in 1973. The rhythm section is attractive and complex, and has African inspirations. The lyrics aren’t particularly inspired, but the drive is incredible, and they clearly draw attention to instrumental parts wherever they can. Due to their vibrant combo of sweet harmonies, hooks, and fuzz, they would become one of the most legendary Nigerian groups of all time, with impressive sales and national stardom.

However, with only four albums released until 1978 and no recognition outside Nigeria, Ofege’s short career would only be rediscovered elsewhere after the turn of the century.

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