Alhaji (Chief) Sikiru Ayinde Barrister & His Supreme Fuji Commanders - Iwa

Starting with a reverb-heavy vocal that makes Nigeria’s Alhaji (Chief) Sikiru Ayinde Barrister sound like a cross between a black Elvis and an over-enthusiastic Peter Gabriel, this album kicks off with possibly the funkiest rhythm this side of George Clinton’s mothership. This is more than your standard funk, though; this is “fuji”, a cross-breed of African styles that includes juju and Yoruban blues, which Barrister unleashed upon the country and the rest of the continent during the late 70s. Think psychedelic improv jazz, and you’re getting there. Bannister and his 25-strong backing band sound like Can after a maafe feast: hypnotic, drug-induced and hip grinding.